5 Signs Your Prescription Benzodiazepine Use Has Become Addiction

Like many medications, Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), and other benzodiazepines have a “good side” and a “bad side.” Take them as prescribed, and they can provide potent, temporary relief from crippling anxiety, panic disorder, and sleeplessness.

Physicians may also prescribe benzodiazepines to manage seizures, assist in alcohol withdrawal, treat painful muscle spasms, or help you relax before a medical or surgical procedure.

However, their habit-forming nature and addiction potential are a concern. Our team at Magnolia Medical Group in Denver and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, offers outstanding outpatient services for substance use and mental health disorders, ranging from bipolar disorder to generalized anxiety to benzodiazepine addiction.

We appreciate the benefits of benzodiazepines, but also feel it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers of these medications, including the early warning signs of dependence and addiction.

The downside of benzodiazepines

While often very useful when taken temporarily as prescribed, benzodiazepines have several side effects that may interfere with your daily routine, such as excessive sleepiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.  

Additionally, taking more than prescribed or mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol can depress your respiratory system. This can quickly become life-threatening without urgent medical attention.

Benzodiazepines are also habit-forming, leaving you prone to addiction. This transition can happen easily, often without a person even realizing it.

Signs your prescription benzodiazepine use has become an addiction

Here are five signs that your prescription use may have crossed the line:

1. You need more for the same relief

One of the earliest signs is tolerance, which requires a higher dose to achieve the same effect. It could be a red flag if your original prescription helped, but now feels less effective unless you take more.

Tolerance increases the risk of overdose and withdrawal symptoms. It also signals that your brain is adapting to the drug in a way that can lead to dependence.

2. You feel unwell or anxious without it

If you’ve ever missed a dose and noticed shakiness, irritability, racing thoughts, or panic, your body may have become dependent.

Withdrawal can start quickly and may be severe, even dangerous. These include seizures, insomnia, and rebound anxiety.

Due to possible withdrawal symptoms, don’t stop taking the medication without medical guidance. However, if you feel worse without your medication, it’s time to reassess your use.

3. You’re taking it other than as prescribed

Maybe you’re taking it more often than directed, doubling up on stressful days, or using it to “take the edge off” in social situations. These may seem like minor adjustments, but they can point to problematic use.

Changing the way you use your medication increases the risk of addiction and side effects. It also suggests the medication may be filling an emotional or psychological role that wasn’t intended.

4. It’s becoming central to your daily routine

If you find yourself planning your day around when you can take your benzo, worrying about running out, or avoiding situations where you can’t use it, you’re not alone. This is a common but serious sign.

When a medication starts to take center stage in your life, it may be interfering with your relationships, work, or well-being, even if you’re still “functioning.”

5. You’ve tried to cut back but can’t

Perhaps you’ve considered stopping or reducing your use, but felt unable to do so. Maybe you’ve made promises to yourself or others that you haven’t been able to keep.

Feeling stuck is a hallmark of addiction. And it’s also a strong signal that you deserve support, not shame.

Help is available

If any of these signs sound familiar, we want to emphasize that you aren’t alone, and recovery is possible. Benzodiazepine dependence is treatable, and with proper medical guidance, people can taper off safely and regain control of their lives.

Treatment doesn’t mean judgment. It means support, compassion, and a plan that works for your body and your needs. You don’t have to wait for a crisis to make a change.

Schedule a visit at Magnolia Medical Group today. Call the office or request an appointment online.