Benzos, Sedatives and Zs
While the world of rehab and addiction has been preoccupied with fentanyl (as it should be), another abuse problem has been silently growing.
The problem in professional journals and studies is named sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic use disorders.
“Sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic use disorder” can mean little to those who aren’t in an ivory tower reading studies but are confronted with a real-life issue of abuse and addiction.
Because the abuse disorder is increasing and there are possible dire consequences for anyone affected, clarifying the disorder in understandable terms is warranted. So, let’s start by reviewing the situation and drugs that are involved.
Abuse of sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs has sharply increased since 2001, according to Rutgers Health researchers.
Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates and Nonbenzos
Some examples of Sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs are:
- Benzodiazepines: Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, Valium and Ativan. They are used to treat many conditions, including anxiety, insomnia and withdrawal from alcohol.
- Barbiturates: Amytal, Nembutal and Seconal. These drugs are used to treat seizures and anesthesia.
- Z-drugs or nonbenzodiazepines: Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta. They are used as sleep aids. The effects are similar to the effects of benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines Abuse
Benzodiazepines are abused for their own mood-boosting effects or to increase an opioid high. They are sometimes crushed, smoked, snorted or injected. They are also used to come down from the high of another drug.
Any abuse is risky. But, using benzos along with other drugs, especially “downers” like opioids, is particularly risky.
Benzodiazepine Side Effects
Benzodiazepines can have some serious side effects, which include:
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Loss of inhibition with inappropriate behavior
- Blackouts
- Memory loss
- Delusion
- Sadness
- Thoughts of suicide
- “Flattened” mood
- Rages
- Headache
- Blurry Vision
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Weakness
Overdose
Unfortunately, overdose can occur because of benzodiazepine use.
The National Institute on Drug abuse reported 12,290 overdose deaths linked to benzodiazepines in 2020 compared to 1,135 in 1999.
Anyone using benzodiazepines should not stop taking them on their own. This should be done under the care of a professional, who will commonly wean the person down.
Barbiturates
Barbiturate abuse has dropped since the 1970s. One reason is that these drugs were found to be dangerous. Overdose and addiction were problematic. The public learned of the risks, which included death, and doctors quit prescribing them.
But currently, there are indicators that barbiturate abuse is on the rise among young people – people too young to remember the devastation caused by barbiturates in the 70s.
Though the number of abusers is still relatively low, we need to be alert to the rising trend. Barbiturates cause accidental overdose more readily than other drugs. Thus, any significant increase could be devastating to society.
Barbiturates work by slowing down the central nervous system. Individuals abuse barbiturates to ease the discomfort of illegal drugs, reduce anxiety and lose their inhibitions.
Barbiturates Side Effects
- Impairment of judgement
- Impairment of memory
- Lack of coordination
- Lack of restraint
- Paranoia
- Suicidal ideation
Signs of a Barbiturate Overdose
- Drop in blood pressure
- Increase in heart rate
- Slower breathing
- Lowered body temperature
- Coma
Side effects or signs of a barbiturate overdose should be addressed in an emergency room. Once stable, the abuser could be a candidate for drug rehab.
Z Drugs
Z drugs (or non- benzodiazepines) are hypnotics and are prescribed for insomnia and used as sleep aids. They are called Z drugs because of the Z in their name: Zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), and eszopiclone (Lunesta).
Z drugs Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Drugged up feeling5
Z Drugs Risks
- Sleep walking
- Hallucinations
- Sleep Driving
- Increased risk of vehicle collision6
Z Drugs Can Be Addictive
If Ambien (a Z drug) is taken too long or is used recreationally, drug dependence can occur. In this case, cessation of the drug may cause withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Medical detox is often needed.
Anyone using benzodiazepines should not stop taking them on their own. This should be done under the care of a professional, who will commonly wean the person down.
Get Help with the Narconon Program
If you or someone you know is abusing benzos, sedatives, Z drugs or any drug, the Narconon program could be your best option.
The Narconon approach is unique and addresses underlying issues while helping the person learn skills to remain drug-free.
Narconon has been saving lives for 50 years.
Give us a call.
References
- Science Daily: “Researchers track sharp increase in diagnoses for sedative, hypnotic and anxiety use disorder in young adults” January 23, 2025
- Web MD: “Benzodiazepine Abuse” February 13, 2024
- Web MD: “**Barbiturate Abuse” December 16, 2024
- DEA: “Barbiturates”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Zolpidem Tablets”
- Journal of Medical Toxicology: In the Zzz Zone: The Effects of Z-Drugs on Human Performance and Driving March, 2013
- Drugs.com: “Is Ambien safe for long-term Use?” May 25, 2023
