Find professional treatment for benzodiazepines addiction. Browse 24 specialized treatment centers offering evidence-based recovery programs across Canada.
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Common examples include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin). They work by enhancing the effects of GABA, the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, producing calming and sedating effects. While effective when used as prescribed short-term, benzos carry significant risks for physical dependence, addiction, and life-threatening withdrawal.
In Canada, benzodiazepine use is widespread. According to Health Canada, approximately 12% of Canadians aged 15+ used benzodiazepines in the past year, with rates highest among women and older adults. What makes benzos particularly dangerous is that physical dependence can develop even when taking prescribed doses—and stopping abruptly can cause seizures and other life-threatening complications.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening. Abrupt cessation causes seizures, delirium, severe anxiety, and hallucinations. Medically supervised tapering is essential—never stop taking benzos suddenly without medical guidance.
Being prescribed by a doctor doesn't eliminate addiction risk. Physical dependence develops in2-4 weeks of daily use—even at therapeutic doses. Long-term use (>3-4 months) is strongly discouraged by medical guidelines.
According to Health Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI):
Sources: Health Canada Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (2023); CIHI Opioid-Related Harms Report (2024)
Benzodiazepines bind to GABA-A receptors in the brain, enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This increases chloride ion flow into neurons, making them less excitable and producing:
The problem: The brain adapts to chronic benzodiazepine exposure by downregulating GABA receptors and altering neurotransmitter balance. This creates tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect) and physical dependence (requiring the drug to maintain normal brain function). When benzos are stopped, GABA activity plummets while excitatory neurotransmitters surge—causing seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and potentially fatal complications.
Combining benzodiazepines with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives is extremely dangerous and often fatal. Both drug classes suppress breathing—combined, they amplify respiratory depression exponentially.
Never combine benzodiazepines with opioids, alcohol, or other sedatives without explicit physician supervision.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the most dangerous drug withdrawals—potentially more dangerous than opioid withdrawal. Unlike opioids (uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening), benzo withdrawal can cause:
The Ashton Manual is the gold-standard protocol for benzodiazepine withdrawal, developed by Professor Heather Ashton at Newcastle University. Key principles:
Critical: Never attempt to quit benzodiazepines "cold turkey" on your own. Work with a physician experienced in benzo withdrawal—ideally an addiction medicine specialist or psychiatrist.
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for benzodiazepine use disorder. Treatment focuses on medically supervised tapering, behavioral therapy, and symptom management. The taper process itself IS the medical treatment—done properly, it allows the brain to readjust gradually and safely.
Comprehensive evaluation of dosage, duration of use, co-occurring conditions, and withdrawal risk. If using high doses or multiple benzos, initial stabilization on a consistent dose before beginning taper.
Gradual dose reduction over weeks to months, typically using diazepam (long half-life) as taper medication. Pace is individualized—rushing increases failure rate and health risks.
Non-addictive medications and interventions for withdrawal symptoms: SSRIs for anxiety/depression, anticonvulsants for seizure prevention (in severe cases), sleep hygiene for insomnia. Avoid replacing benzos with other addictive substances.
Address underlying anxiety, develop non-pharmacological coping strategies, manage withdrawal symptoms psychologically. CBT is the most evidence-based therapy for anxiety disorders—helping prevent benzo relapse long-term.
Support groups, continued therapy, stress management techniques. Many patients benefit from 12-step programs or benzo-specific support groups. Ongoing psychiatric care for underlying anxiety/sleep disorders using non-benzo treatments.
Long-term benzodiazepine use is strongly discouraged by medical guidelines. Safer, more effective alternatives exist:
1. Health Canada. Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS). 2023.canada.ca
2. Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Opioid-Related Harms in Canada. 2024.cihi.ca
3. Professor C. Heather Ashton. Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (The Ashton Manual). 2002.benzo.org.uk
4. American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Substance Use Disorders. 2024.
5. British Medical Journal. Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Dementia: Prospective Population Based Study. 2023.
6. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA). Prescription Psychoactive Drugs in Canada. 2024.
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. 2024.
8. World Health Organization. Clinical Guidelines for Withdrawal Management and Treatment of Drug Dependence in Closed Settings. 2023.
If you've been taking benzodiazepines regularly—even as prescribed—you may be physically dependent.Do not stop abruptly. Professional medical guidance is essential for safe withdrawal. With proper tapering and support, you can successfully discontinue benzos and regain your life.
24 treatment centers specializing in benzodiazepines addiction across Canada
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
Recovery from benzodiazepines addiction is possible. Connect with professional treatment programs and start your journey today.