Benzodiazepines: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
Benzodiazepines are commonly referred to as “benzos.” They are a class of prescription medicines used to manage or treat anxiety, panic, seizures, and insomnia.
Benzos can be beneficial under the proper guidance, but prolonged use could lead to dependence, and quitting suddenly can be harmful.
Note: This website is for information only. We can help you understand options and prep for conversations with licensed providers, but we don’t diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Examples of benzodiazepines:
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Lorazepam (Ativan®)
- Temazepam (Restoril®)
Signs Benzodiazepines May Be a Problem
Physical Signs
- Drowsiness, sleepiness, or slowed reactions
- Poor balance or unsteadiness
- Blurred vision or headaches
- Trouble remembering things
Behavioral Signs
- Taking more than you meant to, or for longer
- Doctor shopping
- Using pills with alcohol or other substances
- Skipping work or class, or hiding use
Mental and Emotional Signs
- Anxiety that returns between doses
- Low mood
- Irritability or a short temper
- Confusion or fogginess
Signs vary from person to person. Only a clinician can assess your case.
Overdose and Emergency Safety
Benzodiazepines, when mixed with alcohol, other depressants, or opioids such as fentanyl, can cause someone’s breathing to slow down and even stop.
If someone is showing the following symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number:
- Unresponsive or difficult to rouse
- Slow, shallow breathing or no breathing
- Blue lips or skin, extremely low heart rate, seizures
Do not leave the individual until emergency services arrive. If you suspect opioids are being used, administer naloxone, if available.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Do Not Stop Suddenly
Regular use can cause physical dependence. Experts often advise a supervised taper, so don’t attempt to quit on your own. Reducing use too quickly can lead to dangerous withdrawal.
Treatment Options
Your plan for addiction treatment will depend on your safety, dose, length of use, home support, and goals. Options include:
Medical Detox, When Needed
Supervised short-term care may be advised if you take high doses, have used for years, or face safety risks. A team monitors symptoms, adjusts medications, and sets up a taper plan. Ongoing care follows.
Inpatient or Residential Care
Inpatient care offers round-the-clock support in a structured setting. It’s best when withdrawal risks are high, you use other substances, or your home is too unsettled for a safe taper.
Partial Hospitalization Program
PHP (Day Treatment) covers most of the day, several days a week. You sleep at home. By day, you get therapy, skills practice, and regular medical check-ins.
Intensive Outpatient Program
IOP (Half-Day Treatment) offers several therapy sessions a week. It builds coping skills, supports relapse prevention, and includes medication monitoring, while leaving room for work, school, or family.
Outpatient
Outpatient care usually means seeing your prescriber and therapist every week or two. You taper slowly under supervision and learn to manage anxiety, sleep, and stress.
Telehealth
Some therapy and medication check-ins can happen by secure video or phone. It helps if getting to a clinic is hard, as long as your clinician says it is safe.
Medication Approach for Benzodiazepines
Medication-assisted treatment for benzo addiction often means a slow taper guided by a clinician. Sometimes the prescriber switches you to a longer-acting benzodiazepine, lowering the dose step by step. They will explain the risks, benefits, and other options.
Therapies and Skills That Can Help
Therapy works on the issues that benzos can cover up. These include anxiety, panic, and poor sleep. You may try:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and panic
- Relapse prevention and craving management
- DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation
- CBT-I for insomnia, with sleep schedules and screen and light routines
- Family sessions, with consent, to build better communication and boundaries
Some programs offer holistic therapy options, such as mindfulness or gentle exercise, to help lower stress.
Co-Occurring (Dual Diagnosis)
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions can exist alongside benzo use. Integrated care, called dual diagnosis care, treats both at once. Pairing therapy with medical support makes treatment safer and results last longer.
How to Choose a Benzo Addiction Program
- Check for a state license and accreditation
- Ask who’s on staff, medically and psychiatrically
- Look into their safety policies and detox support
- Confirm how aftercare planning works, and what insurance covers
Ultimately, you’re looking for somewhere safe, properly accredited, and equipped to support you long after treatment ends. Take the time to ask questions and compare a few options before you decide.
Insurance and Costs
What’s covered depends on your plan, your network, and your medical needs. Programs can check your benefits, but the final decision is your insurer’s. If you need it, ask about self-pay or payment plans.
FAQs
Can I Taper on My Own?
Tapering off benzos on your own is risky because of the withdrawal. A prescriber should set the schedule, monitor symptoms, and make changes as needed.
How Long Does a Taper Take?
It depends on your dosage, how long you have been taking them, and your overall health. It could take weeks to months or more. Always follow your provider’s orders to ensure you are staying safe.
What if I Also Use Alcohol or Opioids?
Mixing alcohol with benzos raises your risk of overdose. Make sure to tell your provider about all substances you are using. They may recommend a higher level of care or provide you with medication to help with your alcohol or opioid use.
Will Therapy Replace Medication?
You can learn skills through therapy that will help you decrease your use of benzodiazepines. Still, only a prescriber should change your medication.
Can I Work or Attend School During Care?
There are many options that will allow you to work or go to school while in treatment, such as IOP, outpatient, and telehealth. Ask your provider what they can offer you.
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you’re in danger or thinking about hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the US, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Other numbers that can help:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741