What is benzodiazepine dependence?

Benzodiazepine dependence is a type of substance use disorder (or SUD). SUD is a chronic disease characterized by a pattern of repeated drug use that makes it difficult for sufferers to control the amount they consume, even when it causes problems in their life.

Abuse of benzodiazepines most commonly happens in polysubstance abuse: in combination with the use of other drugs. The most common primary substances are opioids and alcohol – with 1 in 5 individuals who abuse alcohol also abusing benzodiazepines. These individuals also tend to consume much higher doses of benzodiazepines than those who take them without other drugs.

_{Schmitz, Allison. “Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review.”}_NCBI_{, 6 May 2016. Accessed 12 September 2024.}

What are the symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse?

Signs that a person may be becoming dependent on benzodiazepines include running out of prescriptions early, taking more than is prescribed per dose, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety and restlessness) when they stop taking the drug. Side effects of benzodiazepine abuse can be heightened or changed if a person is using the drug with other substances, such as alcohol or opiates.

Long-term misuse of benzodiazepines alone can lead to:

Anxiety, depression, and apathy Insomnia, and loss of appetite

Slurred speech and dry mouth

Headaches, fatigue, and weakness

Dizziness and blurred vision

Confusion, memory loss, and lack of concentration

Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea

Nausea, constipation, or diarrheaWeight gain

Weight gain

_{Davis, Sylvia. “Benzodiazepine Abuse: Addiction and Side Effects.”}_WebMD_{, 13 February 2024. Accessed 12 September 2024.}

What are the treatments for benzodiazepine abuse?

Benzodiazepine dependence is considered a type of substance use disorder. Treatments for benzodiazepine abuse are highly individualized, but often require continuing support – as substance use disorder is considered a chronic condition.

Since people with SUD may have co-occurring mental health conditions – or even struggle with other types of substance use – professionals tend to treat them together.

Treatments include:

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

Is it possible to stop using benzodiazepines after a person has become dependent?

Once a person has used benzodiazepines long enough to become dependent, they will likely be diagnosed with substance use disorder. SUD is a chronic disease. This means that it is not curable – but it is treatable with tools and methods that help patients manage their condition for the long term.

Treatments for getting sober can be just as successful as treating any other disease.

Anxiety, depression, and apathy Insomnia, and loss of appetite

Slurred speech and dry mouth

Headaches, fatigue, and weakness

Dizziness and blurred vision

Confusion, memory loss, and lack of concentration

Nausea, constipation, or diarrhea

Nausea, constipation, or diarrheaWeight gain

Weight gain

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

The severity of the disorder

The patient’s commitment to abstinence

The degree of dependence

The patient’s emotional stability

The duration of treatment

The patient’s genetics