Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs with a wide range of available medications, all carrying the risk of misuse. When evaluating the strength of a benzodiazepine, two key factors come into play: potency and half-life. The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for the body to break down and eliminate half of the dose. Generally, benzodiazepines with low potency and a long half-life are considered weaker compared to high-potency benzodiazepines with a short half-life.
If you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, recovery is possible. Vertava Health is dedicated to supporting individuals in overcoming benzo dependence. If you or someone you know is addicted to any medication on a Benzos List, Vertava Health can provide assistance. Contact Vertava Health today at 844.470.0410 to explore our comprehensive benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs.
Strongest to Weakest Benzos Explained
Benzodiazepines with shorter half-lives often produce more immediate and intense effects, although they are shorter-acting. The rapid onset of these effects makes them particularly appealing to individuals who misuse drugs recreationally. Users seeking a quick and powerful high often favor short-acting, high-potency benzos like lorazepam or alprazolam.
Low-Potency Benzodiazepine List
These benzodiazepines are generally considered to have lower potency compared to others.
Benzodiazepines with a Long Half-Life:
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Flurazepam
Benzodiazepines with a Short Half-Life:
- Oxazepam (Serax)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
High-Potency Benzodiazepine List
These benzodiazepines are known for their higher potency.
While most high-potency benzodiazepines have a short half-life, there are exceptions.
Benzodiazepine with a Long Half-Life:
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines with a Short Half-Life:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), although not legally prescribed in the United States, is sometimes found illicitly. Known as a date rape drug, Rohypnol is a high-potency benzodiazepine with a relatively long half-life.
Understanding Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are classified as sedative-hypnotics, meaning they induce calming or tranquilizing effects. Because of these properties, they are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety, insomnia, panic disorders, seizure disorders, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some benzodiazepines are also used as muscle relaxants. However, the same effects that make them therapeutically useful also contribute to their potential for misuse.
Benzodiazepines are available in various forms, including extended-release capsules (long-acting), liquids, tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets. Any of these formulations can be misused to achieve sedation or euphoria.
Misuse often involves taking benzodiazepines orally in doses exceeding prescribed amounts and frequencies. Alternatively, the medication may be crushed for snorting, smoking, or injection. Regardless of the method of use, benzodiazepines carry a significant risk of dependence and addiction.
Risks and Dangers Associated with Benzo Use
Beyond addiction, benzodiazepine dependence presents numerous adverse health effects and risks, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Birth defects
- Confusion
- Falls and accidental injuries
- Irregular heartbeat
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Increased risk of robbery
- Sexual assault vulnerability
- Vertigo
Like other forms of substance misuse, chronic benzodiazepine use can severely diminish an individual’s quality of life. The compulsion to use the drug can become so overwhelming that it overshadows responsibilities to family, work, or education.
Benzodiazepine use has been linked to an elevated risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Prolonged use can also alter emotional experience, leading to emotional anesthesia, where individuals struggle to feel emotions.
Paradoxically, long-term benzodiazepine use can exacerbate the very conditions they are intended to treat. When a person physically dependent on benzodiazepines attempts to stop, withdrawal symptoms can occur and may persist for months in some cases, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS can manifest as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Acute withdrawal from benzodiazepine drugs can be life-threatening, necessitating professional medical detox. Severe withdrawal can trigger seizures or delirium tremens.
Benzodiazepine Overdose Risks
Benzodiazepine overdose is a significant danger associated with these drugs. According to the CDC, benzodiazepines, specifically alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), were among the top ten drugs involved in overdose deaths between 2010 and 2014.
As central nervous system (CNS) depressants, benzodiazepines can dangerously slow down vital bodily functions. This can lead to a critical drop in body temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate, ultimately becoming fatal.
The danger of overdose is amplified when benzodiazepines are combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol and opioids, a common practice that significantly increases the risk of fatality. Signs of benzodiazepine overdose include:
- Blue discoloration of fingernails
- Double vision
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Slowed or stopped respiration
Overdose is a medical emergency. If a benzodiazepine overdose is suspected, immediate medical assistance is crucial. Contact emergency services without delay.
Vertava Health Offers Addiction Treatment
Regardless of the specific benzodiazepine from the benzos list being misused, addiction is a serious condition. Treatment often begins with a medically-supervised detox program before progressing to comprehensive drug rehabilitation.
The psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction are profound and require intensive care. Inpatient drug rehab programs are designed to address these complex needs through a combination of psychotherapy and evidence-based treatment approaches. For further information about the strongest and weakest benzos and addiction treatment options, please contact Vertava Health today at 844.470.0410.
