Anxiolytic may not be a well known word, but it describes medications that millions of people take every day. As with most prescription drugs, these meds can cause a range of unpleasant side effects, including the risk of anxiolytic dependence.
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Understanding Anxiolytic Use Disorder
The term “anxiolytic” can be applied to a variety of medications that are often used to treat anxiety disorders. They are sometimes also referred to as sedatives, hypnotics, or sedative-hypnotics.
Some anxiolytics may also be prescribed to people who have depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain other mental health disorders. They can help with medical concerns such as muscle tension, seizures, and insomnia.
Examples of commonly prescribed anxiolytics include:
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and triazolam (Halcion)
- Nonbenzodiazepines (or Z-drugs) such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata).
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital, secobarbitol, and primidone.
As established in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the clinical term for anxiolytic dependence is “sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.”
Anxiolytic dependence is characterized by intense urges for the drugs and an inability to end or limit your use.
Anxiolytic Dependence Symptoms
The DSM-5, which is the standard reference book for clinicians in the U.S., includes 11 criteria for sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.
To be accurately diagnosed with anxiolytic dependence, you must experience at least two of the following symptoms:
- Having strong cravings for anxiolytics
- Frequently using anxiolytics in larger doses or for a longer period of time than intended
- Wanting to end or reduce your anxiolytic use, trying to do so, but being unsuccessful
- Spending a substantial amount of time acquiring and using anxiolytics, as well as recovering from their effects
- Failing to fulfill your personal, academic, or work-related obligations as a result of your anxiolytic use
- Continuing to use anxiolytics even after having social problems or difficulties with relationships as a result of your prior use
- Continuing to use anxiolytics even after developing medical or mental health problems as a result of your prior use
- Ending or minimizing your involvement in important activities as a result of your anxiolytic use
- Regularly using anxiolytics in situations that you know to be particularly hazardous, such as while operating heavy machinery or driving a car
- Developing tolerance, or needing to use larger amounts of anxiolytics to experience the effects that you could previously achieve via smaller doses
- Having withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop using anxiolytics or attempt to significantly curtail the amount and frequency of your use
The DSM-5 also contains three specifiers to further define your anxiolytic dependence according to how many symptoms you exhibit:
- Mild (two or three symptoms)
- Moderate (four or five symptoms)
- Severe (six or more symptoms)
Please noted that you cannot diagnose yourself or anyone else with anxiolytic addiction. If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or you suspect that a loved one has become dependent on anxiolytics, you should consult with a doctor or schedule an assessment at a reputable addiction treatment provider.
What Causes Anxiolytic Dependence?
There’s no single cause of dependence on anxiolytics. Instead, your risk of developing this condition can be influenced by a variety of genetic and environmental factors, such as:
- Age (anxiolytic abuse is most common among those in the 18-35 age range)
- Family history of substance abuse and addiction
- Personal history of alcohol abuse and alcoholism
- Having certain medical or mental health conditions
- History of untreated trauma
Anxiolytic Dependence Side Effects
Thankfully, anxiolytic dependence is treatable. Unfortunately, many who have this condition either delay getting help or aren’t able to access the services they need.
The continued compulsive use of anxiolytics can expose you to considerable harm in just about every part of your life. First, while you are under the influence of anxiolytics, you may experience:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Confusion and disorientation
- Delayed reaction time
- Difficulty remaining awake
The longer you use these drugs, the greater your risk becomes of developing problems such as:
- Physical injuries due impaired coordination or poor judgment
- Diminished ability to concentrate and focus
- Memory loss
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Intense nightmares
- Agitation and irritability
- Uncontrolled repetitive eye movements
- Depression and other mental health concerns
The social impact of anxiolytic dependence can include job loss, disrupted relationships, legal jeopardy, and financial problems.
When you lose the ability to control the amount of your anxiolytic use, you also put yourself in danger of overdose. Possible symptoms of anxiolytic overdose include:
- Dilated (abnormally large) pupils
- Extreme confusion
- Slowed heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Impaired muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
- Cool, clammy skin
Your risk of death from anxiolytic overdose can be considerably higher if you have also been using alcohol, opioids, or other substances.
For example, from 2000-2019, the U.S. recorded 118,208 overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines. However, 83.5% of these deaths also involved opioids, and only about 9% involved benzos alone.
Help for Sedative-Hypnotic or Anxiolytic Dependence
Getting help for dependence on sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics typically begins with a thorough evaluation of your treatment history, how you have been impacted by your compulsive substance use, and if you have any co-occurring mental health concerns.
Based on that evaluation, your treatment provider may recommend one or several of the following programming options:
- Detoxification: A short-term program to help you get through anxiolytic withdrawal as safely and comfortably as possible
- Residential treatment: A longer-term program that features full days of therapy and support services, nutritious meals, and 24/7 access to professional care
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Full days of treatment, usually five days per week, without a residential component
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): Partial days of treatment, usually two to five days per week
- Outpatient treatment: Individual or group therapy sessions, scheduled at the frequency that best aligns with your needs
Treatment Options
The specific therapies and support services that are included in your treatment program will also be influenced by your history, needs, and goals. Depending on what your treatment team determines is best for you, your care may include elements such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family counseling
- Psychoeducational sessions
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and meditation
At the conclusion of your time in treatment for anxiolytic dependence, you should receive a detailed discharge plan. This plan may include referrals to community-based services and resources that can help you maintain and build on the progress while you were in treatment.
Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery to Treat Anxiolytic Dependence
Phoenix Rising Recovery Center offers a full continuum of customized care for adults who have become dependent on anxiolytics and other drugs. We also care for patients who have anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health disorders.
When you choose our addiction rehab in Palm Springs, CA, you can expect to receive personalized services and comprehensive support from a team of highly skilled professionals. Throughout your time with us, you will be in a safe and welcoming environment where you will be treated with the respect you deserve.
To learn more about how we can help you end your use of anxiolytics, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 4/2/2025
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