What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions. While these medications can be helpful when used as directed by a doctor, they also carry significant risks of addiction and abuse. Over time, users may develop cravings for benzodiazepines, leading them to continue using the drug even after negative consequences.
Normally, your physician would not prescribe you benzodiazepines if you have:
- Severe lung disease or breathing problems
- Sleep apnoea (breathing problems during sleep)
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Severe and uncontrolled myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular condition).
What Are Common Benzodiazepines?
Some of the most common benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
How Were Benzodiazepines Created?
Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that was created in the 1950s. These drugs were designed to be a safer alternative to barbiturates, which were commonly used at the time and had a high risk for overdose. Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, which can help to calm anxiety and produce sleepiness.
How Are Benzodiazepines Abused?
Benzodiazepines can be abused by taking them in larger doses than prescribed, taking them more often than prescribed, or by taking them without a prescription. Some people may crush the pills and snort them, while others may dissolve them in water and inject them. Benzodiazepines can also be abused by taking them with alcohol or other drugs, which can amplify their effects.
How Do Benzodiazepines Affect the Body?
Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system. This class of drugs is typically used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. When benzodiazepines are taken as prescribed, they can be safe and effective. When these drugs are misused, they can lead to harmful side effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Memory problems
- Poor judgment
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Who is Most at Risk of a Benzodiazepine Use Disorder?
Those most at risk of a benzodiazepine use disorder include individuals with a history of substance use, those who are taking benzodiazepines for longer periods of time, and those who take benzodiazepines at higher doses.
Additionally, people with co-occurring mental health issues may be more likely to develop benzodiazepine addiction due to the medications being prescribed to help treat these conditions. Despite being highly effective in treating a variety of conditions, benzodiazepines should always be used under medical supervision and only as prescribed by your doctor.
What Are the Signs of a Benzodiazepine Use Disorder?
Benzodiazepines are addictive due to their effect on the central nervous system and how they slow the process of neurotransmission. benzodiazepines increase the effects of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter that has inhibitory effects on the brain. This ultimately leads to feelings of relaxation and sedation.
The signs of addiction can vary depending on the individual, but there are some common signs to look out for, including:
- Taking benzodiazepines more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed
- Taking benzodiazepines for non-medical reasons, such as to get high
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing benzodiazepine use
- Struggling to control benzodiazepine use despite negative consequences
- Neglecting important responsibilities in favor of benzodiazepine use
- Continuing to use despite the consequences of a benzodiazepine use disorder
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepines?
Depending on the amount taken and frequency of use, the withdrawal symptoms of a benzodiazepine use disorder will vary. During the acute withdrawal phase, the symptoms of benzodiazepine use are the following:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms or tension
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Short-term memory impairment
- Trouble concentrating
- Clouded thinking
- Mood swings
Benzodiazepine and Alcohol Use
Benzodiazepine and alcohol use is common due to the fact that both benzodiazepines and alcohol are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This means that they slow down the body’s functions. When benzodiazepines and alcohol are used together, they can magnify each other’s effects, which can lead to dangerous consequences.
Some of the dangers of benzodiazepine and alcohol use include:
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Slowed breathing
- Impaired judgment
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you know is struggling with benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction, treatment is available in Los Angeles. Treatment typically begins with detox, which is followed by counseling and support groups. Medications may also be used to help manage benzodiazepine use disorders.
How Does Mental Health Impact a Benzodiazepine Use Disorder?
Mental health conditions are often comorbid with benzodiazepine use disorders. This means that people who abuse benzodiazepines are also more likely to struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Additionally, benzodiazepines can worsen the symptoms of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions tend to cause people to self-medicate, which can lead to benzodiazepine abuse or addiction.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available for benzodiazepine use disorders in Los Angeles. These may include inpatient or outpatient detox and therapy, as well as medications to help manage benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you care about is struggling with a benzodiazepine use disorder, as this condition can be both painful and dangerous without proper support and treatment.
What are the Long-term Effects of Benzodiazepine Use?
The long term effects of a benzodiazepine use disorder include the following signs:
- Impaired coordination and motor functions
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Diminished judgment and decision making skills
- Increased risk of coma or death due to impaired respiratory function
- In severe cases, benzodiazepine addiction can lead to other substance use disorders, such as alcohol addiction.
45.8% of American adults used a prescription drug – legally or not – within the past 30 days. Healthcare specialists generally agree that a high rate of use and availability drives reported rates of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and ultimately, overdose. 16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year. 22.6% of them or 3.7 million people misuse prescriptions for the first time. 43.3% of first-time abusers use painkillers while 32.1% use sedatives or tranquilizers.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Options
The continuum of care is designed to treat benzodiazepine use disorder, which can range from mild to severe. This may include detoxification or a period of abstinence during which the body’s physical dependence on benzodiazepines is reduced or eliminated. Behavioral therapy and support groups are often used in conjunction with medication to help individuals manage their benzodiazepine addiction and stay on track with treatment goals.
There are several evidence-based approaches to managing benzodiazepine use disorder. Behavioral therapy and support groups can help individuals understand the mechanisms underlying their addiction and develop new coping strategies that promote abstinence.
In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage cravings and reduce dependence on benzodiazepines over time. With the right care and support, those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction can overcome these obstacles.
