Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat a wide range of health conditions and concerns, from anxiety to insomnia. When used correctly, these medications can help those struggling with mental health disorders and related symptoms live normal, productive lives. However, because benzodiazepines produce a mild to moderate high—often described as a sensation of calm, well-being, and/or euphoria—they often have a high potential for abuse.

Benzodiazepine misuse or abuse occurs any time someone uses tranquilizers in a way not recommended or prescribed by a medical professional.

Examples of benzodiazepine misuse include:

• Taking someone else’s medication
• “Borrowing” or stealing another person’s medications
• Trying to/obtaining multiple prescriptions to stockpile a “back-up” supply
• Forging prescriptions
• Buying benzodiazepines from someone else who has a prescription
• Taking benzodiazepines more frequently than prescribed
• Taking higher doses than prescribed/recommended

Because benzodiazepines are so frequently prescribed in the United States, many people do not think of them as addictive substances. They may have a more cavalier attitude about taking or misusing benzos than they would about another substance, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines. However, benzo abuse can and does lead to increased tolerance, dependency, and full-blown addiction in millions of Americans.

Warning signs that you or someone you care about may have a problem with misusing or abusing benzodiazepines include:

• Spending a significant amount of time thinking about or actively working to obtain or take benzos
• Feeling a strong desire to use benzodiazepines despite negative consequences and/or without a medical reason
• Lying to others about one’s benzodiazepine use or dismissing others’ concerns as “not a big deal”
• Frequently feeling a need to hide one’s activities surrounding obtaining, taking, or recovering from benzos
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using benzodiazepines, such as intense anxiety, panic attacks, tension, and more
• Unexplained and uncontrolled mood swings and/or changes in behavior, including increased irritability and aggressiveness

These and other signs may indicate that a person’s benzodiazepine usage has spiraled out of control. Due to the high potential for relapse and, in severe cases, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, it is not recommended that a person stops all benzodiazepine use on their own. Rather, it is important to discontinue use and undergo detoxification with the support of professional supervision.

Tennessee Wellness Center can recommend a detox center if appropriate. We assess each client’s unique needs during the initial admissions and intake process and work with them and their loved ones to devise a recovery plan that is best suited to their long-term sobriety.