Many people facing mental health issues turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. They might use this strategy to get relief from feelings like anxiety, depression, or the effects of past trauma. Using substances such as alcohol or prescription drugs like benzodiazepines helps them temporarily escape their emotional pain. The quick relief they get, along with the need to handle strong emotions, often leads to ongoing drug or alcohol use, resulting in dependence or addiction, like benzo use disorder (BUD). Furthermore, their use of this unhealthy coping mechanism does not resolve their mental health issue, leading to co-occurring disorders and benzodiazepine addiction. Harmony Ridge Recovery Center can help successfully address both.

In this text, we will be addressing benzodiazepine use disorder (BUD). We will share typical symptoms, helping you recognize that someone is struggling. Furthermore, we will point out commonly co-occurring mental health disorders. Finally, we will explain why benzodiazepine use disorder co-occurs with mental health problems and when and what benzodiazepine use disorder treatment you should seek.

What is Benzodiazepine Use Disorder (BUD)?

Benzodiazepine use disorder, also known as benzo use disorder(BUD), happens when people abuse or don’t follow the directions for taking benzodiazepines. Although invaluable in the treatment of certain mental health conditions (like anxiety), benzodiazepines have some potential for abuse and may cause dependence or addiction. Physical dependence and addiction cause major personal, social, and health problems.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Benzo Use Disorder

A person struggling with benzodiazepine use disorder will show various signs and symptoms of addiction. Those symptoms can be categorized as behavioral, physical, and psychological (cognitive and emotional).

Behavioral symptoms:

• Drug-seeking behaviors
• Benzodiazepines taken in larger doses than intended or for a longer time than intended
• Inability to stop despite negative consequences
• Doctor shopping (visiting a number of doctors to obtain more prescriptions)
• Forging prescriptions
• Increasing desire to be left alone
• Inability to keep up with responsibilities at work, school, or home

Physical symptoms:

• Physical dependence
  • Persistent cravings
  • Experience of withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using
• Increased respiratory infections
• Double vision
• Muscle weakness
• Vertigo
• Headaches
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

Cognitive symptoms:

• Fixation on benzodiazepines
• Memory issues
• Anterograde amnesia
• Confusion
• Slowed thinking
• Slowed reaction time

Emotional symptoms:

• Increased anxiety
• Irritability and hostility
• Depression
• Mood swings

Common Co-occurring Disorders Linked with Benzo Use Disorder

The term co-occurring disorders implies two disorders happening at the same time and impacting each other. It’s often difficult to conclude which one came first with co-occurring conditions. They exist simultaneously and need to be treated simultaneously.

A typical example of a co-occurring disorder would be a substance use disorder and a mental health problem. When it comes to benzo use disorder, frequent co-occurring mental health issues are related to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anxiety and Benzodiazepine Use

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms or acute panic attacks. Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam. Their fast-acting nature makes them helpful for quickly easing intense anxiety.

As individuals use benzodiazepines over time, the body may develop tolerance, needing higher doses to achieve the same anxiety-reducing effects. Furthermore, the sedative and euphoric effects of benzodiazepines create a potential for misuse, especially when people take higher doses than prescribed or use them for recreational purposes. Dependence can develop, leading to the disease of addiction.

Benzodiazepine use disorder is likely to develop when one is using benzos longer than prescribed or in higher amounts than prescribed. This self-medication strategy creates a vicious circle in which you are trying to manage your anxiety by taking higher dosages of benzodiazepines while higher dosages of this medication are causing an increase in anxiety. While it is clear which disorder came first, it cannot be denied that their mutual impact is complicating treatment.

Depression and Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines are not typically the first-line treatment for depression, as they primarily target anxiety-related symptoms. However, in some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe benzodiazepines to manage specific aspects of depressive disorders, such as sleep disturbances and acute anxiety episodes. People with depression may experience increased anxiety, and benzodiazepines can provide short-term relief during particularly distressing periods.

As with anxiety, a person struggling with depression might lean into benzodiazepine use as a self-prescribed medication for depression symptoms that require the calming effect benzos provide. Using benzodiazepines in a way not prescribed to you can lead to dependence and addiction, which might manifest as more severe depression. Once again, a loop is created, requiring professional treatment.

Bipolar Disorder and Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

Benzodiazepines may be prescribed together with mood stabilizers to manage acute manic or hypomanic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Their calming effects can help reduce intense agitation. However, benzodiazepines carry the risk of worsening mood swings and may not be suitable for long-term use in bipolar disorders.

PTSD and Benzo Use Disorder

Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to ease the intense anxiety and hyperarousal symptoms associated with PTSD. They can offer short-term relief during periods of heightened distress. However, prolonged use may contribute to the maintenance of symptoms and affect the overall therapeutic process.

Why Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Often Occurs with Co-occurring Disorders

Co-occurring disorders, commonly known as comorbidity, occur when an individual experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance abuse issue simultaneously. In the case of benzodiazepine addiction, the co-occurrence might happen due to different reasons:

• Firstly, individuals may initially use benzodiazepines to reduce the symptoms of anxiety or other mental health disorders, unintentionally developing a dependence on the medication. There are several mechanisms explaining this:
  • Using benzodiazepines to cope with anxiety or other mental health symptoms
  • Developing tolerance to the medication, leading to higher doses and addiction
  • Self-medicating untreated mental health conditions with benzodiazepines
  • Increased susceptibility to addiction due to pre-existing mental health issues
• Secondly, a person who struggles with benzo use disorder might start showing severe psychological symptoms, resulting in establishing a mental health disorder diagnosis. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as mood swings, can develop due to benzo addiction. While benzos do not cause mental health problems, chronic use can contribute to their development.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder and Co-occurring Disorders

