Even though benzodiazepines are medications prescribed to help treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, the line between therapeutic use and abuse is thin and often crossed.
Xanax, which provides quick relief from anxiety and panic disorders, is one of today’s most abused benzodiazepines. Understanding the road from use to abuse can help decrease the amount of people addicted to prescription drugs, which can help save lives.
Prescribed Uses of Benzodiazepines
Doctors generally prescribe benzodiazepines to treat disorders caused by low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system and foster relaxation.
Low levels of GABA can lead to increased anxiety and agitation. Some of the most common conditions triggered by low amounts of GABA include:
- Anxiety Disorders. Benzos enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. By increasing GABA activity, benzos help reduce the excessive neuronal activity associated with anxiety and panic disorders. This results in a decrease in symptoms such as nervousness, tension, and panic attacks.
- Insomnia. Benzos’ sedative properties are particularly beneficial for insomnia. Enhancing GABA activity not only calms the nervous system but also induces drowsiness. This helps individuals fall asleep faster, maintain sleep throughout the night, and reduce nighttime awakenings.
- Seizure Disorders. Seizures occur due to abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain. By increasing GABA activity, benzos help stabilize neuronal activity, making it less likely for neurons to fire uncontrollably. This anticonvulsant property is particularly useful in controlling and preventing various types of seizures, including those seen in epilepsy.
- Muscle Spasms. Muscle spasms can be caused by various conditions, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cerebral palsy. Benzos help promote muscle relaxation by acting on GABA receptors in the spinal cord and brain. By enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA, benzos reduce muscle tension and spasms, relieving individuals experiencing these painful and disruptive symptoms.
What Makes Benzodiazepines Effective?
Benzodiazepines help increase the levels of GABA in the brain. This results in a calming effect, which helps reduce anxiety. By boosting GABA activity, benzodiazepines help to restore balance in the brain's neurotransmitter systems, alleviating the symptoms associated with these disorders.
When used under medical supervision, benzos can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions. Doctors usually prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration to mitigate the risk of dependence.
The Slippery Slope: From Use to Abuse
Although effective, benzodiazepines have a high risk for abuse and addiction. Even though the path from use to abuse varies for different people, the slippery slope usually happens in the following way.
- Initial Prescription. To help treat anxiety, insomnia, or seizures, a doctor prescribes an initial prescription. The individual prescribed the medication takes it as directed and experiences relief from their symptoms.
- Tolerance Happens. As time passes, the initial dose becomes less effective, making the patient feel that they need to increase the amount of the medication they take to experience the same level of relief.
- Higher Dosage. Oftentimes, patients start taking more medication than prescribed to manage the symptoms associated with their condition. This misuse increases the risk of dependence.
- Dependence Happens. The patient’s body starts to adjust to higher amounts of medication and now requires it to function normally. If the increased dose isn’t consumed, patients may start to experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, or insomnia.
- Abuse. At this point, the patient begins using the medication in ways the doctor did not intend, such as taking larger amounts or combining it with other substances like alcohol to enhance effects. This behavior significantly increases the risk of overdose.
- Addiction. Continued abuse leads to addiction. A major sign of addiction is compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite harmful consequences. For example, the patient may go to great lengths to obtain the medication. They may shop for different doctors, forge prescriptions, or buy from illegal sources.
Signs of Benzodiazepine Abuse
Some of the most common indicators of benzodiazepine abuse include:
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions.
- Increased Usage: Taking higher doses than prescribed or more frequently.
- Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, memory problems, and impaired coordination.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or family obligations.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological distress when not taking the drug.
How Quickly Can Benzodiazepine Use Turn Into Abuse?
The transition from prescribed use to abuse of benzodiazepines can happen relatively quickly. Sometimes, it only takes a few weeks. In fact, individuals misusing benzodiazepines can become dependent on them within 2 to 4 weeks of continuous use. The risk is further heightened when people combine benzos with other substances like alcohol or opioids, which can accelerate the path to abuse.
How Often Does Benzodiazepine Use Turn Into Abuse?
Benzodiazepine misuse is a significant concern, with studies suggesting that about 15-20% of people prescribed benzos may misuse them. Among chronic users, up to 40% may exhibit patterns of misuse. The risk of abuse is even higher for individuals grappling with substance use disorders. In fact, 50% of people with opioid use disorder also misuse benzodiazepines.
Many older adults have an increased risk due to prolonged prescriptions, which can lead to misuse and harmful interactions with other medications.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is challenging, but possible with the proper support and treatment. The process typically involves:
- Medical Detoxification: Gradually tapering off the drug under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Therapy: Engaging in individual or group treatment to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
- Support Groups: Participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide peer support and encouragement.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, can help maintain sobriety.
Xanax and other benzodiazepines can be life-changing medications for individuals struggling with anxiety and related disorders. However, their potential for abuse and addiction cannot be overlooked.
If you or someone you know is struggling with benzodiazepine abuse, seeking professional help is a crucial step toward recovery and reclaiming control over one's life. Contact us today to speak to one of our recovery experts.
