When it comes to prescription medications, few are as commonly known and widely prescribed (and abused) as benzodiazepines. Drugs like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium are handed out like candy to manage conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. While they do have a legitimate use case, their widespread consumption also comes with a significant risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into some common beliefs about benzodiazepines to separate fact from fiction and help you understand the real dangers of these medications.
It’s true that when benzodiazepines are taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, they can be safe and effective for short-term use. Let me emphasize that last part. SHORT-TERM USE. These medications work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms brain activity. This makes them effective for acute anxiety, panic attacks, and severe insomnia.
However, the safety of benzodiazepines diminishes significantly with long-term use. Even when taken as prescribed, users will develop a tolerance, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same effect. This increases the risk of physical dependence and addiction exponentially. Additionally, benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including drowsiness, impaired coordination, and memory problems, which can lead to accidents, injuries, and unintentional overdoses.
Benzodiazepine addiction is a very real thing and can be incredibly difficult to overcome. While these medications are intended for short-term use, long-term use will result in physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on the drug to produce calming effects, leading to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is reduced or stopped. The detox process from benzos is not to be underestimated.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be severe and even life-threatening, making it necessary for individuals to taper off the medication under medical supervision. Symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, seizures, and in extreme cases, hallucinations and psychosis. The risk of addiction and difficult withdrawal is a critical reason why benzodiazepines should be used with caution and never for an extended period of time.
While benzos are often viewed as less dangerous than opioids, this belief is misleading. Both types of drugs carry serious risks, particularly when misused or combined. One of the most significant dangers of benzodiazepines is their potential for overdose, especially when taken with other central nervous system depressants like opioids or alcohol.
Benzodiazepines and opioids both depress breathing, and when taken together, they can lead to fatal respiratory depression. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has reported a sharp increase in the number of overdose deaths involving both benzodiazepines and opioids, highlighting the deadly combination of these substances.
It’s a common misconception that prescription drugs are safer than illegal street drugs. However, this is not the case with benzodiazepines. While they may be legal when prescribed, they are still powerful substances with high abuse potential. Misusing these drugs—whether by taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or combining them with other substances—can be just as dangerous as using illicit drugs.
Furthermore, the rise of counterfeit benzodiazepines on the black market has made these drugs even more dangerous. These counterfeit pills are often pressed with fentanyl which can cause rapid overdose and death. As a result, even those who believe they are using "safe" prescription drugs may be unknowingly putting their lives at risk.
While benzodiazepines can provide short-term relief for anxiety, they are not the best solution for long-term management. The risks associated with prolonged use—including tolerance, dependence, and cognitive impairment—make them unsuitable for extended treatment. Unfortunately, too often these risks are not communicated when being prescribed.
For long-term management of anxiety disorders, other treatments are typically more effective and safer. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, other forms of psychotherapy, and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These treatments can help individuals manage anxiety without the addiction risks associated with benzodiazepines.
The dangers of benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium are real, and it’s crucial to approach their use with caution. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine misuse or addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Recovery is possible, but it often requires professional support to safely detox and develop healthier coping strategies.
At Owl’s Nest Recovery in Florence, SC, we understand the complexities of benzodiazepine addiction. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals reclaim their lives. If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today to learn more about how we can support you on your journey to a healthier, drug-free life.