Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms And Warning Signs

Signs Of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as “benzos”, are drugs that are classified as depressants. These medications are primarily prescribed for their sedative and calming properties, which help with reducing anxiety, inducing sleep, and preventing or reducing seizures. Unfortunately, benzos are often misused and abused.

For many, an addiction to benzodiazepines develops slowly over time, as one begins to develop a tolerance to the medication. One of the downfalls to the fast-acting aspect of these medications is that tolerance grows rapidly, with some people developing a tolerance to their initial dosage within two to three months. This can lead to a self-prescribed increase in dosage due to the feeling that the medication is not working as well as it used to.

Common signs of benzodiazepine abuse and misuse include:

• Frequent impairment that presents like alcohol intoxication
• Taking more medication than prescribed
• Spending a significant amount of time talking about benzodiazepines
• Requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effect
• Difficulty with daily responsibilities
• Appearing increasingly angry or upset while using or craving benzodiazepines
• Doctor shopping to obtain benzodiazepines
• Stealing or using other’s medication without their knowledge
• Obtaining benzodiazepines illegally

These warning signs may indicate that substance misuse is occurring and could have progressed into a substance use disorder (SUD).

Side Effects Of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Harmful side effects from benzodiazepines can occur during use, misuse, or shortly after the “high” wears off. Immediate side effects may include:

• Mental confusion
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability
• Fatigue

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Some long-term side effects from benzodiazepines include:

Benzodiazepine Addiction Diagnosis

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard classification system for behavioral health conditions, the official diagnosis is referred to as sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. This category includes benzodiazepine use. A formal evaluation by a licensed professional is required for diagnosis.

During the evaluation, the professional will assess various behaviors and experiences to determine whether a diagnosis is warranted and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The following criteria are used to determine if misuse or a substance use disorder is present:

• Benzodiazepines are taken in larger amounts and over longer periods than originally intended.
• Experiencing failed attempts at reducing or controlling usage.
• Extensive time and effort are spent on obtaining benzodiazepines or recovering from their effects.
• Experiencing cravings for benzodiazepines.
• Difficulty maintaining employment, education, or home responsibilities due to benzodiazepine use.
• Experiencing recurrent risky situations that can cause physical harm while using benzodiazepines (e.g., driving under the influence).
• Continued benzodiazepines use regardless of problems it creates in personal relationships.
• Continued benzodiazepine use regardless of the physical and psychological effects.
• Important social and recreational activities are interrupted or stopped due to benzodiazepine use.
• Tolerance to benzodiazepines is observed and/or reported.
• Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms occur when use is stopped.

For someone to be diagnosed with a SUD, they require at least two of these criteria to be met within 12 months.

It is important to note that not everyone prescribed benzodiazepines will develop these behaviors or symptoms. However, for individuals who are experiencing them, seeking treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is strongly recommended.

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Withdrawal Symptoms

Benzodiazepines affect brain function and act as central nervous system depressants, so using them for longer periods or at higher doses than prescribed can lead to serious medical complications.

Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can be potentially life-threatening, it is safest to undergo detox under medical supervision to manage symptoms and reduce serious risks.

Find Support For Benzodiazepine Abuse

The risk of becoming dependent on benzodiazepines grows with continued usage over time. Benzodiazepines also have a high potential for concurrent use with other substances, particularly alcohol, which can result in potential overdose events.

Treatment for benzodiazepine misuse usually requires a combination of detoxification (to safely decrease drug levels in the body) and inpatient treatment (to treat the addiction and reduce the chance of relapse). Most treatments for benzodiazepine withdrawal will include a safe drug taper, or slow reduction, of benzodiazepines to help regulate and reduce its level in the body without symptoms developing. This usually requires a medical setting such as a hospital or inpatient treatment program.

If you or a loved one are ready to end an addiction to benzodiazepines, contact a treatment provider today to start the journey toward recovery.