Benzodiazepines are Addictive, Deadly, and Can Damage the Brain

Benzodiazepines are used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and have a calming effect on the user. The more we learn about the negative effects of long-term benzodiazepine abuse, the more alarm we have about their danger.

Benzodiazepines, more commonly known as “benzos,” or their most frequently sought out brand-name Xanax, have been known to become gradually addictive to the user. Like most addictive medication, many users can take them as prescribed, and stop according to the doctor’s recommendations. For some users, benzo use becomes abuse, and then addiction.

Over-Prescription of Benzos and Tolerance

Benzos do not address the root cause of anxiety, but are effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety. Some patients will enjoy the brief period of relief that Xanax provides, and will request that their prescription be increased or extended. Others will “doctor shop,” and look around for additional sources.

Getting treated for benzodiazepine addiction is very possible, and undergone by many people. Always seek medical assistance for benzodiazepine use disorder because detoxing from benzodiazepine can be potentially fatal.

Illegal Sources

In recent years the internet and social media have provided illegal channels for people to receive black-market benzos period This began the truly dangerous era during which benzos became part of the overdose epidemic. Illegal, foreign manufactured drugs like benzos (or any substance) may have unknown quantities of fentanyl, carfentanil, sufentanil, nitazines, or any number of substances that can cause a fatal overdose.

Benzodiazepines and Brain Damage

Recent studies show that benzos may have neurotoxic effects over time and shrink parts of the brain. The resulting damage is similar to increasing the speed of aging, and could lead to cognitive decline and structural changes in the brain. The parts of the brain that are affected are associated with memory and mood regulation. The

Benzodiazepines increase Dementia Risk

A recent article in Psychology Today explored the potential link between long-term benzodiazepine use and an increased risk of developing dementia. Findings from recent research suggest that prolonged use of Xanax or other benzos, may be associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. The article emphasizes that while benzodiazepines can be beneficial in the short term, their long-term use may pose significant risks, and it stresses the importance of monitoring and managing their use carefully.

Tips to Use Benzos Safely

Here are some ideas to approach the use of benzodiazepines safely (or address anxiety in other manner):

Try Alternatives to Benzos. There are many holistic alternatives to benzodiazepines that have been shown to reduce anxiety. Some examples are yoga, breathing exercises, walking, and meditation.
Take as Prescribed Only. Take only the amount recommended and at the interval recommended by your physician, and work to reduce benzodiazepine use as quickly as possible. Prolonged use has been particularly associated with the above-mentioned negative outcomes.
Work on the Root Issue of Your Anxiety. Whether you were prescribed benzos for anxiety , insomnia, or another reason, by working on the underlying issue, you may reduce the need, and therefore potential cravings for benzos.

Seek Help for Benzo Misuse if Needed

As mentioned above, detoxification from benzos can be potentially fatal, and should be medically supervised period If you can get to the Southern California area, contact Present Moments Recovery, at (619) 363-4767 or by visiting https://www.presentmomentsrecovery.com/.

About the Author

Mark is a U.S. Veteran-in-recovery who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade as Founder and CEO of Present Moments Recovery, which is an addiction treatment program for adults in San Diego. We care for adults for up to 1 year in our residential program. Present Moments Recovery can be reached at (619) 367-4767. Mark and his family recently launched an assisted-living program for elderly adults called Present Moments Senior Living.

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