Benzodiazepines (commonly called benzos) are medications often prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, and alcohol withdrawal. Drugs like Ativan, Xanax, or Valium can provide short-term relief from overwhelming symptoms.
However, for people in addiction recovery, benzodiazepines carry serious risks. Their highly addictive nature and severe withdrawal symptoms can easily disrupt recovery efforts and lead to relapse.
Highly addictive: Even when taken as prescribed, benzos can create dependence.
Tolerance develops quickly: Over time, the body requires higher doses to achieve the same calming effects.
Risk of relapse: For someone in recovery, dependence on another addictive substance can restart the cycle of addiction.
Benzodiazepines act as central nervous system depressants. They slow brain activity, producing a calming effect.
While this can be effective in the short term, the brain quickly adapts:
It begins to rely on the medication to regulate anxiety.
Without the drug, the brain struggles to manage stress naturally.
This dependency creates a cycle that is very difficult to break without medical supervision.
Withdrawal from benzos is considered one of the most dangerous among prescription drugs.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Intense anxiety or panic attacks
Insomnia and restless sleep
Difficulty concentrating or functioning
Muscle pain and tremors
Seizures (in severe cases)
Symptoms may last from days to weeks, and in some cases, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can linger for months. For individuals misusing benzodiazepines, the withdrawal experience is often compared to opioids such as heroin in severity.
At Design for Change Recovery, we encourage individuals to explore safer, evidence-based approaches to anxiety management, such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness and meditation practices
Holistic therapies (yoga, nutrition, exercise)
Non-addictive medications prescribed under medical supervision
These approaches help clients develop long-term coping skills without the risks associated with benzodiazepines.
Design for Change is a licensed, accredited residential treatment center in Lancaster, California. We provide:
Evidence-based therapies
Holistic healing methods
12-step integration
Personalized recovery plans
Our goal is to help clients build a foundation for lifelong sobriety and freedom from addictive substances.
1. Can you take benzodiazepines while in recovery?
It’s generally not recommended, as their addictive potential can undermine sobriety. Safer alternatives should be explored.
2. Are benzodiazepines ever used in treatment?
Yes, under strict medical supervision, they may be used for short-term management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
3. What makes benzo withdrawal so dangerous?
Withdrawal can trigger severe anxiety, seizures, and other life-threatening complications, requiring professional detox support.
4. What are alternatives to benzodiazepines for anxiety?
Therapies like CBT, mindfulness, and certain non-addictive medications are safer options for individuals in recovery.