Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery

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Benzodiazepines (benzos) are highly addictive prescription drugs that can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Benzos are prone to abuse, and drug dependency can be swift and serious. While benzodiazepines can be effective when used for legitimate medical reasons on a short-term basis, they are dangerous when abused.

About Benzodiazepines

Doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety symptoms for a short period. Addiction organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) warn against long-term use of benzodiazepines.  Concerns about benzodiazepine misuse and dependence are prominent in the medical community because many people develop a tolerance to benzos. This tolerance can build quickly, making it easy to become benzodiazepine dependent. Dependence can lead to addiction with continued abuse.

Brief History of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines were first discovered in 1955 while Chemist Leo Sternbach was working for Hoffmann-LaRoche. The company eventually sold and marketed chlordiazepoxide (Librium), the first benzodiazepine in history.

Diazepam (Valium) was discovered next in 1963. At the time, pharmacists and health care professionals felt that benzodiazepines were safer than barbiturates. Barbiturates were known to slow breathing in patients and be highly addictive. As a result, health care providers began prescribing benzos much more.

Benzodiazepines were the most popularly prescribed medications for mental health issues in the 1970s. By the 1980s, physicians and health care professionals began noticing that patients were becoming dependent on benzos. Some patients were abusing their prescriptions. This is how benzodiazepines came to become a controlled substance designated as a Schedule IV drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Physicians continue to raise concerns about benzos as they record their observations. While benzodiazepines were designed to be a safer alternative to barbiturates, they are also highly prone to abuse.

Commonly Prescribed Benzodiazepines

Common types of benzodiazepines include:

  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Lorazepam (Ativan)

Other types of benzodiazepines include:

  • Midazolam (Versed) – sometimes given to children before a surgical procedure
  • Temazepam (Restoril) – treats insomnia
  • Oxazepam – treats irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Used mostly to treat panic or anxiety disorders, Klonopin can also be used to treat epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and restless legs syndrome. It is effective in preventing convulsions and decreasing anxiety.

Diazepam (Valium)

Valium is most often prescribed for anxiety disorders or relief from anxiety in the short term. It’s sometimes used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). When prescribed for SAD, users typically start with a low dose and receive an evaluation one week later.

Alprazolam (Xanax)

One of the best known anti-anxiety drugs, Xanax can make you feel calmer right after taking it, but its effects can differ depending on your dosage and it’s commonly abused.

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Lorazepam, brand name Ativan, is prescribed for people with symptoms of anxiety for at least four months or those who have been diagnosed with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

What Do Benzos Treat?

There are about a dozen benzodiazepines today that are prescribed for a variety of panic and anxiety-related disorders. They are sometimes used for other purposes, such as: 

  • Muscle spasms
  • Seizures
  • Situational anxiety, such as that caused by traveling on airplanes
  • Calming patients before surgery

Though each benzo has a different chemical composition, they all work by influencing a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter produces feelings of calmness by limiting some of your central nervous system activity. 

Benzos enhance the GABA receptor, limiting brain activity that is often the culprit of panic or anxiety due to excess neurotransmitter firing in the brain. This is why benzos are sometimes used as “sleeping pills,” helping calm you down and sleep better. There are both long-acting and short-acting benzodiazepines.

Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Prescription Drugs

There are a variety of prescribed benzodiazepines. These medications don’t come without the potential for discomfort though. Using benzodiazepines can lead to the following side effects:

  • Sleepiness or drowsiness during the day
  • Rebound insomnia (common in short-acting benzodiazepines)
  • Constipation
  • Appetite changes
  • Changes to libido
  • Dry mouth
  • Lack of coordination
  • Short-term memory issues

Rebound Effects of Benzodiazepines

Long-term benzodiazepine use can cause some of the problems they were originally prescribed to address. These symptoms can come in the form of conditions like rebound insomnia or anxiety. 

