What are Benzodiazepines?

 

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An introduction to Benzos; Blogging for Psychology of Drug Use and Addiction

Karissa Lemire: September 4, 2020

Benzodiazepines are prescription pill medications used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal and they are considered a Schedule IV drug. Developed during the 1950s their popularity in treating anxiety and sleep treatments quickly began to rise due to low health-associated risks (Erickson, 2011). They are sedative and work by inhibiting neurotransmitters in the brain (view the hyperlink for a quick video explanation). The most known benzodiazepines are clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium) (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018). Much like opioids, benzodiazepines (or benzos) are habit-forming and often misused by those who have it prescribed to them.


Pictured above you will see the national overdose death rates involving both benzos alone and with opioid involvement. This information reflects data collected from 1999 to 2018. A noteworthy takeaway from the pictured graph is a steady increase in overdose death rates since 2014 (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). According to the American Psychiatric Association (2018) in the US, more than 12% of adults use benzodiazepines and 17% of overall usage is misuse. Although these numbers do not sound alarming there are dangers in not understanding how these medications may affect someone.

For example, rare but serious side effects include behavioral impairment, impaired thinking, increased hostility, and depressive moods, especially among the elderly. This is because the elderly are more likely to have reduced kidney or liver functioning, making it difficult to metabolize benzodiazepines (Erickson, 2011). Mixing other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, increases these effects and makes for a dangerous combination. Because of these issues, benzodiazepine medications are suggested for short-term usage. The immediate stopping of long-term benzodiazepine usage is most dangerous and can result in delirium, seizures, and stroke (Erickson, 2011). Because short-term usage is suggested there comes a time when those prescribed the medication will have to stop. What does the discontinued use of benzodiazepines look like?

(Image published by American Addiction Centers, 2020)

Benzodiazepine withdrawal depends on the length of usage as well as the strength of the dosage used over time. Symptoms of withdrawal include disruption in sleep patterns and psychological symptoms such as an increase in anxiety and depressive mood, which can cause physically manifested symptoms of diarrhea or nausea. Short-term memory impairment, blurred vision, hallucinations, trouble with concentration, and drug cravings are also symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Symptoms will occur as the drug leaves the body and can begin as soon as 10-12 hours. As the image above illustrates, withdrawal symptoms seem to peak within two weeks before subsiding (Crane, 2020). Some who abuse the drug will use alternative consumption methods such as injecting or snorting, which allows the substance to enter straight into the bloodstream. Those who abuse the drug in this manner may experience greater withdrawal symptoms for a longer period. Gradual dose reduction is the best method for stopping benzodiazepine medications with minimal suffering. Below Dr. Heather Ashton explains how to taper off benzodiazepine medication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPQ6Kj5g3QQ

What are your experiences with benzos? Have you or your family been prescribed these types of medications? If you were/are prescribed them, do you always take as directed? Let's discuss this further.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2018). Study Finds Increasing Use, and Misuse, of Benzodiazepines. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/study-finds-increasing-use-and-misuse-of-benzodiazepines

Crane, M. (2020). How long do benzo withdrawal symptoms last?. Retrieved from

 https://americanaddictioncenters.org/benzodiazepine/length-of-withdrawal

Erickson, C.K. (2011). Addiction Essentials, (1st ed.) New York, Norton & Company.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Overdose death rates. Retrieved

from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Benzodiazepines and Opioids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids

Neuroscientifically Challenged. (2017). 2-Minute Neuroscience: Benzodiazepines [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Vsm_Daexg

Psychnedaware. (2007). Dr. Heather Ashton - How to taper off benzodiazepines [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPQ6Kj5g3QQ

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2020 at 7:37 PM

    I learned a lot reading this introduction. Honestly, I didn't know what Benzodiazepines were prior to reading this. Also, I did not know that they were recommended for short term use. I look forward to seeing how the blog progresses. I also enjoy that you left readers with some reflection questions at the end. I do not personally know anyone close that takes these drugs.

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