Understanding Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos,” are a class of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for a spectrum of mental disorders and ailments. They are used to treat moderate to severe anxiety, panic attacks, epileptic seizures, and even withdrawal symptoms from other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants, like alcohol. Because of their high potential to cause addiction, Benzodiazepines are generally prescribed for short-term use.

Benzodiazepines are labeled Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they are highly regulated by the US government.

Most Benzodiazepines come in pill or tablet form for oral consumption. Some brands, like Valium, can also be administered intravenously as a clear, odorless liquid. Benzodiazepines are legal when they are prescribed. However, a black market for the drugs exists as well. On the street, Benzodiazepine drugs might go by other names like Tranks, Downers, Bars, Sticks, French Fries, Ladders, or simply Benzos.

Some common Benzodiazepines include:

Benzodiazepines can be dangerous and addictive, even despite their medical validity and federal regulation. If you or a loved one is struggling with Benzodiazepine use, get rehab-related help today.

Online Addiction Counseling

Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

Get Matched.
Begin Therapy.
  • Access to Therapy 24/7
  • Easy Online Scheduling
  • 20,000+ Licensed Therapists

GET STARTED NOW

Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to the BetterHelp site.

Benzodiazepines Effects And Abuse

Benzodiazepines bind with special neurons called GABA receptors in a process that slows overactive brain function and relieves severe mental stress. Those abusing Benzodiazepines can experience a euphoric “high” or alcohol-like “buzz” depending on the brand abused. This is followed by a prolonged sedation.

Any use of Benzodiazepines outside of a doctor’s recommendation constitutes abuse. Some Benzodiazepine users crush and snort their tablets or pills to amplify the potency. This increases the likelihood of overdose. Seizures and coma are common symptoms of a Benzo overdose.

Benzodiazepine overdose can slow breathing and heart rate until they stop completely, resulting in death.

Addiction To Benzodiazepines

Due to their high potency, Benzodiazepines can change the brain’s neurochemistry. Over time, the drugs build up in the user’s body. Users can develop mental and physical dependencies on the drugs as a result. The prevalence of Benzodiazepines as popular, oft-prescribed anti-anxiety medications means that people from every demographic and lifestyle can be exposed to them. Addiction can form even under a physician’s care and prescribed doses.

Break free from addiction.

You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.

(870) 515-4356

Because Benzodiazepines are available by prescription, users and their loved ones are often unaware of the high potential for addiction and abuse. Signs of addiction that might be overlooked include developing a tolerance to the drugs’ sedative effects or dismissing important people and activities to focus solely on getting and abusing the drugs.

Benzodiazepines And Other Drugs

In order to boost their buzz, some users will mix the drugs with other CNS Depressants. Alcohol is typically the chosen CNS Depressant to combine with Benzodiazepines, but users might also take Benzos in conjunction with Opiate drugs to escalate both highs. Mixing Benzodiazepines with other prescription and illicit drugs greatly increases the odds of fatal overdose.

One study reported that nearly 95% of hospital admissions for Benzodiazepine overdose included the abuse of at least one other substance.

Signs And Symptoms Of Benzodiazepine Addiction

  • Weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Blacking out
  • Passing out
  • Poor judgment
  • “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions
  • Asking others for their pills
  • Inability to stop using despite making attempts
  • Mood changes
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Mixing Benzos with other drugs
  • Impaired coordination
  • Withdrawal symptoms

Looking for a place to start?

Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information.

Free and confidential

Available 24/7

Access to professional treatment

Make a Call (870) 515-4356 (870) 515-4356

- OR -

Request a Call

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

When the use of Benzodiazepines ceases or the familiar dose is significantly cut down, withdrawal symptoms typically emerge — and can soon turn deadly. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is especially dangerous because of the high risk of seizures, coma, and even death. Respiratory failure is also possible, especially when Benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol, Opioids, or other CNS Depressants.

Benzodiazepine Abuse Statistics

50+

million

Doctors write out more than 50 million prescriptions for Benzodiazepines annually, according to AAFP.

11-15

percent

11 to 15% of Americans have Benzos in their medicine cabinet, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

91+

thousand

According to the CDC, 91,799 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US in 2020. 92.7% of Benzodiazepine overdose deaths involved Opioids.


Insurance Logo
Insurance Logo
Insurance Logo
Insurance Logo
Insurance Logo
Insurance Logo

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance.

Treating A Benzodiazepine Addiction

Now is your chance to seek help for yourself or a loved one, as treatment options are available across the country for Benzodiazepine abuse and addiction. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Published:

Author

Jeffrey Juergens

Photo of Jeffrey Juergens
  • Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.

  • More from Jeffrey Juergens

Reviewed by Certified Addiction Professional:

Theresa Parisi

Photo of Theresa Parisi
  • Theresa Parisi is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager (CBHCM), and International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) with over 12 years of experience in the addiction treatment field.

  • More from Theresa Parisi

Sources

Recovery Starts Today

Call Now For Addiction Support

(870) 515-4356

Ad

ATHENA Passages

Athens , Greece

Ad

Hawaii Island Recovery

Kailua-Kona , HI

Ad

Newport Academy – Teen Rehab Center

Port Townsend , WA

Ad

Valiant Recovery – Kelowna

Kelowna , BC

Ad

Cascade Behavioral Health Hospital

Tukwila , WA

Ad

Sequoia Detox Centers

Spokane Valley , WA

Ad

Azure Acres Recovery

Sebastopol , CA

Ad

Duffy’s Napa Valley Rehab

Calistoga , CA

Ad

Moonlight Mountain Recovery – Nampa

Nampa , ID

Ad

Bayside Marin Treatment Center

San Rafael , CA

Ad

Newport Institute for Young Adults

Sunol , CA

Ad

The Camp Recovery Center

Scotts Valley , CA

Ad

Moonlight Mountain Recovery

Pocatello , ID

Ad

Amend Treatment

Malibu , CA

Ad

Tarzana Recovery Center – TRC

Tarzana , CA

Ad

Oceanside Malibu

Malibu , CA

Showing 4 of 16 Centers