Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence and addiction

Benzodiazepine use may lead to the development of psychological and physical dependence. People who use benzodiazepines for more than a month often find they need to substantially increase their dose in order to achieve the same results.

Risk of dependence and addiction increases with dose and length of use, particularly in people with a history of alcoholism and/or drug abuse.

Discontinuation after heavy or long-term use of benzodiazepines, can lead to the user experiencing withdrawal symptoms if:

• they become tolerant to their prescribed dose
• they reduce their dose too quickly
• they stop using their drugs abruptly
• recreational use is suddenly ended.

Withdrawal symptoms are both physical and psychological and can include:

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

It is important that people who are planning to stop using benzodiazepines seek medical advice, especially if they have been using them for more than a month.  A doctor or other medical professional will offer advice on how to avoid withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of the existing condition.

Overdose

High doses of benzodiazepines can lead to overdose resulting in dangerously slowed breathing, unconsciousness and coma. Death from benzodiazepine overdose is rare, but is more likely to occur when it is used with alcohol or other drugs.