Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Benzodiazepines dependence can be both psychological and physical. Benzodiazepines are also well known for causing rapid tolerance to their effects leading many users to require substantially increased amounts in order to achieve their desired results.

Regular use of benzodiazepines, whether recreational or prescribed, will lead to addiction. Discontinuation after heavy or long-term use of benzodiazepines, without tapering doses, can lead to the user experiencing withdrawal symptoms if:

• they become tolerant to their prescribed dose (common if the timeframe is longer than one month, depending on the type of benzodiazepine used)
• they reduce their dose too quickly
• they stop using their drugs abruptly
• short or long-term recreational use is suddenly ended.

Withdrawal symptoms are both physical and psychological and include:

• headaches, nausea
• sweating, shakes
• muscle aches and pains
• visual disturbances
• fatigue
• indigestion
• diarrhoea
• numbness
• anxiety, panic attacks
• confusion
• depression
• rapid mood changes
• memory loss
• changes in perception
• hallucinations
• hyperactivity
• nightmares
• palpitations.

It is important that those who are anticipating stopping their us of benzodiazepines seek medical attention, especially if they have been using them for more than one month, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms or a relapse to their existing condition.

Overdose is associated with chronic heavy use of benzodiazepines or their use with other drugs. Overdose can cause unconsciousness and possibly death. Anyone showing signs of an overdose, or of the effects of combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or other drugs, should get immediate emergency help. Warning signs include slurred speech or confusion, severe drowsiness, staggering, and profound weakness.