Benzodiazepines: Signs, Risks, and Safer Treatment Options
Benzodiazepines (“benzos”) are prescription medicines used for anxiety, panic, seizures, and sleep. They can help when used as prescribed, but regular use can lead to dependence. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Common benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax®)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Diazepam (Valium®)
- Lorazepam (Ativan®)
- Temazepam (Restoril®)
Signs Benzodiazepines May Be a Problem
Physical Signs
Drowsiness, slowed reaction time, poor balance, blurry vision, headaches, or memory problems
Behavioral Signs
Using more or longer than planned, “doctor shopping,” mixing with alcohol or other drugs, missing work or classes, or secrecy around pills
Mental/Emotional Signs
Worsening anxiety between doses, low mood, irritability, confusion, or feeling “foggy”
Not everyone has the same signs. Only a clinician can assess your situation.
Overdose and Emergency Safety
Mixing benzos with alcohol, opioids (including fentanyl), or other sedatives can slow or stop breathing.
Call your local emergency number now if someone:
- Is very hard to wake or not responding
- Has slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- Has blue lips or skin, a very slow heartbeat, or seizures
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Do Not Stop Suddenly
Regular use can lead to physical dependence. A supervised taper is often recommended; don’t start or stop on your own. Stopping or cutting down too fast can cause serious withdrawal, including:
- Anxiety spikes and shaking
- Severe insomnia and restlessness
- Nausea, rapid heartbeat
- In some cases, seizures or delirium
Treatment Options
Benzo addiction treatment is matched to your safety, dose, length of use, home support, and goals. A licensed clinician should assess before you decide.
Medical Detox (When Needed)
Short-term, supervised care may be recommended for higher doses, long-term use, or safety risks. Teams monitor symptoms, adjust medications, and create a taper plan. Ongoing care follows for sustained sobriety.
Inpatient/Residential
Inpatient care provides 24/7 support in a structured setting. It can help when withdrawal risks are higher, other substances are involved, or home life is not stable enough for a taper.
Day Program (PHP)
PHP offers most of the day in treatment, often several days per week. You return home at night but spend many daytime hours in structured therapy, skills practice, and medical check-ins.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP involves several therapy sessions each week, usually in sessions that last a few hours. It supports coping skills, relapse prevention, and medication monitoring while you continue some work, school, or family duties.
Outpatient
Outpatient care typically means weekly or biweekly visits with your prescriber and therapist. Together, you follow a slow, supervised taper plan and build skills for anxiety, sleep, and stress.
Telehealth
Telehealth lets you attend some therapy and medication follow-up visits by secure video or phone. It can be helpful if you have transport limits or live far from a clinic, as long as your clinician feels it’s safe.
Medication Approach for Benzodiazepines
Medication-assisted treatment for benzodiazepine addiction often involves a slow, clinician-guided taper. Sometimes this means switching to a longer-acting benzodiazepine and reducing the dose step by step. Your prescriber will explain risks, benefits, and alternatives. Never change doses without medical guidance.
Therapies and Skills That Can Help
Therapy focuses on the issues benzos often mask, such as anxiety, panic, or sleep problems. You may see:
CBT for anxiety and panic
Relapse-prevention and craving management
DBT skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation
CBT-I for insomnia, plus sleep schedules and screen/light routines
Family sessions (with consent) to improve communication and boundaries
Co-Occurring (Dual Diagnosis)
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other conditions may occur alongside benzodiazepine use. Integrated (dual diagnosis) care treats both at the same time. Therapy combined with medical support can improve safety and long-term stability.
How to Choose a Benzo Addiction Program
Check for state license and accreditation
Ask about medical and psychiatric staff availability
Review safety policies and detox support
Confirm aftercare planning and insurance coverage
Insurance and Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
FAQs
Can I taper on my own?
A self-directed taper can be risky. A prescriber should design the schedule, watch for symptoms, and adjust as needed.
How long does a taper take?
It varies (weeks to months, sometimes longer) based on dose, duration, and health history. Your clinician sets the pace to prioritize safety.
What if I also use alcohol or opioids?
Mixing increases overdose risk. Tell your clinician about all substances you use. You may need higher-level care or medications for alcohol or opioid use disorders.
Will therapy replace medication?
Therapy builds coping skills and can reduce the need for benzos over time, but medication changes should only happen with a prescriber.
Can I work or attend school during care?
Many people use IOP (half-day treatment) or outpatient plus telehealth for flexibility. Ask about schedules that fit your life.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
Safety & Crisis: If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.