Benzodiazepine Information

Information about benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, identifying signs of addiction, and recovery.

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Overcoming Benzodiazepine Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. You’re not alone in this, and there is help available. Benzodiazepines, commonly called “benzos,” are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, but their misuse, often combined with substances like alcohol or opioids, has led to a concerning rise in addiction and overdose cases.

At Cornerstone Healing Center, we’re here to provide the support and resources you need. From offering comprehensive benzodiazepine information to compassionate treatment options, we’re committed to helping you and your loved one navigate this challenging journey. Recovery is possible, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos,” are prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They work by calming the brain and nervous system, which makes them effective for short-term relief. However, they can be very addictive, and misuse can lead to serious health problems, including dependency.

Here is a list of benzodiazepines by their brand names:

It’s important to understand the risks of benzodiazepines to recognize misuse and get help if needed. If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, seeking professional treatment can be the first step toward healing and recovery.

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Key Benzo Facts

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Understanding and Identifying Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” were discovered in the 1950s by chemist Leo Sternbach at Hoffmann-La Roche. 

The first benzo, Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was approved in 1960, followed by Diazepam (Valium) in 1963, which became one of the most widely prescribed drugs globally. Other benzodiazepines like Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Clonazepam (Klonopin) were introduced in the 1960s and 1970s to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. 

Today, despite stricter prescribing guidelines, benzodiazepines remain widely used.

General Benzodiazepine Information

How Long Benzos Stay in Your System?

The misuse of benzodiazepines has become increasingly linked with the opioid epidemic, as they are often combined with opioids to enhance euphoria or manage withdrawal. This dangerous combination can cause severe respiratory depression, overdose, and death, prompting guidelines against their concurrent use. The emergence of illicit benzodiazepines contaminated with synthetic opioids like fentanyl has heightened these risks.

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Long-term use of benzodiazepines, even at therapeutic doses, can cause physical dependence and severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and delirium tremens. The severity depends on the specific drug, duration, dose, and individual physiology. 

 

Gradual dose reduction under medical supervision is recommended to minimize risks. Many individuals may need comprehensive addiction treatment, including behavioral therapies and support groups, for successful discontinuation and long-term recovery.

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Benzodiazepines effectively treat anxiety and insomnia but are linked to cognitive impairment, especially in older adults. Short-term effects include drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty forming new memories. Long-term use may increase the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, though the causal relationship is unclear. 

 

These cognitive side effects can exacerbate age-related issues and increase susceptibility to falls and accidents. Therefore, guidelines recommend cautious prescribing and regular re-evaluation of benzodiazepine use in older adults.

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Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, providing rapid symptom relief. They are typically used short-term, especially when starting antidepressants, which take weeks to be effective. Long-term use is discouraged due to risks of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. 

 

Benzodiazepines don’t address underlying anxiety causes. Guidelines recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and antidepressants as first-line treatments, reserving benzodiazepines for short-term or occasional use.

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Benzodiazepines with longer half-lives, such as diazepam and clonazepam, are sometimes prescribed for insomnia, reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration. However, long-term use can lead to tolerance, rebound insomnia, dependence, and abuse. 

 

They may also cause daytime drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression, especially with other sedatives. Guidelines recommend benzodiazepines for insomnia only short-term, emphasizing non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and good sleep hygiene practices.

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like opioids or alcohol. Symptoms include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and respiratory depression. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death, especially when combined with other substances. 

 

The risk is higher among those with a substance abuse history, taking high doses or multiple benzodiazepines, or using them illicitly. The rise of illicit benzodiazepines, often contaminated with synthetic opioids like fentanyl, has increased overdose risks. Treatment involves supportive care, monitoring, and flumazenil administration in severe cases.

Recovering from Benzodiazepine Addiction

Recovering from benzodiazepine addiction is tough, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible. The journey often starts with medical tapering, where doses are slowly reduced to ease withdrawal symptoms. 

Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help uncover the root causes of addiction and teach healthier ways to cope. Support groups offer connection and encouragement, while addressing mental health challenges ensures a more complete recovery. 

Relapse can happen, but with patience, care, and perseverance, long-term healing is within reach. Recovery isn’t just about quitting—it’s about reclaiming your life and finding hope for a healthier, brighter future.

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View Our Beautiful Scottsdale Treatment Facilities

Cornerstone has two treatment centers located in Scottsdale and Phoenix that offer lifesaving addiction treatment services. The environment we create for our clients promotes healing and focus while also ensuring comfort and beauty.  We have group and learning rooms that provide space for collective therapy sessions and educational workshops.

We have individual therapy rooms that provide privacy and comfort for one-on-one sessions, allowing our clients to work with their therapists on resolving personal issues. Clients have access to a large fitness facility, where they will take part in weekly fitness training classes. 

At Cornerstone Healing Center, we are committed to delivering a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, blending comfort, therapy, and personal development for a full experience. 

What are Benzodiazepines (Benzos)?

Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures by enhancing the calming effects of GABA in the brain. Common benzos include Valium®, Xanax®, and Ativan®. While effective for short-term use, they carry a risk of dependence and are generally not recommended for long-term use.

Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:

  • Valium®
  • Xanax®
  • Restoril®
  • Ativan®
  • Klonopin®

This list of benzodiazepines highlights medications often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, though they carry a risk of dependence if misused.

Common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, confusion, and memory problems. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Some may also experience slurred speech or gastrointestinal issues like nausea and constipation.

Benzodiazepine dangers include addiction, dependence, overdose (especially with alcohol), withdrawal symptoms, cognitive impairment, and increased accident risk. They can also dangerously interact with other medications, particularly central nervous system depressants.

Stopping benzodiazepines requires medical guidance. Abruptly stopping can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures, and even death. A healthcare provider can create a gradual tapering plan to safely reduce your dosage and provide additional support like therapy or support groups to maintain recovery.

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