The co-occurrence of benzo use disorder and mental health disorders requires well-rounded professional assistance treating both conditions at the same time and keeping in mind their mutual impact. West Virginia treatment center uses several ways to treat co-occurring conditions:

• Medication management: Addiction therapy in WV includes medication management for co-occurring conditions. Medication management means using prescribed medications to help people reduce their dependence on benzodiazepines, as well as using methods like tapering to reduce withdrawal symptoms and risk of relapse. Alongside tapering, doctors may also prescribe alternative medications to address co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
• Psychotherapy: Several methods can be used to find the root causes of benzo use disorder and deal with common issues that affect people who have more than one disorder at the same time.
  • Individual therapy for addiction involves one-on-one sessions and individual empowerment.
  • Family therapy for addiction includes family members in the therapeutic process and relies on family dynamics to empower each family member.
• Peer support: Dual-diagnosis support groups create a sense of community for people recovering from benzo addiction and co-occurring mental health problems. Support programs, like 12-step programs, offer ongoing encouragement and a sense of accountability, which is important during recovery.

These treatment approaches can be part of inpatient or outpatient care, depending on the level of support you need. Inpatient programs offer more structure and a higher degree of monitoring and control. Outpatient programs, on the other hand, offer flexibility and allow you to maintain your daily routine. In both cases, you will be getting all the support you need.

Therapies Proven Effective for Treating Benzo Use Disorder with Co-occurring Disorders

As benzo addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions need to be addressed simultaneously, those treatment methods that deal with the underlying causes of both are the most efficient. Benzodiazepine rehab centers use several psychotherapeutic approaches that have been shown to help with both the short-term symptoms of benzodiazepine use disorder and mental health problems that happen at the same time. These approaches also help people learn healthy ways to deal with and manage their conditions in the long term.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for benzodiazepine use disorder is a therapeutic approach that addresses the cognitive and behavioral aspects of benzo addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders helps people identify and understand the thoughts, feelings, and situations that contribute to BUD. Furthermore, this approach focuses on teaching coping skills and strategies to manage cravings, handle stress, and deal with situations that might lead to substance use.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for Benzo addiction is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that emphasizes emotion regulation skills, helping people identify and manage intense emotions without resorting to maladaptive behaviors such as substance use. Dialectical behavior therapy for addiction teaches strategies for tolerating distress without turning to benzo use, emphasizing healthier coping mechanisms.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) for Benzo use disorder is a counseling method that encourages people to find their motivation to change their behavior for the better. Motivational interviewing for substance abuse involves focusing on exploring the ambiguity and guiding the individual toward resolving it in favor of positive change. MI emphasizes the importance of respecting the individual’s autonomy and choices.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Medication Options

If you try to quit benzodiazepines abruptly, withdrawal symptoms are sure to take place. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Feelings of tension
• Restlessness and agitation
• Anxiety
• Difficulty walking
• Perceptual disturbances
• Sensory hypersensitivity

To avoid severe withdrawal symptoms and manage the withdrawal process overall, it’s recommended to taper benzo use. The dosage should be reduced by up to one tenth at each decrement. However, healthcare professionals must monitor this process. Other than tapering benzo diazepines, healthcare professionals may include certain comfort medications to ease the process further.

For instance, diazepam is often used in benzo withdrawal, and chlordiazepoxide is sometimes used as an alternative. Adding melatonin, paroxetine, trazodone, or valproate in conjunction with a gradual dose reduction can also be beneficial. There is also some support for carbamazepine and flumazenil use during benzo withdrawal.

Additional medications might be included in cases of a co-occurring benzodiazepine use disorder and a mental health disorder. Which medications will be included depends on the mental health problem.

Preventing Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

Preventing co-occurring disorders and benzodiazepine addiction requires a combination of awareness, early intervention, and the use of healthy coping strategies. Addressing both mental health issues and potential substance use problems can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions together. Below are some key strategies to help prevent co-occurring disorders and benzodiazepine addiction.

• Early Mental Health Intervention: Seeking professional help for anxiety, depression, or other conditions reduces the likelihood of turning to substances like benzodiazepines for relief. Early intervention provides tools to manage mental health without relying on medications that may lead to addiction.
• Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety: Learning healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety is crucial in preventing addiction. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation practices can reduce the need for medication.
• Avoiding Self-Medication:  Instead of relying on substances, it’s important to consult healthcare providers for proper treatment options. They can offer safe alternatives, like therapy or non-addictive medications, which reduce the risk of dependence.
• Regular Mental Health Check-ups: These appointments monitor symptoms and medication use, ensuring they are managed properly. Routine check-ins also catch early warning signs before they develop into more serious problems.
• Education on the Risks of Benzodiazepines: Education about dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal should be part of any treatment plan.
• Support Networks and Social Connections: A strong support network can make a big difference in preventing addiction. Having friends, family, or a support group to talk to during stressful times reduces the temptation to turn to substances.
• Use of Non-Addictive Medications and Therapies: Doctors can help prevent addiction by prescribing non-addictive alternatives to benzodiazepines. Using safer treatments reduces the likelihood of addiction.

Seek Professional Support

The complicated link between benzo use disorder and mental health problems that happen at the same time is based on shared weaknesses, the tendency to self-medicate, and the two ways that substance use affects mental health. Addressing co-occurring disorders and benzodiazepine addiction requires a clear understanding of the individual. This treatment approach focuses on both their mental health and addiction, working together to remove barriers to getting help.

Harmony Ridge Recovery Center uses a well-rounded approach to offer more effective and compassionate care. This approach leads to lasting recovery and better mental health outcomes. Contact Harmony Ridge Recovery Center to get treatment for benzodiazepine use disorder tailored to your needs, circumstances, and preferences.