In 2017, there were over 14 million prescriptions written for benzodiazepines in England. Research shows that they’re prescribed more often in areas of social deprivation.(1)
It’s important to be aware of this drug group in terms of dangerous side effects, the potential for addiction, and how to approach the consequences of use as well as rehabilitation.
Benzodiazepines are very strong and highly addictive sedative medications. In the UK, they’re available on prescription.
This type of medication is usually prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. It’s usually offered for a short period of time due to how addictive it is.
The most common are:
Note: it’s really dangerous to mix benzodiazepines with alcohol and other drugs. Doing so can lead to death.
This medication works by increasing the effects of a natural amino acid you already have in the body. The chemical is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Benzodiazepines increase the effects of GABA which slows down your central nervous system.(2) This makes you feel relaxed and calm.
A physical dependency is where a psychoactive substance creates a physical need in the body for the substance in order to function. Therefore, if the substance is removed, severe “malfunctioning” or withdrawal effects kick in.
This includes:
Although benzodiazepines are usually only prescribed for short periods of time, the risk of becoming physically dependent on them is still really high.
Around 30% of people who use benzodiazepines become physically addicted to them.
One study revealed that 40% of people experience moderate to severe withdrawal when benzodiazepines are used for 6 months. For people who take benzodiazepines beyond 6 months, this goes up to 70%.(3)
There hasn’t been that much research done into benzodiazepine addiction, dependence, and recovery rates. It is widely acknowledged in the field, though, that the longer people take the medication, the much higher chance of dependency.
In terms of people recovering, it fluctuates. For those who are treated for addiction to benzodiazepines that were gained under legal prescription, there is a 70% abstinence rate after 1 year. For those who use benzodiazepines illegally, the rates of recovery are much lower.
There are various ways that benzodiazepines can cause complications. They affect the different aspects of human functioning.
When used illegally or outside of prescription guidelines, there are huge risks to health.
People can experience the following:
This is really common during benzodiazepine withdrawal. People commonly fear leaving the house, can develop OCD and experience panic.
What’s not clear is whether this is a wave of the original anxiety disorder that was being treated. After the detox period, however, anxiety symptoms disappear.
Impaired memory as people addicted to benzodiazepines are unable to absorb new information. The information doesn’t pass into long-term memory.
People are able to recall facts and events that occurred before using the drug but will struggle with remembering things after. Memory is more severely impacted if benzodiazepines are taken at high doses or injected.
Benzodiazepines cause amnesia. Users might commit serious crimes while on the drug and have no recollection afterwards. Flunitrazepam has been coined the “date rape” drug due to its effects on memory.
As with all severe addictions, benzodiazepine use can have seriously damaging consequences in terms of a person’s life. Strain is usually put on the family, and tensions rise.
People worry, lose their tempers, and become upset, and frustrated.
Some family members will develop codependent relationships with their loved one, which is really unhealthy. Other family members might become completely apathetic, turning their back on the person.
Addiction might lead to job and house loss, and as previous priorities dwindle, a loss of ambition and self-esteem.
If you use benzodiazepines, addiction specialists will be interested in certain aspects of your use.
You will be asked regularly what you’re using the drug for, how much you’re taking and how long you have taken it.
This is to ascertain whether you’re using the drug in a safe way or whether it has become a problem.
When professionals can see that there isn’t a dependency, they’ll hold a brief intervention with you. A common one in this instance is known as FLAGS.
So, what is FLAGS?
The person will give you feedback on the problems likely to develop from ongoing use. They’ll listen to you talk about whether you want to change usage.
Advice will be given about the risks you take by using. Together you’ll discuss recovery goals. Finally, you’ll come up with a strategy to help you stop taking the drug.
Those who are benzodiazepine dependent follow an in-depth programme. The aim is to wean you off the drug and address the various aspects of your life that will support you to remain sober.
If you’ve developed a physical dependency on benzodiazepines, then you’ll need to enter a treatment clinic. You’ll need a clinically overseen detox.
This is where a doctor ensures you’re safe. Reducing benzodiazepines without professional input can cause seriously dangerous effects, such as seizures.
You’ll undergo a detox programme where the benzodiazepines are reduced in a safe way. You might be prescribed other medications to help manage any distressing side effects.
Many people who have developed addictions need psychological support too. Addictions develop for a huge amount of reasons related to unprocessed traumatic events, family history, genetics, and environmental factors.
Within a safe environment, you can access support from therapists and counsellors to support you to unravel all the areas inside that have led to the addiction development. You’ll also be introduced to strategies that enable you to regain control of your thoughts and behaviours.
Rehabilitation services also offer social and alternative therapies. These are essential in helping you to build a meaningful and calm life with healthy social connections going forward.
Other treatments include:
Although benzodiazepines are prescribed for anxiety-related conditions in the UK, they come with serious side effects. Many people even after a short amount of period of use can develop an addiction which might quickly lead to dependency.
A benzodiazepine dependency is highly likely where people take them illegally or when people don’t follow guidelines on when and how to take them.
There are serious side effects which can lead to seizures and death. People who use them should never risk mixing benzodiazepines with other substances.
For people struggling with an addiction, rehabilitation support is available. Clinical support is essential for those who have become dependent.
To get all the information you need about benzodiazepines, treatments, and support in your local area, call the Rehab 4 Addiction team today.
[1] https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/med/news/news/ssoyombo/
[3] https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bcp.12023
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
