Benzodiazepine Addiction
What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Benzodiazepine or “Benzos” are a classification of substances commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. They are typically prescribed as a tranquilizer to relieve anxiety or as a sedative to relieve insomnia. Benzodiazepines work by affecting the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. Given the chemical makeup, they create a rapid onset of effects often resulting in a sedative effect. Because they can be delivered in different forms, they will have different effects (i.e. tranquilizers vs. sedatives). Since Benzos create dependency and potentially severe withdrawal symptoms, careful tapering or medical detox may be required. Regardless of how they are taken, they are chemically similar and can be misused. As the rate of diagnosis for anxiety increases, so does drug dependency for Benzos. According to a 2020 survey by SAMHSA, roughly 4.8 million people ages 12 and older misused benzodiazepines in the prior year. Now more than ever, we need education and treatment to help address this disorder.
Most Common Types of Benzos
Benzodiazepines come in many different forms. Below is a list of the most commonly prescribed Benzos in the U.S.
● Xanax ● Valium ● Klonopin ● Ativan ● Librium ● Halcion ● Serax ● Restoril ● Tranxene
What Are The Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Use?
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. When someone uses benzodiazepines, they typically experience a range of effects that result from the drug’s action on GABA receptors in the brain, which produces sedation and muscle relaxation.
Common symptoms and signs of benzodiazepine use include:
● Slurred speech – difficulty articulating words clearly
● Impaired coordination and balance – clumsiness, unsteady gait, or difficulty with fine
motor tasks
● Confusion or disorientation – difficulty thinking clearly or remembering things
● Dizziness or lightheadedness – feeling unsteady or faint
● Muscle weakness – reduced muscle tone and strength
● Slowed reflexes and reaction time – delayed responses to stimuli
● Blurred or double vision – visual disturbances
● Headaches – especially when first starting the medication
● Memory problems – particularly anterograde amnesia (difficulty forming new memories)
● Decreased inhibition – acting in uncharacteristic ways or having reduced social anxiety
● Respiratory depression – slowed or shallow breathing, especially at higher doses or
when combined with other depressants