Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Book Appointment
Treatment
Ask a Question
Plan my Surgery
Health Feed
tab_logos
About
tab_logos
Health Feed
tab_logos
Find Doctors

Benzodiazepine Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024

What is Benzodiazepine Addiction?

The benzodiazepine drugs are the type of benzene rings that help calm the nerves. They target the GABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitters and enhance their effect to sedate the consumer. Or, in a word, tranquilizers. Millions of benzodiazepine-based drugs are prescribed every year. These drugs mainly come in three categories based on their duration of working

  1. Ultra-short acting
  2. Short-acting
  3. Long-acting

They are widely available and hence convenient for the abuse. In the hospitals, the overdoses can be intentional/ accidental. The medical use is mostly to treat anxiety, inducing amnesia, alcohol withdrawal, etc. While the abuse includes mixing with alcohol to peak the effects, as a date rape drug, etc. the consumption of benzodiazepine drugs are effective because it triggers the dopamine (the feel-good transmitters in your brain) levels and hence a Pathway is set. Dopamine exists to help us remember these Pathways to happiness. Thus, starts an addiction. It is similar to opioids, an addictive substance. The researchers believe that as the benzo accumulates in the body, it begins to alter the structure of receptors in the brain making them sensitive to dopamine triggers. Once addicted, it is very difficult to get rid of the urges and need of benzodiazepine.

Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction.

The benzodiazepine drugs are prescribed by the doctors to treat:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • The addiction can occur even under the doctor’s guidance.
  • Also quitting of these benzodiazepines is very difficult as there are severe withdrawal symptoms which are hard to fight.
  • The duration of medication is a great factor in causing addiction. The longer the period of use, greater is the risk of addiction. Over time the body develops mental as well as physical dependencies on it.
  • The dosage of the substance should also be considered. Larger doses are bound to cause a greater effect on the neurotransmitters increasing the dopamine in proportion to it. Thus causing an addiction.
  • The body develops a tolerance which can be overlooked by the user as 'it is prescribed by the doc”.
  • Environmental influences such as socioeconomic status, unemployment, and peer pressure are also the important factors to be heeded.
  • What is the symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction?

  • There are immediate harmful side effects which can be observed and noted down: Mental confusion, Anxiety, Blurred vision, Headaches, Forgetfulness, Irritability, Body aches and pains, Fatigue.
  • When there is an abuse of a substance over a long period of time: Shallow breath, Hallucinations, Tremor, Low blood pressure, Seizures, Coma, Severe depression, Suicidal thoughts, Death
  • Other symptoms include:
  • Doctor shopping: switching from one doctor to another in order to get prescriptions
  • Forging prescriptions
  • Illegal purchase of benzodiazepines
  • Treatment of Benzodiazepine Addiction.

    • 1. Consult A Doctor:
    • Be under the care and vigilance of a physician
    • Find the physicians that are educated about withdrawal and explain to them everything that is going on, the reach you have done and show your reports.
    • 2. Remain as Static as possible in the Beginning
    • Adding to, or taking away is not always the best options regarding withdrawal treatment modalities.
    • Supplements and drastic change in habits of daily living should be gradually implemented with a physicians knowledge
    • Slowly implement proper diet changes and an exercise regimen. If you do not follow these it might cause a withdrawal symptoms again.
    pms_banner

    Prevention to avoid Benzodiazepine Addiction.

    It is not recommended to detox on your own, best prevention would be to consult a physician and get well acclaimed about the effects so that you can slowly work towards it to stop the effect. Exercising is the best way to get rid of it, exercise will stand like a reason for you to stop using the pills. Moreover, it's important to inculcate the habit of doing Yoga which will relax your body from outer effects. The practice of talking to people indulging in serious works, hangouts with friends these can have a great effect on your body.

    Withdrawal symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction.

    There are many different types of Benzodiazepine and they all work as a receptor in the brain similar to how an alcohol works. Many people prescribe these medicines for anxiety, sleep and they are very commonly given by primary care doctors. An important thing to know about Benzodiazepine is its very dangerous, doctors prescribed to you because to get you out of the anxiousness but when you try to stop using it things like your heart racing, blood pressure getting high and if this continues it can lead to seizure and finally death. Stay fit Stay happy.

    Popular Questions & Answers

    View All

    I am addicted for fortvin and phenergan injecti...

    related_content_doctor

    Dr. Shraddha Lotlikar

    Psychiatrist

    Hi lybrate-user don’t worry, your veins may have been injured but they’re present. They can b...

    my husband addicted to share market and we are ...

    related_content_doctor

    Dr. Saranya Devanathan

    Psychiatrist

    Dear Ashika, Your husband needs assessment, just like any other addiction. Then he needs to under...

    Bt doctor gave me very strong tablets like liaz...

    related_content_doctor

    Dr. Saranya Devanathan

    Psychiatrist

    Dear Kamal, Are you dependent on narcotics? Buprenorphine makes this addictive habit less risky. ...

    Hello sir ,i was using opium since 12. Then in ...

    related_content_doctor

    Dr. Rajeev Ranjan

    Psychiatrist

    Yes it can be quitted but journey of recovery is not as short as 1 month. In most case it takes a...

    Hello Dr. My brother was addicted too petrol sm...

    related_content_doctor

    Mr. Rajendran

    Psychologist

    He need hypnotherapy better instruct him to sniff other fruit flavours which he likes or you give...

    Table of content

    Content Details
    Profile Image
    Written ByMs. Shilpa Venkatesh MA Psychology & Traning Counselling,Certificate in Hypnotherapy (CH)Psychology
    Reviewed By
    Profile Image
    Reviewed ByMS Anjali KanojiaMA Applied PsychologyPsychology
    Need more help 

    15+ Years of Surgical Experience

    All Insurances Accepted

    EMI Facility Available at 0% Rate

    Find Psychiatrist near me

    pms_banner
    chat_icon

    Ask a free question

    Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

    posted anonymously
    lybrate_youtube
    lybrate_youtube
    lybrate_youtube
    lybrate_youtube
    lybrate_youtube

    Having issues? Consult a doctor for medical advice