This activity reviews the pathophysiology, presentation, and etiology of benzodiazepine toxicity and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of these patients. Benzodiazepine addiction is more likely to develop in individuals with a history of substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or those who misuse benzodiazepines for recreational purposes or to benzodiazepine withdrawal self-medicate. For example, a teenager dealing with anxiety might begin misusing benzodiazepines prescribed for panic attacks to cope with academic stress or peer pressure, increasing their risk of dependency.
Read more about medications for opioid use disorders
Barbiturates, also acting on GABA receptors, have a narrower therapeutic window, making them more dangerous and rarely prescribed today. Benzodiazepines are commonly used for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, while barbiturates were once used for similar purposes but are now mostly limited to specific medical cases like anesthesia. Medications like antidepressants are prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. Treatment in specialized rehabilitation centers ensures access to tailored support. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), an integrated approach combining medical detoxification and behavioral therapies helps 40–60% of people achieve sustained sobriety or a significant reduction in substance use. Yes, benzodiazepine addiction is treatable with a combination of medical, psychological, and social support interventions.
Home Away From Home: Inpatient Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
These medications cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which significantly affect your ability to perform tasks that require focus and motor skills, such as driving or operating machinery. The sedative effects of benzodiazepines last for hours and, in some cases, even the next day. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding activities like driving while on these medications. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), driving under the influence of benzodiazepines impairs reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. Always check the warnings and guidelines of the specific benzodiazepine you are prescribed.
Do Benzodiazepines Show Up on a Drug Test?
Onset and course of the withdrawal state are time-limited and are related to the type of substance and the dose being used immediately before abstinence. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines requires medically supervised detox for safe recovery. Of opioid overdose deaths also involve benzodiazepines, making the combination especially dangerous.
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Treatment usually begins with a medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely, as sudden cessation can lead to severe complications, including seizures. Gradual tapering of the drug under medical supervision is often recommended to minimize withdrawal risks. Captodiamine is a diphenhydramine-related compound that does not work at histamine receptors as diphenhydramine does and its mechanism of action is unclear 70. This drug has also been studied in the context of both BZD replacement and withdrawal as a potential treatment 70. One study showed that replacing BZD with a 45 day captodiamine led to a decrease in severity of withdrawal symptoms in patients taking BZD for six months 70.
Valium (diazepam) addiction – What are the signs & symptoms?
Effective treatment starts with a medically supervised tapering process to reduce dependence safely, combined with therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction. According to SAMHSA, 68% of people who complete drug and alcohol detox programs report that their treatment was successful. Examples of benzodiazepine include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax).
- A positive urine drug screen only indicates recent exposure but does not confirm causality for acute toxicity or overdose, nor does it name a specific agent.
- The withdrawal timeline for benzodiazepines progresses through three distinct stages, according to Pétursson H.
- People at risk of misusing benzodiazepines include individuals with a history of substance abuse, those with untreated mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, and individuals experiencing chronic stress or insomnia.
- It’s like signing up for a time-share in Foggy Brain Land, with no option to cancel.
- Dependence develops as a result of chronic use over weeks or months, particularly at higher doses, and is marked by a compulsion to continue use despite negative consequences.
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines affect the brain’s reward pathways by enhancing the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. This creates a cycle of reinforcement, where individuals continue using the drug to achieve feelings of calm or to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which are severe and include anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Over time, this pattern of use escalates from dependence to addiction, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. Treatment for benzodiazepine dependence involves medically supervised detoxification, tapering off the drug, therapy, and counseling.
Additionally, keeping the medication out of reach of children and pets, and disposing of unused medication properly can help prevent accidental overdoses. For individuals struggling with diazepam dependence or addiction, seeking professional help is a critical step towards recovery. This can involve behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medically supervised withdrawal to manage the symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal safely. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction are particularly vulnerable to benzodiazepine addiction. This susceptibility is further increased by prolonged or high-dose use of these medications. It is therefore crucial to carefully monitor their use and closely follow prescribed dosages.
Opiate withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but it can be extremely uncomfortable. Do not attempt to treat the overdose yourself or try Alcohol Use Disorder to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional. Individuals struggling with this addiction may neglect household chores, parenting duties, and other important tasks.