The following are potential rebound symptoms of benzodiazepines:

  • Anxiety
  • Fear of open spaces (agoraphobia)
  • Inability to feel contentment (anhedonia)
  • Depression
  • Incoherent thoughts

Drinking alcohol when using benzos can worsen some of the adverse effects. 

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Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzo abuse is defined as any use of benzos other than as prescribed by a doctor. This includes taking higher doses of benzodiazepines than instructed or for longer than prescribed. It also includes taking benzos when a doctor hasn’t prescribed them to you.

Benzos are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., and as a result, they’re also some of the most abused. Their sedative hypnotic effects can make them attractive to people dealing with everyday stress or undiagnosed mental health disorders like anxiety. Other people may have been prescribed benzos for depression or anxiety disorders and have experienced pleasure, so they’ve taken increasing doses to achieve the same effects. When abusing benzodiazepines, people may deny they have a problem, thinking they can control their use on their own.

Benzodiazepine abuse symptoms include:

  • Drug-seeking behavior like buying benzos illegally or doctor shopping for more prescriptions
  • Inability to curb or stop benzodiazepine use
  • Taking benzos in amounts other than doctor-prescribed therapeutic doses 
  • Frequent drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Combining benzos with alcohol or other drugs
  • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms without benzos over a period of time

Taking benzos by themselves as prescribed by a doctor usually isn’t dangerous; however, when abused or combined with alcohol and other drugs, they can be deadly.

Alternatives to Benzodiazepines

In response to widespread prescription drug abuse and addiction, many medical professionals look for alternatives to drugs like benzos when clinically appropriate. For instance, some studies show the following approaches to be effective alternatives to benzodiazepines, especially for long-term treatment in people with substance abuse issues:

What Is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Like?

Benzo addiction can come with various withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them. This is known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome and may include: 

  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Nausea
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Distorted perceptions

When people addicted to benzos want to quit, they may try detoxing on their own. However, they are putting themselves at great risk since their withdrawal symptoms might be too difficult for them to handle. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines should always take place under the care of medical professionals at a detox center. They are trained to safely treat withdrawal effects due to psychological and physical dependence.

How Do You Treat Benzodiazepine Addiction?

The first step of benzodiazepine addiction treatment is detoxing. Benzo detox may involve a gradual dose reduction, also known as a taper schedule. If you have been misusing benzodiazepines, your treatment will most likely include the following:

  • Drug and alcohol dependence assessment
  • Withdrawal management medications
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Aftercare

Drug and Alcohol Dependence Assessment

A doctor or addiction specialist will document your medical history and ask questions about your use of benzos. They will assess and potentially diagnose co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.  This assessment helps determine the best treatment plan for you.

Withdrawal Management Medications

Withdrawal management medications play a crucial role in the safe and effective treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal. These medications are designed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and ensure a stable transition away from benzodiazepine dependence. The specific choice of medication can vary based on individual needs, the severity of addiction, and any co-occurring mental health disorders.

One commonly used medication is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which is administered under strict medical supervision to slowly wean patients off their dependence. This method reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms by providing a controlled reduction in the drug’s presence in the body.

Additionally, non-benzodiazepine medications such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific symptoms associated with benzo withdrawal like anxiety, depression, or seizures. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be used to help manage anxiety and depression during detoxification.

Medications like clonidine can also be utilized to relieve certain withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, agitation, and muscle aches. This approach helps mitigate discomfort and makes the detoxification process more bearable for patients.

Regular monitoring and adjustments are essential to ensure that the detox process is both effective and safe. Properly managed medication-assisted detox services can significantly improve outcomes for individuals undergoing benzodiazepine detoxification.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is vital for individuals facing benzodiazepine addiction alongside co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. This comprehensive approach addresses both the addiction and the mental health condition simultaneously, recognizing that they are often interlinked and can impact one another. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication management, therapy, and specialized counseling sessions designed to target the complexities of dual diagnosis.

Behavioral Therapy

In benzo rehab, you’ll begin addressing the core issues that led to benzo abuse. You’ll do this through many outlets such as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.  In behavioral therapy, you will work with a therapist to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach in treating benzo addiction by helping clients learn how to change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. This type of therapy also focuses on developing healthy coping skills and stress management techniques.

