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Benzodiazepines are a group of medicines sometimes prescribed for severe anxiety, sleep problems, muscle spasms or short-term crisis support. They are a type of tranquiliser and can include diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, temazepam and related drugs such as etizolam.
When taken exactly as prescribed, benzodiazepines can have a legitimate medical role. Problems can develop when doses increase, use continues for longer than intended, tablets are bought outside a prescription, or benzos are mixed with alcohol, opioids or other sedating substances.
Dependence can develop because tolerance builds and the body becomes used to the drug. Some people then feel unable to sleep, relax or function without taking more. If this is happening, it may be useful to read more about prescription drug addiction and to seek medical advice before changing your dose.
High doses can reduce alertness, affect coordination and breathing, and become especially dangerous when combined with other substances. Treatment planning should consider the type of benzodiazepine used, dose, length of use, other drugs or alcohol, mental health and withdrawal risk.
Why are Benzodiazepines Addictive?
Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system and can create a short-term sense of calm, sedation or relief from anxiety. Over time, the brain and body may adapt to that effect. This can mean the same dose feels less effective, leading some people to take more or use tablets more often.
Dependence is not always obvious at first. Warning signs can include cravings, anxiety between doses, taking medication differently from the prescription, buying tablets elsewhere, mixing benzos with alcohol or drugs, or feeling unable to cope without them.
Because benzodiazepines are prescription medicines, it can be easy to underestimate their risks. If use has become difficult to control, ask a GP, pharmacist or addiction treatment provider about safe next steps. You may also find the wider drug addiction guide useful when comparing treatment routes.
Dangers of Street Benzos
Street benzos can be particularly risky because the strength, ingredients and contamination risk are uncertain. Tablets may be sold as Xanax, Valium or another brand, but they may not contain what the packaging suggests. Some can be much stronger than expected or mixed with other substances.
Possible effects can include:
- Anxiety, agitation or confusion
- Tremors or shaking
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia or rebound anxiety
- Memory problems, blackouts or loss of coordination
Street tablets can be more dangerous when combined with alcohol, opioids, pregabalin, sleeping tablets or other sedatives. If there is overdose risk, severe drowsiness, breathing difficulty, collapse or immediate danger, call 999.
Benzodiazepine addiction is treatable, but the safest route should be planned carefully. Some people need medical detox, while others may need outpatient support, therapy, relapse prevention and mental health care. Read more about drug rehab options before choosing a provider.
What Happens During Benzodiazepine Detox?
Benzodiazepine detox should not be attempted suddenly or without medical guidance. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and, for some people, risky. The safest approach depends on the dose, duration of use, type of benzodiazepine, other substances, physical health and mental health.
A provider or clinician may recommend a gradual reduction plan, monitoring, medication review or a more structured drug detox setting. Ask who oversees the detox, what happens if symptoms worsen, whether mental health is assessed and how therapy begins after stabilisation.
Withdrawal symptoms can vary, but may include:
- Abdominal discomfort or flu-like symptoms
- Anxiety, panic, chest tightness or shaking
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Sleep disruption
- Concentration problems
- Low mood, irritability or sensitivity to stress
Detox is only one part of recovery. Longer-term treatment should also look at why benzodiazepines became difficult to control, how anxiety or insomnia will be managed, and what aftercare is available once the first stage of treatment ends.
Addiction Therapies in Private Rehab
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment may involve therapy, relapse prevention, mental health support, family guidance and aftercare. The right programme should be based on assessment rather than a fixed promise, especially where anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia or other substance use is also present.
When comparing private rehab or outpatient providers, ask what therapies and treatments are included, who delivers them, how medication is reviewed and how dual diagnosis needs are handled. Helpful treatment elements may include:
- CBT or other evidence-informed talking therapies
- Individual counselling
- Group therapy or peer support
- Family support where appropriate
- Relapse prevention planning
- Stress, sleep and anxiety management
It is also worth asking about costs, programme length, admission timing, confidentiality and what happens after treatment. A clear aftercare plan can help reduce relapse risk and support the move back into everyday life.
Finding Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Scotland
If benzodiazepine use is affecting your health, relationships, work, finances or safety, it is worth asking for help early. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice, especially if you have been taking benzos regularly, using high doses or mixing them with alcohol or other drugs.
Recovery Scotland can help you compare treatment routes and prepare questions for providers. Useful questions include whether detox is medically supervised, how mental health is assessed, what therapies are included, whether aftercare is provided and what support is available if symptoms return.
You can contact Recovery Scotland for confidential guidance before making an enquiry. For urgent danger, overdose risk or severe withdrawal, call 999. For non-emergency medical advice in Scotland, contact NHS 24 on 111 or speak with a GP.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Dr Luqman Khan
- Clinical Reviewer
- Last reviewed: November 22, 2023
Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.
He is certified by the MRCPsych and is known for his innovative approach to treating a diverse range of clients with high morbidity related to alcohol, drugs, and mental health problems.
Dr Khan utilises his extensive knowledge and experience to provide patients with the highest level of care and support in their journey towards recovery. He works closely with addiction recovery teams to develop individualised treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and circumstances.
He is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their goals and objectives and is committed to working with patients to help them overcome their addiction dependency and improve their overall well-being. Utilising evidence-based practices and the latest research in addiction treatment, Dr Khan will help ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible.
As an adept communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, Dr Khan can connect with patients from all walks of life. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive and compassionate care from Dr Khan. With his expertise and guidance, they will be given the best chances of achieving long-term recovery.