Dr. Tim O’Connor, MD
Psychiatrist
Many people who develop a dependence on benzodiazepines never expected to struggle with addiction.
Many people who develop a dependence on benzodiazepines never expected to struggle with addiction.
Medications such as Xanax®, Ativan®, Klonopin®, and Valium® are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and other conditions.
For many people, these medications provide meaningful short-term relief.
However, the body can become physically dependent on them, making it difficult or even dangerous to stop without medical supervision.
Whether your benzodiazepine use began with a prescription or through recreational use, effective treatment is available.
We provided evidence-based treatment for benzodiazepine addiction throughout North Carolina, helping individuals safely begin recovery while addressing the underlying reasons these medications became necessary.
Benzodiazepines are medications that slow activity in the central nervous system. They are often prescribed to reduce anxiety, treat panic attacks, improve sleep, control seizures, or relax muscles.
Common benzodiazepines include:
When used exactly as prescribed and under close medical supervision, these medications can be effective for certain conditions.
However, prolonged use can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect. Physical dependence may also develop, making it difficult to stop taking the medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction can occur when someone continues using benzodiazepines despite negative consequences or begins taking them differently than prescribed. This may include taking larger doses, using someone else’s prescription, combining them with alcohol or opioids, or feeling unable to function without the medication.
Benzodiazepine addiction often develops gradually, making it difficult to recognize in its early stages. As tolerance builds, a person may find that the same dose no longer provides the same level of relief, leading some individuals to take more medication or use it more frequently.Â
At the same time, withdrawal symptoms can begin appearing between doses or when the medication is reduced.
For many people, the combination of temporary relief after taking the medication and increasing discomfort as it wears off creates a cycle that becomes progressively more difficult to break.
A comprehensive clinical assessment helps determine whether someone is experiencing physical dependence, a benzodiazepine use disorder, or both.
Benzodiazepines can be helpful when used appropriately, but long-term use carries important risks.
Benzodiazepines are best used for short-term anxiety relief in acute situations. Using them daily or consistently can lead to tolerance and dependence that can be very difficult to break.
Potential complications include:
For many individuals, the medication that once reduced anxiety eventually becomes something they feel they cannot function without.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal should never be taken lightly.
Unlike withdrawal from many other substances, suddenly stopping benzodiazepines can be dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Like alcohol addiction, withdrawal may increase the risk of seizures and other serious medical complications.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the specific medication, dosage, length of use, and overall health.
Anyone considering reducing or stopping benzodiazepines should first speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
A clinical assessment can help determine whether a medically supervised taper, medical detoxification, or another level of care is the safest option.
Recovery often involves more than discontinuing a medication. Many individuals also need support in learning new ways to manage anxiety, panic symptoms, insomnia, or other conditions that contributed to benzodiazepine use.
For many people, gradually reducing the medication under medical supervision is the safest approach. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can increase the risk of serious withdrawal complications.
Many individuals benefit from working with psychiatric providers who understand both anxiety disorders and addiction medicine. When appropriate, treatment may include adjusting medications or exploring alternatives with a lower risk of dependence.Â
Therapy helps individuals understand the situations, emotions, and symptoms that contributed to benzodiazepine use while building healthier coping strategies for managing anxiety.
CBT can help individuals identify patterns of thinking that contribute to anxiety and develop practical skills for managing anxiety without relying solely on medication.Â
Family members often have questions about dependence, withdrawal, and recovery. Family therapy can improve communication, strengthen support systems, and help everyone understand the recovery process.
Some individuals benefit from more support than weekly outpatient appointments can provide.
We offer multiple levels of care, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), allowing treatment to match each person’s clinical needs.
Many people taking benzodiazepines are also living with anxiety disorders, panic disorder, PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Treating only the medication dependence without addressing the underlying condition often leaves an important part of recovery unaddressed.
Our team works collaboratively to treat both substance use and mental health conditions through an integrated treatment approach.
Learn more about our Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program.Â
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.Â
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Â
For treatment referrals and information, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).Â
Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction often begins with understanding that you do not have to choose between managing your mental health and living free from medication dependence.
If you are concerned about your use of Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, or another benzodiazepine, our team can help you understand your treatment options and determine the safest path forward.
Contact Advaita Integrated Medicine to learn more about benzodiazepine addiction treatment in North Carolina.
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