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Last Updated:
January 20th, 2026
Research from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society suggests that more than a quarter of a million people in the UK are taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs for longer than recommended, or are growing dependent.
Yet there are more risks in benzodiazepine use than most people realise. As more people enter treatment for benzodiazepine misuse, the importance of knowing the risks is becoming paramount.
We’re highlighting how benzodiazepine dependence forms and the warning signs to watch out for. We’re giving you steps to take if you need to reduce use safely and protect your health.
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines (often called “benzos”) are a class of prescription sedatives used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia and in rare cases, seizures. They also appear under brand names such as Xanax, Valium and Ativan, which many people recognise more readily than the term “benzodiazepines” itself.
Benzodiazepines have rapid onset effects, which is why they are sometimes prescribed in the UK for people suffering from acute anxiety and sleep disturbances. However, the same sedative and calming effects that make these drugs helpful in the short-term also mean they must be used with care.
Without professional support, the line between medical use and benzodiazepine dependence can become dangerously easy to cross.
How do benzodiazepines work in the body?
Benzodiazepines affect the central nervous system by enhancing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter. When the effects of GABA are amplified, you might feel calmer, with slowed neural activity and a decrease in anxiety.
Yet risks emerge quickly if they’re misused. Your brain rapidly starts to rely on this enhanced sensation of calm. Over time, normal GABA function weakens, so it becomes harder to feel stable without the drug.
This physiological shift is the foundation of benzodiazepine dependence. It also contributes to why withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be so severe if a person tries to stop suddenly.
How does benzodiazepine dependence develop?
Benzodiazepine dependence usually starts gradually, with the brain and body growing used to the drug’s calming effects. The key mechanisms underlying most benzodiazepine addictions include:
- Tolerance increase: For a person repeatedly taking benzodiazepines, they may notice that the same dose feels weaker over time. More is needed to achieve relief, or the negative feelings come back faster between doses. This is one of the clearest signs of benzodiazepine dependence.
- Rebound symptoms and “chasing relief”: Many people who take benzodiazepines experience a temporary relief from anxiety. Yet as the drug leaves your body, the symptoms are likely to return stronger. This creates a dangerous cycle, wherein the second use of the drug is to calm the effects of the first instance.
- Benzodiazepines as emotional or psychological support: Many people begin relying on benzodiazepines not just for acute anxiety, but for everyday stress, sleep, relationship pressures or emotional overwhelm. When any substance becomes the crux of a person’s well-being, dependency risks and withdrawal symptoms are likely to increase when they stop.
What are the major risks of benzodiazepine misuse?
Understanding the risks of Xanax, Valium, or Ativan is critical to recovery. Even when used as prescribed, there can be life-threatening dangers in benzo misuse. The main risks people face when taking the drug outside of a medical prescription include:
Cognitive and memory impairment
One of the most documented risks of benzodiazepine misuse is its effect on memory and overall cognitive function. Benzodiazepines slow activity in the central nervous system, and over time, this can affect the parts of the brain responsible for learning, attention and forming new memories.
People misusing or relying heavily on benzos may notice:
- Trouble recalling recent events or conversations
- Difficulty concentrating or staying mentally in the “present”
- Slower thinking or something that feels like “brain fog”
- Problems taking in new information
- Reduced alertness, especially in stressful situations
These cognitive impairments can persist well beyond the period of intoxication. In long-term misuse, some studies suggest they may continue even after completely stopping the drug.
Dangerous interactions with alcohol and other substances
Benzodiazepines become significantly more dangerous when mixed with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. All of these substances suppress the central nervous system and, when mixed, their effects compound rather than add. Heavy polydrug use can lead to slowed breathing, blackouts, loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, fatal overdose.
Mixing them with opioids (including prescribed painkillers) is one of the riskiest combinations, contributing to a substantial proportion of overdose deaths each year.
Increased risk of addiction
Benzodiazepines may start as a short-term solution, but the brain can quickly adapt to their calming effects. As tolerance rises, you might quickly find yourself taking doses more frequently or relying on it in situations where you never used to.
Here we see the gradual shift into dependence, which so often goes unnoticed. What once felt optional can begin to feel necessary for getting through stress or discomfort. The longer this pattern continues, the greater the risk of addiction.
Severe withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be serious and is well-documented in clinical literature. Because these drugs slow the central nervous system, stopping suddenly can create a sharp rebound effect, plagued with intense withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Increased anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension
- Sensory hypersensitivity
- Seizures in severe cases
How to manage benzodiazepine dependency safely
If you are struggling with benzodiazepine misuse or dependency, you must be careful when trying to stop. You may trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, so use these steps for a safer approach:
- Know the risks of stopping benzos abruptly: Medical research advises against abruptly quitting benzodiazepine usage. Sudden withdrawal can lead to intense rebound anxiety, panic, insomnia, or, in some cases, seizures.
- Speak to a GP about tapering: Speaking with your GP or doctor can help you reduce your dose in smaller, more manageable steps. Working with a doctor ensures the safe use of anti-anxiety medications, especially during tapering or when switching to longer-acting options.
- Develop healthier coping strategies: As the medication is reduced, alternative tools become vital. Practicing grounding techniques and physical activity can all support your system during the transition. Building a structured routine for sleep hygiene and nutrition will also provide a foundation for recovery.
- Consider therapy for the underlying drivers: In many cases, dependency develops because the drug eased anxiety, insomnia, trauma, or overwhelming emotions. For these, therapy is advised, such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-informed therapy. Working with a licensed professional can help you address the root issues that the drug is trying to mask.
If symptoms become unmanageable, contacting specialised addiction services will be the next best step. Taking early steps like tracking your dose or speaking with your GP about tapering can play a crucial role in avoiding prescription drug dependence.
Where can I get help for an addiction in my life?
If you’re worried about your benzodiazepine use or you’re struggling to stop taking it, please know that you’re not alone and support is available.
At UKAT, we specialise in helping people safely and gradually break free from substance addiction. Our benzodiazepine rehab programmes include supported prescription drug detox, evidence-based therapies and long-term aftercare systems. Our recovery system is designed to stabilise withdrawal, address your emotional roots of addiction and rebuild confidence in your life.
Sanctuary Lodge’s Admissions Team is available right now to answer your questions in complete confidence. Contact us today to take that first step into the healthier future you desire, free from addiction’s grip.
