Information on Benzodiazepines, Detox and Treatment

They are used in the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, etc. They are also used in specific settings, such as when a person is going through alcohol withdrawal. These substances are man-made and although pharmaceutical companies have invested thousands of different benzodiazepines, around 15 of them have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for commercial use in the United States.

Different Types of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines have three main distinctions: how fast they start taking effect, how long the effects last, and what the specific effects are (what condition they treat). Here is a list of some of the FDA-approved benzodiazepines for commercial use in the United States.

*This table is for informational purposes. You should always consult your physician before taking any new medication.

What Do Benzodiazepines Look Like?

There are numerous different kinds of Benzodiazepines, as shown in the table above, but here are a few examples:

ATIVAN

VALIUM

XANAX

Use of illegal benzodiazepines in the US

The benzodiazepines mentioned above are legal to consume with a prescription. There are, however, illegal benzodiazepines that are trafficked in the U.S. and used recreationally. One of those is Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), commonly referred to as roofies or date-rape drugs. Rohypnol is a sleeping pill legally sold in some countries, including many in South America. It is estimated to be close to 10 times stronger than Valium. Using it can create several effects, such as sedation, amnesia, blackout, mental impairment, physical impairment, muscle relaxation, etc. These effects are why it can be used to facilitate sexual assault, as the unsuspecting victim wouldn't be able to fight back and often wouldn't clearly remember the events that transpired. People abusing other drugs, such as heroin, meth, cocaine, etc., will sometimes use Rohypnol to lessen the withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling anxious, having trouble sleeping, etc. Because of its potency, Rohypnol is very addictive and will itself have withdrawal symptoms.

Another illegal benzo that is used regularly is phenazepam. It is a potent, long-acting benzodiazepine first created in the Soviet Union to treat seizures, anxiety, and sleeping problems. Because of its potency, there is a high risk of overdose. Overdoses come about, especially when combined with prescription opioids. Using phenazepam can endanger lives and should not be taken lightly.

What are the different names and slang terms associated with benzodiazepines?

Here are some of the street names associated with benzodiazepines in general:

• Benzos
• Blues
• Chill pills
• Downers
• Sleeping pills
• Tranks
• Z Bars

There are also specific street names for specific benzodiazepines.

History of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines were first formulated in the 50s. Some were introduced to the market in the 60s. They were deemed much safer with a lower risk of addiction than the previous meds. The use of those meds exploded during the 60 and the beginning of the 70s. This continued through the 70s, benzos becoming some of the most prescribed medications. With this came the reality of abuse and addiction, which people started noticing in the early 80s. Since then, many more benzos have been developed, but regulations have been implemented to limit abuse and addiction, such as shorter prescription periods.

Effects of Benzos

Benzodiazepines present a wide variety of effects and side effects. Here are some of the effects of benzodiazepines. This list may not be exhaustive, make sure to check the side effects associated with specific benzo before taking any medication.

• Confusion
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Grogginess
• Headache
• Impaired coordination
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of orientation
• Memory impairment
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Numbed emotions
• Reduced awareness
• Reduced libido
• Sedation
• Stomach upset and diarrhea
• Vision problems
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Although benzodiazepines are tranquilizers, some people have been known to experience side effects that are the opposite of what the medication is supposed to do, such as:

• Aggression
• Delusions
• Excitement
• Feeling of depression
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Trembling

Benzodiazepines Overdose

There are two main ways to overdose: taking too high a dose of benzodiazepine (one should always take the amount prescribed and no more) or mixing benzos with another substance, such as alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, pain medication, and sedatives. Benzos depress the central nervous system, so adding another substance with a similar effect can lead to respiratory depression, where the person won't be able to take in enough oxygen for the body to function correctly. This can be fatal.

Here are some signs that a person is going into benzodiazepine overdose:

• Altered mental state
• Anxiety
• Blue in the fingernails or lips
• Blurred vision
• Coma
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Lack of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Tremors
• Uncoordinated movement
• Unresponsiveness
• Weakness

The signs will vary from person to person depending on the amount of benzo taken, whether or not the person ingested another substance, how long the person has been taking/abusing the medication, etc. When in doubt, seek medical care right away.

According to NewScientist, benzodiazepine deaths have increased elevenfold from 1999 to 2017. A majority of these deaths involved opioids as well as benzodiazepines. This is especially alarming considering that it is estimated that about a third of all benzodiazepine prescriptions are coupled with an opioid prescription.

Benzodiazepine Addiction

There are three main ways that people can develop a dependence on benzodiazepines: taking the medication for too long, not following their prescription (taking the med too often or taking too much of it), or abusing the drug recreationally.

It is a well-known fact in the medical industry that being on benzodiazepines for too long, even if following a prescription to the letter, will create a physical dependence on the patient. Therefore, prescriptions are usually limited to just a few weeks. If a person goes on longer, they will become physically addicted to it, which comes with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. And the easy way to get rid of those withdrawal symptoms is to take some more and thus begin the cycle of addiction.

Misusing the drug, even on a standard prescription, can bring about a similar cycle. One thing to note is that if one starts taking too much of the drug or taking It too often, more risks are involved, such as overdosing. The body will also develop more tolerance for the drug if done repeatedly, leading to abuse and addiction. You should always follow your prescription and speak to your healthcare professional if you are uncertain about anything or have any questions.

