Why Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment is Essential for Lasting Recovery

Benzodiazepines are highly effective medications when used properly and are even used to treat withdrawal symptoms for other addictions, such as delirium tremens. However, they also carry the potential for abuse and addiction themselves.

In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about benzodiazepine addiction treatment and mental health treatment for anxiety.

What is Benzodiazepine Addiction?

Benzodiazepine addiction refers to the abuse of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos” as they are sometimes called, are a class of central nervous system depressant drugs. They are commonly used to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia, as well as seizures.

While these drugs can certainly be helpful when used properly, they are also highly addictive. As the body becomes accustomed to benzos, tolerance builds, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Dependence can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior, difficulty stopping use despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or discontinued. Benzo addiction can severely impact a person’s life, requiring medical intervention and support for recovery.

What Causes a Benzo Addiction?

Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a brain chemical known as GABA, which works to calm the brain and body. When someone abuses benzos, their brain becomes dependent on the drug for GABA. This means the brain is less able to regulate GABA on its own, which can lead to benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms when the person tries to quit.

Addiction to benzodiazepines, in many ways, resembles alcohol use disorder. Both substances enhance GABA activity, leading to feelings of calm. Abuse of both drugs can result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction over time. In both cases, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and seizures can occur. When these things happen, benzodiazepine addiction treatment is often required.

Are All Benzodiazepines Addictive?

Yes, benzos are all addictive. While some may vary in their addictiveness due to factors like potency, duration of action, quickness of onset, etc, all can lead to addiction if used improperly.

Short-acting benzodiazepines, like Xanax (alprazolam), may carry a higher risk of addiction because their effects are felt more quickly, leading to more frequent dosing and a higher likelihood of abuse. In fact, Xanax is so addictive people often buy it from Mexico under the brand name Farmapram. However, even long-acting benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam), can still be addictive, particularly with long-term use. The risk of benzodiazepine addiction increases with higher doses, longer time using the drug, and recreational use. This could lead to someone needing benzodiazepine treatment programs to get better.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics

Benzodiazepine addiction and abuse have become significant public health concerns in the United States.

Here are some facts about benzodiazepine addiction in the United States:

• According to a study from 2019, 6 million adults reported using benzodiazepines in the past year
  • Over 25 million used the medications as prescribed; 5.3 million were abusing the medications – roughly 1.5% of the total population.
• Data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health identified benzo abuse at its highest rate (1.4%) among people aged 18 to 25.
• From 2013 to 2018, drug-related visits to the emergency room increased by 45%. Most of this increase was driven by opioids and benzodiazepines.
• From 1999 to 2017, US overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines rose from 1,135 to 11,537 – a 7% increase.

Long-term use of benzodiazepines is risky, and stopping them can lead to serious health problems, especially if they are used with opioids. Research shows that long-term users are at higher risk for premature death and other health issues. Because of this, benzodiazepine addiction treatment is often required to help people get off these drugs.