Aside from opioids and alcohol, Benzodiazepines are currently the most widely abused drug in the United States. Many people take benzodiazepines in addition to other drugs and alcohol, giving a murky view of the real dangers of drugs.

Can You Die From Taking Benzodiazepines?

Overdosing strictly on benzodiazepine drugs is difficult and benzodiazepine overdoses are labeled as “uncommon”, though overdose and respiratory depression can occur strictly from benzodiazepine drugs (BZDs).

Poly-toxicity or overdosing on benzodiazepines + another drug and/or alcohol is the most common reason someone might overdose or die while using benzodiazepine drugs (BZDs).

Can You Overdose on Benzodiazepines?

Yes, you can overdose on benzodiazepine drugs live Valium and Xanax. Overdose from benzodiazepines does not usually cause respiratory depression and immediate death, like heroin, fentanyl and other opioids are infamous-for, however.

Death and injuries from benzodiazepines usually occur from falls, drownings, accidents and injuries, rather than acute medical conditions.

Benzodiazepine Pills Laced With Fentanyl Can Kill You Instantly

It should be stressed that even a small amount of fentanyl (a powerful synthetic opioid that resembles dust) can kill multiple people. This deadly drug can be mixed into fake benzodiazepine pills or real benzodiazepine pills may become contaminated with fentanyl.

In modern times, it is impossible to tell real benzodiazepine pills from fake street benzodiazepine pills, unless obtained through a legitimate prescription. It is very important to know that many people have died ingesting what they thought were benzodiazepine pills, but contained opioids. This is the true danger of taking “street pills” and where many of the rumors and confusion about benzo overdoses comes from.

Can You Get Addicted to Benzodiazepines?

The chemicals in benzodiazepine drugs are not “addictive” in the the sense that they do not cause chemical-dependency like you see with opioids, painkiller pills, and heroin. The body usually does not go into withdrawals if you abruptly stop taking benzodiazepines.

However, abruptly stopping any drug after overuse/abuse will give you a range of side effects and symptoms. Additionally, any act can be habit-forming, and people can becomes obsessed or “mentally addicted” to getting high or any other feelings. In this sense, you may develop “addiction problems” if you abuse benzodiazepines for an extended period of time.

Anxiety When Quitting Benzodiazepines

If you are experiencing anxiety after quitting benzodiazepines, you may be experiencing mild cessation effects from quitting benzodiazepines too quickly. Although these effects are not deadly, like opioid withdrawals, they can be unpleasant.

Read Our Blog About Benzodiazepines and Anxiety:

Do I Need To Go To Detox and Rehab For Benzodiazepine Abuse?

If benzodiazepines are the only drug / alcohol you have been abusing, you most likely will not need to go to a formal drug detox program that offers medical detox. Rather, outpatient benzodiazepine addiction treatment can help you to step-down the amount of benzodiazepines in your system safely and without discomfort.

Rehab and addiction treatment for benzodiazepine abuse is more focused on mental health recovery, drug treatment counseling, and making sure the triggers that caused you to take drugs in the first place do not return and compel you to abuse drugs, alcohol, or engage in other negative behaviors.

Do I Need to Go To Rehab for Benzodiazepines?

Only you and your therapist / counselor can determine the best future plan for your recovery and sustained sobriety. Most of those who start abusing benzodiazepines, after receiving prescriptions for benzos due to anxiety, may not need much counseling or treatment. If there are additional mental health concerns that originally caused the abuse — such as trauma, mood or personality disorders — additional treatment may be recommended.

Is It Dangerous to Mix Alcohol With Benzodiazepines?

Yes, mixing drugs and alcohol is never a good idea — even if the drugs seem mild or innocuous. Alcohol strengthens, enhances, or modifies the effects of every other drug and substance that you ingest. This can cause medical issues and overdose from drugs that normally do not cause such serious risks.

Never forget that alcohol is the most addictive, dangerous, and deadly drug known to man. Many deaths are linked to alcohol that also mention “benzodiazepines in the system.” Though the benzodiazepines alone may not have been dangerous, the cocktail of drugs and alcohol is always much more dangerous than just drugs or alcohol.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Mesa, Arizona

Active Recovery Care offers outpatient addiction treatment for benzodiazepines, opioids, alcohol, and other addictive substances. Stop struggling with drugs and alcohol and the urges to use them.

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