People who start abusing benzodiazepines recreationally can get hooked on the drug very quickly. There are many reasons why a person starts abusing benzodiazepines, these can range from feeling the need to relax or relieve stress, needing help sleeping, to increasing/decreasing the effects of other drugs. When mixed with other drugs, such as painkillers, opioids, etc., benzos can enhance the high a person will feel. It can also alleviate the withdrawal symptoms produced by another drug. Combining benzos with another drug can be deadly.

How long do benzodiazepines stay in your system?

After the last dose, benzodiazepines can stay in your system for as long as weeks or months. However, the average time for them to stay in your system is 2-28 days. It does depend on the amount you take and your physical health. Benzodiazepine is safest if it is used on a short-term basis. However, still, there can be some cognitive impairments such as aggression and other paradoxical reactions, which mean the opposite effects of what the medication is supposed to do. Long-term use of benzodiazepine is not recommended; it is proven to trap the unsuspecting user by creating a tolerance, which means addiction and physical dependency. It also has unbelievably harsh withdrawal symptoms upon stopping it. Benzodiazepine is also a drug widely abused and commonly sold on the street. It comes with the same incredibly harsh withdrawal symptoms, often resulting in a psychotic break and sometimes hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital. Benzodiazepines have many designated street names, and here are some of them: tranks, chill pills, zannies, candy, and downers. Always seek professional help to detox from benzos.

Signs of benzodiazepine abuse and addiction

One should be aware of signs to detect if a person has developed a dependence on benzodiazepines. Some of the signs are similar to any other drug addiction, such as significant changes in how they look or act. As it goes on, addiction tends to take over a person's life. So the way they interact with others will change as they become more and more on getting the drugs. There are also specific signs one can observe in someone abusing benzodiazepine for some time. Anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and feeling weak are some of the symptoms that can appear as one abuses benzos regularly. Getting treatment for benzodiazepine abuse or addiction needs to be a priority at that point.

How to help a loved one addicted to benzodiazepines

Once you have realized that someone you love is addicted to benzodiazepines, it is vital to take action. It can be very overwhelming. However, educating yourself on benzo dependence and addiction, in general, can be very helpful, especially when trying to get them help. The issue needs to be addressed, and it can be treated. It is a thin line between helping a benzodiazepine addict and enabling them. Enabling refers to actions that help the addiction go unaddressed and allow it to continue. An example of enabling would be giving financial assistance to an addict. While it looks like you are helping, you are, in fact, just helping the addict get more drugs. One way to look at it is that you want to support the person but not support the addiction. You can take some steps to get them the help they need.

Once you are educated on the subject and understand it, you must bring up the issue. You need to make it clear that you are aware they have a problem and want to help them, but that the behaviors associated with their addiction are not okay. It's important to let them know you want to help them get treatment. When having this conversation, be mentally prepared for the reaction you might get. Some people can get very defensive and lash out when confronted with their behavior and actions. Others might be in complete denial. It is crucial to stay the course. Setting boundaries and sticking to them is an excellent way to keep from enabling your loved one's behavior. For example, if you let them know that you will no longer give them any money and they want to go grocery shopping or eat at a restaurant, offer to go with them to pay but do not give them money.

If the addict agrees to get treatment, do not waste a second. Get them into treatment as soon as possible. It can be helpful to speak to one of our referral specialists available 24/7. They can assess your needs and help you find the right treatment for your loved one. However, an intervention should be performed if a person is very resistant to handling their addiction. This can be done with a professional interventionist used to the process. An intervention has specific steps to be followed to be successful.

Benzodiazepine Treatment

Medical detox will be the first step to treating benzodiazepine abuse or addiction. This can be done in different settings, but medical supervision is key. Stopping the drug abruptly is dangerous; it can lead to tremors, vomiting, and even seizures.

Here are some of the physical and psychological symptoms that can occur when one is going through benzodiazepine withdrawal:

• Anxiety
• Delusions
• Depression
• Depression
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hallucinations
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nightmares
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Restlessness
• Stiffness
• Stomach problems/Vomiting
• Visual problems such as blurred vision
• Weakness

Therefore, being in a medical setting where one can be tapered off the drug is critical. The specialist can help manage the symptoms and safely get you off the drug.

Once a person is through the withdrawal and is now drug-free, a complete rehabilitation program ensures that the person stays drug-free. Depending on one's situation, different types of rehabs may work best. If one can, the best thing to do is attend long-term inpatient drug treatment. This program gives you the time and the tools to handle the underlying issues that lead to substance abuse and help the person handle the problems created by the addiction itself. Getting the correct tools to handle life is a critical factor in preventing relapse. The person will have to get back to their life and find ways to deal with day-to-day situations, so there is no need to turn to benzodiazepines.

Each treatment program will have different types of therapies available. Speaking to a professional counselor and getting a proper assessment can help one determine which kind of treatment would best suit one's needs. No matter which setting best suits a person, they should always ask questions about the program features and seek to find out how it will help them get control of their life in the long term. Following treatment, it is always a good idea to look for good aftercare services to help transition to everyday life and get a good support system to help one stay sober.

What's Next?

After completing a benzo detox and/or rehab, it is vital to arrange aftercare support. No one form of recovery support is the same for each person. Sober coaches, group meetings, outpatient programs, or sober living homes all offer excellent recovery opportunities to consider. The goal is to maintain life-long sobriety.

OUTPATIENT

SOBER COACH

MEETINGS

SOBER LIVING

Definitions of common terms related to benzodiazepines