Diagnosing Benzodiazepine Addiction: Understanding Sedative Use Disorder
Benzo Addiction Diagnosis
In the realm of drug abuse, the mental health community now employs the term "hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder" to characterize benzodiazepine abuse or addiction. This classification is derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, a key reference for clinicians. To receive a diagnosis of sedative use disorder, an individual must exhibit at least two of 11 specified symptoms within the same 12-month period.
The National Association of Addiction Professionals details these symptoms, with five key indicators summarized as follows:
The sedative is consumed in a higher volume or for a longer duration than initially intended.
Substantial time is dedicated to obtaining, using, and recovering from the drug's effects.
Withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, emerge when the drug is not in the person's system.
Tolerance develops, necessitating an increased amount of the drug to achieve the familiar desired effects over time.
Impaired performance in daily life (at home, work, or school) results from the drug's effects.
The sedative qualities of benzodiazepines, coupled with their propensity for addiction, make them susceptible to abuse. While these drugs are prescription medications, it is crucial to recognize that individuals may initially have a legitimate medical reason for use, but over time, they may develop a use disorder. Strict adherence to a doctor's prescription typically prevents the onset of a use disorder, but cases may arise where individuals seek alternative means to obtain the required volume (as discussed below). Legitimate healthcare professionals prioritize responsible prescribing practices and avoid overprescribing these medications.
List of Common Benzos
The following is a list of benzodiazepines, by branded name:
Valium®
Xanax®
Restoril®
Ativan®
Klonopin®
Concerned individuals who suspect benzodiazepine abuse in someone they know should be aware that despite their legal manufacture and prescription status, these drugs are highly addictive and may also be available illicitly on the street.
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