Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription tranquilizers, also called sedatives or anxiolytics. They act as a depressant for the nervous system, lowering heart rate, blood pressure, core body temperature, and respiration. This produces a sedative effect and muscle relaxation, while also lowering anxiety levels. For this reason, benzodiazepines are often used to treat anxiety and panic disorder, insomnia, seizures, and to reduce muscular tension in preparation for surgical procedures.

Although many individuals who take benzodiazepines have a legitimate medical reason to do so, the highly addictive properties of benzodiazepines make them easy to abuse, especially when not used as directed by a medical professional. Overusing benzodiazepines can lead to a physical dependence, requiring more of the drug to feel the same effect.

Addiction to benzodiazepines is also called a sedative use disorder. There are thousands of varieties of benzodiazepines, but only fifteen of them are FDA-approved. Some of the most common benzodiazepines prescribed by doctors are diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Benzos are most often taken orally but are sometimes inhaled through the nasal canals, an act known as “snorting” or “sniffing”.

Since benzodiazepines are a legal and widely prescribed drug, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of addiction. A sedative use disorder can sometimes begin gradually, making the symptoms even harder to discern at first. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it can indicate a sedative use disorder, and you should seek help as soon as possible.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF SEDATIVE USE DISORDER INCLUDE:

• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Mood changes
• Memory impairment
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF SEDATIVE USE DISORDER INCLUDE:

• “Doctor shopping” [2]
• Poor judgment
• Withdrawing from family, friends, and other obligations
• Engaging in risky activities
• Decreased hygiene and grooming
• Being secretive and lying
• Stealing from loved ones
• Changes in mood or personality

The long-term abuse of benzodiazepines can result in severe health problems, some of which the drug itself was initially prescribed to treat. Serious side effects of chronic benzodiazepine abuse include:

• Seizures
• Respiratory issues
• Anxiety
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Loss of coordination
• Insomnia

Since individuals will develop a tolerance to benzodiazepines over time, some will turn to alcohol in combination with benzos, because alcohol is also a depressant and has the same effect on the brain. Alcohol and benzodiazepines together can be an immensely dangerous duo when used together, as their co-consumption can lead to a serious, and potentially fatal.

If a person who has been abusing benzodiazepines stops consuming the drug, withdrawal symptoms will occur. This is because benzos have kept the body in a depressed state, and their sudden disappearance will mean the body has to adjust. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include:

• Panic attacks
• Heart palpitations
• Hand tremors
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• Vertigo
• Seizures
• Muscle spasms

The severity of these symptoms will depend on a variety of factors, such as how long one has been abusing benzodiazepines, how strong their dosage was, and whether or not they were taking other medications with it. The symptoms typically start within the first week after stopping benzodiazepines and can continue for several weeks or months afterwards.

Withdrawal can be uncomfortable at best, but deadly at worst, so it’s critical to seek guidance and support from experienced medical professionals when attempting to stop using benzodiazepines. Doing so alone is a major risk, but a team of addiction recovery specialists can help provide the tools and therapies to help you make it through withdrawal safely.