How to Tell If You’re Addicted to Benzos


As someone prescribed benzodiazepines—or “benzos”—you may not fully understand the effects of the drug or know how to tell if you’re addicted to benzos. You may be hesitant about confronting yourself, since the drugs are prescribed by specialists and “controlled.”

It’s important to note that not all drugs are bad if taken in the proper dosage for medical reasons. For instance, if you have major surgery or a chronic illness, you’ll most likely need opioids for pain management. Or, if you have epilepsy or generalized anxiety, you may be prescribed benzos as part of your treatment plan.

We understand that these drugs might be necessary for you. However, the problems arise when these medications are not taken as prescribed, mixed with other substances like alcohol, or, in some cases, become addictive to the person. There’s a difference between physical dependence and addiction; physical dependence is an ordinary biological consequence of taking certain medicines for weeks or years, while addiction is continued drug use that isn’t healthy and is detrimental to the person’s overall well-being. Neither is good, but there is a difference. Benzo addiction is a sneakier one because it’s easier to access and a broader type of drug.

If you’re taking benzos, there are a few important things you need to know about what they are and addiction signs. This way, you can be better informed about your treatment and more equipped to spot an addiction.

how to tell if you have a benzo addiction

What Are Benzos?

First, let’s explore what benzos are. Benzos—clinically known as benzodiazepines—are a class of psychoactive drugs, not one specific drug itself, that often treat diseases like anxiety, Tourette’s, depression, tremors, seizures, and epilepsy. They’re depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis and are sometimes used in critical care settings, accounting for 1-2% of hospital visits annually. Benzos are usually prescribed by a healthcare provider and have a variety of different names.

The Different Types of Benzos & What They Treat

There are 3 types of benzos: long, intermediate, and short-acting. Short-acting ones have stronger withdrawal or ‘come down’ effects and can be more addictive than long-acting ones. Benzos are often known by their generic or brand name. All types of benzos are the same; they’re just manufactured by different companies. These are some types you may be familiar with:

  • Xanax and Halcion: these are benzos used for agoraphobia and depressive disorders.
  • Librium: this type is used for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and tremors.
  • Valium and Diastat: these are used for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
  • Ativan: this benzo is a sedative used for anxiety and seizure disorders.
  • Klonopin: this type is used for anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures.
  • Serax: this benzo is used for anxiety, anxiety with depression, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
  • Restoril: this type is used for insomnia.

It’s crucial to know which type of benzo you’re taking—long, intermediate, or short-acting—and what they’re treating. Be sure to ask questions and be honest with your provider when taking these medications to ensure your health and safety.

How To Tell If You’re Addicted to Benzos

Addiction can creep up on many people, and, given that benzos are “controlled,” addiction may not be as easy to spot. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the specific signs of benzo dependency, as they can manifest in unsuspecting ways, and be extra mindful of how you use it. Knowing how to tell if you’re addicted to benzos is a crucial step in getting help or saving a life.

Behavioral Signs of Benzo Addiction

These are a few questions to ask yourself when assessing your benzo usage:

  • “Doctor shopping:” Are you looking for more doctors, providers, or pharmacists to prescribe benzos?
  • Forging prescriptions: Have you forged a prescription from a provider to get more benzos?
  • Increased or extended usage: Are you using benzos more than you need to, or even after you’ve been “cleared” by your provider?
  • Neglecting responsibilities: Have you been more unproductive at work or forgetful about your everyday duties?
  • Increased anxiety or depression: Do you feel more anxious, down, or “in a fog” lately?
  • Increased mood swings: Have you been snapping more at your spouse, kids, coworkers, or other important people in your life?

Physical Signs of Benzo Addiction

Often, people with benzo addictions can experience more physical discomfort than without the drug. These are just a few common physical signs of addiction:

  • Vertigo and headaches: Do you feel lightheaded often or get migraines more easily?
  • Memory impairment: Are you more forgetful? Is it more difficult to remember where your keys are, important dates, or everyday responsibilities?
  • Slow thinking and reaction time: Does it take you longer to process easy tasks or things people say to you? Do you “space out” without meaning to?
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits: Are you eating more or less than usual? Have you been having strange dreams, nightmares, or trouble falling or staying asleep?
  • Increased respiratory issues: Is it getting harder to breathe easily? Do you experience frequent chest pain?