In addition, group therapy can provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others going through a similar journey. You may also participate in alternative approaches like art therapy, music therapy, EMDR, or yoga. These can help you express yourself, relax, and find new ways to cope with stress and triggers.

Support Groups and Aftercare

In order to maintain sobriety after detox, ongoing support is crucial. Once you’ve completed a formal substance abuse treatment program, your team will work with you to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan forms the foundation of your life as you continue in recovery.

You aftercare plan may include attending 12-step meetings. participating therapy, staying in sober living, or joining an aftercare programs specifically designed for benzodiazepine addiction recovery. These types of services offer continued support, education, and guidance as individuals navigate their new sober lifestyle.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Programs

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment has various levels of care. The one that’s right for you will depend on the severity of your addiction and what is most supportive for your life situation.

Benzo addiction treatment programs include:

  • Detox Program 
  • Residential Treatment Program 
  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
  • Outpatient Program (OP)
  • Sober Living Program 

Each of these levels of care provide different levels of support and structure to assist you in your journey towards recovery. In many cases, it’s recommended that individuals start with a detox program, where they can safely and comfortably withdraw from benzodiazepines under medical supervision. Those who do not require 24/7 medical attention who have already gone through withdrawal may begin at the PHP level of care.

Benzo Detox

Benzo detox is an important first step in benzodiazepine discontinuation. Dependence on benzodiazepines forms quickly. Abrupt withdrawal from the drug is dangerous. Doing so can result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures. During medical detox, a physician will gradually reduce the amount of benzos you’re taking. This can take several weeks if you have been taking benzodiazepines for a long time.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment provides the most structure in addiction treatment. You live at an inpatient treatment facility with peers and attend programming during the day. Evenings typically include recovery activities like 12-step meetings, support groups, or opportunities to practice socializing in sobriety.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers structured programming five days a week for six hours a day. You live at home while going to treatment. A PHP offers the life skills taught in outpatient treatment while also providing the clinical benefits of residential treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a step above basic outpatient treatment. IOP gives you the opportunity to focus on responsibilities like school or work while also attending individual or group therapy. IOP is usually offered three to five days a week for three hours a day, in both the day and evening.

Outpatient Program (OP)

A traditional outpatient program (OP) is different from PHP and IOP in that it’s less frequent and there are fewer sessions. Outpatient treatment offers the most freedom with programming one to three hours a week typically.

Sober Living & Recovery Homes

Sober living houses and recovery homes provide a safe, drug-free environment for people in addiction recovery. These settings offer you real-world opportunities to use your relapse prevention skills and strengthen your sobriety.

What Happens After Benzo Treatment?

The length of benzodiazepine treatment will depend on the severity of your addiction, co-occurring disorders, and if you’re abusing other substances. Sometimes the physical process of getting off benzos can include several weeks of tapering as well as alternative approaches to help discontinue benzodiazepines. 

It’s important to have a strong relapse-prevention plan in place after treatment. This includes healthy self-care practices like exercise, eating right, and getting enough sleep, as well as recovery support like:

  • 12-step groups
  • Individual therapy
  • Physician and psychiatrist appointments
  • Your treatment center’s alumni program
  • Family or couples therapy with loved ones

Does Insurance Pay for Benzodiazepine Treatment?

Most insurances are required to pay for treatment in the same way as they would cover medical care. You may need to meet a deductible or pay co-insurance or other out-of-pocket costs. The specifics will depend on your individual insurance plan. If you’re curious about what drug rehab costs your insurance will cover, call us for a free consultation. We’ll work directly with your provider to determine your benefits. 

Get Help for Benzo Addiction

If you think you have a problem with benzodiazepines or you see signs your loved one has a problem, it’s important to get professional help. Our compassionate addiction medicine and behavioral health experts have helped thousands of clients get better. We can help you too.  Contact Footprints today

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