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Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are tranquilizers designed to slow a person’s brain function. Benzos are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. You may recognize some of the brand names like Xanax or Valium. Benzos are a useful medication when used under the supervision of a medical professional, but their potential for misuse is significant. The State of Oregon warns against the long-term use of benzos, saying they should only be used for a week, and everyone who uses them over the long term will develop a dependence. Benzo dependence often develops from simply taking a prescribed medication. Others seek out benzos as a recreational substance. Regardless of how benzo dependence started, benzodiazepine treatment programs can assist a person in overcoming benzo use and achieving long-term wellness.
Benzo overdose happens when a person takes a dangerous dosage of the substance. Benzo overdose significantly slows down a person’s nervous system. If someone has overdosed on benzos, you will notice:
Benzo overdose often happens when a person takes benzos alongside another substance, such as alcohol or an opioid. Another practice that leads to overdose is crushing a pill meant to be taken orally and then injecting, snorting, or smoking it. When doing this, the entire dose hits the bloodstream quickly, magnifying the effects of the benzo.
In some cases, serious side effects can result from a benzo overdose. These side effects may occur because of physical trauma sustained due to losing consciousness, lack of oxygen-rich blood, or respiratory distress. Dangerous side effects of benzo overdose include:
A common myth about benzos is that people can not overdose on them. However, benzo overdose is possible. Typically, benzo overdose is only fatal when benzos are mixed with other substances.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms occur when someone has developed a dependence. Short-term benzo users do not experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms happen because the body becomes accustomed to benzo. When benzo use ends, the body feels missing something.
In rare cases, life-threatening side effects, such as seizures, can result from benzo withdrawal. For this reason, the safest option for overcoming withdrawal symptoms is to withdraw at a licensed detox center. While in detox, a person can receive treatments for withdrawal symptoms that will make them more comfortable than attempting to withdraw alone. During withdrawal, the symptoms are often uncomfortable. As a result, many are tempted to use benzos to end the symptoms. However, doing so will start the process over. In a detox center, you will have less access to benzos and will more easily complete detox. Often, benzo use is gradually ended under supervision. This method prevents the most intense withdrawal symptoms but must be done under medical supervision.
Some of the common withdrawal symptoms when ending benzo use are:
In rare cases, a person can experience seizures, burning sensations, and muscle twitching during benzo withdrawal.
Benzo overdoses can be scary, but most of the time, people can survive them. If someone you care about overdoses on benzos, you should call 911. Do your best to answer the dispatcher's questions, which will provide valuable information to paramedics. They may ask about the person’s medical condition, how long they have been using benzos, or how much they have taken. Knowing if they were using other substances along with benzos is essential.
If you can, keep the person awake. You can touch them or engage them in conversation. They may pass out, and they should turn them on their side if this happens. Doing so will prevent them from choking.
If the person has a seizure while waiting for help, be sure to support their head and allow them to move freely. Do not try to restrain them. Also, avoid putting anything in their mouth. A common myth is that a person can bite off their tongue while having a seizure, but this is not true. Putting something in their mouth can only cause injury or choking.
Benzo use disorder can be scary. The possible side effects are intimidating, but the stress of withdrawal symptoms may also keep you from taking steps to end benzo use. However, you don’t have to recover alone. Serenity Lane can provide the benzo use disorder treatment that will put you on the path to healing. At Serenity Lane, we offer professional detox and inpatient and outpatient treatment options to help you achieve wellness. For more information about treatment options, contact Serenity Lane at 800-543-9905.
How does benzodiazepine overdose occur?
Benzo overdose happens when a person takes too much of a benzo. Often this occurs because a person mixed the benzo with another substance or they used it in a way that was not intended, such as crushing a pill and snorting it.
What to do about benzodiazepine overdose?
If someone overdoses on benzos, call for help immediately. Benzo overdose is dangerous, but people who receive assistance usually survive. After a person is stable, encourage them to get professional help to end their benzo use safely.
What is the treatment for benzodiazepine overdose?
Benzo overdose can be treated in the emergency room. In some cases, medication is used to reverse the effects of the benzo, but this medication can cause seizures, so it is not always used. Often, a person will be treated and observed. Then, after they feel better, they will be discharged.
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