Benzodiazepine information
Benzodiazepine Dependence & Addiction
Benzodiazepines are prescription sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). Regular use can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt reduction can cause serious withdrawal.
Overview
What is Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are prescription sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). Regular use can lead to physical dependence, and abrupt reduction can cause serious withdrawal.
How it can affect the body
Benzodiazepines slow brain activity and can cause drowsiness, impaired coordination, memory problems and sedation.
Dependence vs. addiction
Physical dependence can develop with ongoing use. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically significant, so abrupt self-directed stopping is not recommended.
Signs of problematic use
- Needing the medication to avoid withdrawal
- Difficulty reducing use
- Using differently from the prescribed plan
- Continued use despite sedation or other harms
Important health risks
- Dangerous sedation
- Overdose risk, especially with opioids or alcohol
- Falls and impaired coordination
- Serious withdrawal symptoms including seizures
When emergency care is needed
Call 911 for suspected overdose, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems or seizures.
How addiction is medically assessed
A physician can review the medication, duration of use, other substances and health risks before developing an individualized management plan.
Treatment options
TSCP does not present Methadone, Suboxone or Kadian as benzodiazepine treatments. Any medication-management or taper plan must be determined by a physician after assessment.
Treatment pathway
Looking for treatment rather than general information?
The treatment page focuses on how TSCP care works, how to start and what a clinician may consider.
Editorial transparency
Medical sources & review status
Prepared by the TSCP editorial team using Canadian public-health and clinical sources. A named medical reviewer is not displayed until TSCP confirms the reviewer and credentials.
Content updated: 2026-09-10