Benzodiazepine Addiction | Symptoms and Effects
What is benzodiazepine addiction?
To start to understand a benzodiazepine addiction, we first need to look at how it affects the body. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This creates feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety, which is why these medications are commonly prescribed for issues like insomnia or panic attacks, which benefit from a ‘pause’.
The danger here lies in how the body adapts to the medication. With regular use, the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug and starts to depend on it to feel calm or to sleep. Once tolerance builds, higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect and stopping suddenly can trigger distressing withdrawal symptoms, some of which could be fatal..
Understanding the medications involved is the first step to seeing how this pattern of benzodiazepine addiction develops.
Types of benzodiazepine addiction we treat
At Recovery Lighthouse, we help people overcome dependence on all types of benzodiazepines. Each drug interacts differently with the body, which is why tailored treatment is key to recovery.
Recognising the signs of benzodiazepine addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction can develop gradually, mainly due to how well the medication may work in the beginning. At first, everything might be going well: your symptoms are subsiding, and you feel positive about the future. This is why benzodiazepines are so powerful and beneficial in the medical world. But letting your guard down can leave the door open for a benzodiazepine dependency to creep in.
We’re not saying the medication is inherently bad, but we are saying it’s certainly powerful. It can bring the relief you may have craved for so long, but if it’s not respected, dependency could be a real issue.
The best thing to do in these situations is to make sure you’re keeping an eye on the signs of benzodiazepine addiction, which aren’t always easy to spot at first.
Below, we take a look at three core areas that can show various different symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction:
Physical signs
- Persistent drowsiness or fatigue
- Slurred speech or unsteady movements
- Memory gaps or confusion
- Muscle weakness or dizziness
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking or sweating when missing doses
Psychological signs
- Anxiety or panic when the medication runs out
- Cravings or fear of coping without it
- Difficulty concentrating or processing information
- Emotional flatness or detachment from surroundings
- Irritability or sudden mood changes between doses
Behavioural signs
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol or other substances
- Hiding use from family, friends or doctors
- Seeking new prescriptions from multiple sources
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to use
Recognising these signs early can prevent the addiction from deepening and open the door to meaningful recovery.
The dangers of benzodiazepine addiction
Benzodiazepines may seem harmless because they are prescribed medications but their effects on the body and mind can be devastating when used for long periods.
Below are some of the biggest and most dangerous risks that can be caused as a direct result of benzodiazepine addiction. It must be remembered that these are just a sample of some of the adverse effects a benzodiazepine addiction can cause but certainly something to be aware of.
- The most immediate risk comes from benzodiazepine withdrawal. Stopping usage suddenly can cause seizures, which could be life-threatening, adding danger to being addicted to benzodiazepines.
- Prolonged use also affects memory and emotional stability, leaving many people feeling detached or unable to connect with their surroundings. Over time, these changes can make daily life unrecognisable.
- The danger grows when benzodiazepines are mixed with alcohol, opioids or other sedatives. This combination can slow breathing to dangerous levels and, in some cases, lead to fatal overdose.
- Understanding these risks is key to seeing why professional treatment is the safest route forward. In the next section, we look at how Recovery Lighthouse can help with recovery.
How Recovery Lighthouse can help
At Recovery Lighthouse, we understand how hard it can be to let go of a drug that once made life feel manageable. The idea of coping without it can feel daunting but support is available every step of the way with benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
Our approach helps you move safely through benzodiazepine withdrawal and rebuild your confidence through therapy and aftercare. Every stage is guided by people who understand what you’re going through and who want to see you well again.
You don’t have to face benzodiazepine addiction alone. Reach out to Recovery Lighthouse today and take the first step toward stability, clarity and a healthier future.
Benzodiazepine addiction does not need to control your life. Reach out for us today to find out how you can take your life back from Benzodiazepine.
Frequently asked questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- Pallanti, Stefano, et al. “Revisiting Benzodiazepines (GABA Enhancers):A Transdiagnostic and Precision Medicine Approach.” Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 170, Elsevier BV, Feb. 2024, pp. 65–72, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.042
- Vinkers, Christiaan H. and Berend Olivier. “Mechanisms Underlying Tolerance after Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use: A Future for Subtype-Selective Receptor Modulators?” Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, vol. 2012, 2012, pp. 1–19, https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/416864
- Edinoff, Amber N., et al. “Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers and Clinical Considerations.” Neurology International, vol. 13, no. 4, 2021, pp. 594–607, https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13040059
- Hu, Xiaohong. “Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Seizures and Management.” The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, vol. 104, no. 2, Feb. 2011, pp. 62–65, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21815323/
- Barker, Melinda J., et al. “Cognitive Effects of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use.” CNS Drugs, vol. 18, no. 1, 2004, pp. 37–48, https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200418010-00004
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Warns about Serious Risks and Death When Combining Opioid Pain or Cough Medicines with Benzodiazepines; Requires Its Strongest Warning | FDA.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019, www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-serious-risks-and-death-when-combining-opioid-pain-or
Research from YouGov shows that over half of all people in Britain are currently taking prescription med… More
What does a runny nose have to do with drug use?
Most of us don’t think twice about a runny nose. Maybe… More
You may have heard of the medication class known as benzodiazepines before and understand that they can he… More