AKA: Benzo
A class of prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms (e.g., Xanax®, Valium®, Ativan®).
In the context of addiction treatment:
Benzos can be highly addictive and dangerous to stop suddenly, especially after long-term or high-dose use.
What to know:
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Benzo withdrawal can cause seizures and can be life-threatening.
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Often misused with alcohol or opioids, which greatly increases overdose risk.
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Tapering off benzos should be done slowly under medical supervision.
Example:
Someone who’s been taking high doses of Xanax® daily for years should not quit cold turkey; they may need a medically supervised taper in a detox or outpatient setting.