Causes, Symptoms & Effects of Benzo Addiction

Learn about benzo addiction

Benzodiazepines are a group of substances that are effective at depressing the central nervous system. These medications, which are anxiolytics, include prescription medication such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, all of which are used to treat symptoms consistent with anxiety disorders. In addition to anxiety disorders, these medications (which are also commonly referred to as benzos), are used for medical purposes such as the treatment of migraines, seizures, and other issues. While these substances can offer priceless relief for many who are suffering from the challenges these types of conditions can present, benzos are also extremely addictive and possess the potential for abuse.

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)states that benzos are grouped into a category of substances known as sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics. When these substances are being abused to the point where the individual is suffering severe impairment or distress, it is likely that he or she has developed a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder. While this disorder, which includes benzo addiction, can be challenging to overcome, there are comprehensive treatment options available that can help individuals put an end to their benzo abuse.

Benzo addiction statistics

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that out of all prescription medications, benzos are the most commonly used for recreational purposes because of their accessibility. Throughout the adult population within the United States, between 11% and 15% of individuals are said to be using some kind of benzo, with between 1% and 2% having abused it for one year or longer.

Causes and risk factors for benzo addiction

The causes and risk factors for developing sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, including benzodiazepine addiction, can be explained below:

Genetic: According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), an individual’s genetic background is an imperative factor when determining the development of an addiction to substances such as benzodiazepines. If there is a history of benzo abuse and/or addiction within one’s family, then an individual’s chances of developing a similar concern is more likely.

Environmental: The APA also reports that, because benzos are pharmaceuticals, their availability is typically the most common environmental cause. Additionally, when individuals spend time within an environment where their peers are abusing substances such as these, they become more susceptible to engaging in similar behaviors.

Risk Factors:

• Antisocial behavior
• Suffering from a mental health condition
• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Being around other people who abuse drugs and/or alcohol
• Being female (The APA notes that females are at a greater risk for abusing prescription drugs than males are)
• Beginning to abuse substances at an early age
• Ease of availability with which one can obtain benzodiazepines
• Suffering from a medical condition for which benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat
• Having an impulsive temperament

Signs and symptoms of benzo addiction

The signs and symptoms that someone addicted to benzos will display will vary from user to user based on the kind of benzo he or she is abusing, the period of time he or she has been abusing for, and the frequency in which the abuse is happening. Additionally, this will depend on how much of the benzo is being consumed. Some of these symptoms can include the following:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Failing to fulfill obligations at work
• Visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain multiple prescriptions for benzodiazepines
• Limiting contact with friends and family members
• Disinhibited behavior
• Slurred speech
• Repeated absences from work
• Neglecting responsibilities at home
• Participation in recreational activities that one once enjoyed declines

Physical symptoms:

• Lack of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Rapid, involuntary eye movement
• Unsteady gait

Cognitive symptoms:

• Attention difficulties
• Cravings for continued use
• Insensibility
• Memory impairment

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Anxiety
• Dysregulation of emotions
• Periods of emotional detachment
• Euphoria
• Depression

Effects of benzo addiction

Allowing an addiction of any type to continue can lead to the development of serious consequences within one’s life. When the continued abuse of benzos persists without professional treatment, users are more susceptible to suffering any number of painful consequences within their personal, social, and occupational lives, as well as to their physical wellbeing. Some of these effects can include the following:

• Onset of severe depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors
• Beginning to abuse other substances
• Disturbances within interpersonal relationships
• Marital discord
• Financial strain resulting from unemployment
• Injuries and accidents that result from participating in high-risk behaviors while intoxicated
• Hypotension
• Drop in occupational performance, potentially resulting in demotion or job loss
• Decline in cognition
• Onset of new, or worsening of current symptoms of other mental health conditions
• Respiratory depression
• Overall decline in physical health

Effects of benzo overdose & withdrawal

Effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal: When someone has been abusing benzos and then ends his or her use of this substance, he or she will likely grapple with an upsetting withdrawal period. At this time, the individual will likely experience impairment in his or her ability to function normally. Some symptoms that can arise at this time include:

• Psychomotor agitation
• Insomnia
• Grand mal seizures
• Vomiting
• Brief visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
• Hand tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Increased pulse rate
• Anxiety

Effects of benzodiazepine overdose: When an individual consumes more of a substance than his or her body can metabolize, he or she suffers the risk of overdosing. A benzodiazepine overdose should be treated as a medical emergency, and treatment should be received right away. Signs that might indicate that an individual has overdosed on benzos can include the following:

• Loss of coordination
• Sedation
• Blurred vision
• Respiratory system depression
• Extreme dizziness
• Muscle weakness

Benzo addiction and co-occurring disorders

Those who suffer from sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder might also struggle with symptoms of co-occurring mental health problems at the same time. The disorders below are some of the most common in those who suffer from this condition:

• Bipolar disorders
• Alcohol use disorder
• Other substance use disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Tobacco use disorder