Of course, everyone is different, but these are the main things to reflect on when figuring out how to tell if you have a benzo addiction. If you believe you or someone you care about exhibits these signs, it might be time to reach out and seek help before it gets worse.

how to tell if you have a benzo addiction

What Are the Symptoms of Benzo Withdrawal?

One specific way on how to tell if you’re addicted to benzos is identifying the symptoms of withdrawal. Because benzos are used as a sedative, the main signs of benzo withdrawal often cause the pain points to return, so they’re rarely used as a long-term prescription.

While it is possible to have a dependency on these drugs for medical reasons, many doctors will only do so where necessary. An example of a good application is during drug or alcohol detox to reduce anxiety, tremors, insomnia, or panic attacks. Once the therapy is completed, a slow reduction in dosage can lead to a stable recovery.  However, suddenly stopping or reducing benzo use can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can lead to addiction and harmful dependency.

Everyone is different, but common signs of benzo withdrawal include:

  • Increased anxiety and panic attacks
  • Tremors and uncontrollable shaking
  • Insomnia, nightmares, or sleep disturbances

Benzos must be taken in a controlled manner and under the direct supervision of a medical professional to avoid harmful withdrawal effects. Remember, unsupervised benzo withdrawal can also inadvertently lead to addiction, so be sure to take only as prescribed.

how to tell if you have a benzo addiction

How to Spot Benzo Overdose

Another important sign of benzo addiction is an overdose episode. Benzos slow down the central nervous system, causing drowsiness and a relaxed mood. Because of this, many users will co-abuse benzos with alcohol, heroin, or cocaine to enhance the “high.” Other times, users will crush the pills into powder and snort the substance for increased euphoria. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe overdose or death.

The main signs of benzo overdose include:

  • Impaired coordination and confusion
  • Coma and death (usually when taken with alcohol or another drug).

An overdose is a scary and life-threatening situation, and mixing drugs is incredibly lethal. If you are prescribed any type of benzo and using or abusing alcohol, heroin, opioids, or other serious drugs at the same time, seek help immediately.

Main Effects of Benzos

Short-Term Effects of Benzos

Although the short-term use of these drugs is generally considered to be safe, a lot of the physical, mental, and social side effects of benzos are associated with long-term use. Of course, drugs affect everyone differently, and given their wide variety of usage, benzos’ short-term effects vary. These effects may include:

  • Slurred speech or stuttering
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Impaired thinking or memory loss

Remember that benzos can be helpful for a lot of people—they’re just preferred for short-term use or therapy.

Long-Term Effects of Benzos

The long-term side effects of benzos include drug dependency and adverse cognitive function, or deterioration in physical or mental health. Many users who are prescribed benzos experience the following symptoms:

  • Depression, lethargy, or suicidal ideation
  • Poor judgement & decision-making
  • Moodiness, irritability, or personality changes
  • Difficulty sleeping or disturbing dreams

Getting Help for Benzo Addiction

Many recovery programs help treat benzo addiction the same way you’d treat an opioid or other pain pill addiction. Detox programs and different types of therapies can help with benzo addiction and withdrawals, much like other substance use disorders.

Master Center helps treat benzo addiction using an integrated program. Our center offers a benzo detox program and group therapies targeted at relapse prevention strategies.

It’s important that you research which rehab centers offer benzo addiction treatment. Some facilities only focus on heroin or alcohol, or others may only offer benzo detox, but no follow-up care. Benzos are a unique addiction, so be sure to explore all your options thoroughly.

If you think you or someone you care about has a benzo addiction, it’s not too late to get help. Schedule a consultation appointment with Master Center. We offer same- and next-day appointments, so the journey to recovery can begin as early as today. Call us at 804.332.5950 or request a call to get started.

how to tell if you have a benzo addiction

About Master Center for Addiction Medicine

Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.

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