About Redwood and Randy Cox, LCDC →
What are sedatives?
Central nervous system depressants slow brain activity. They include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain sleep medicines. Prescribers may use these medicines for anxiety, sleep problems, seizures, or other medical needs. These groups are not interchangeable, and their effects and risks vary.
NIH/NIDA: prescription drug classes →
Understanding prescribed use and misuse
Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Having a prescription does not automatically mean someone has an addiction. Taking more than directed, using another person’s medicine, or taking a medicine for its intoxicating effects warrants a discussion with a professional.
FDA: benzodiazepine uses and risks →
What the statistics tell us
U.S. people ages 12 and older reported prescription tranquilizer or sedative misuse in the past year in the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The share of U.S. people ages 12 and older represented by the same 2024 estimate. This broad survey category includes more than benzodiazepines.
These are two ways of expressing the same estimate, not separate groups. Misuse is not equivalent to a diagnosed substance use disorder, and the figures do not mean all prescribed use is harmful.
SAMHSA: 2024 national survey results →
What can addiction look like?
Physical dependence and addiction are different. The body can adapt to a medicine even when it is taken as prescribed.
FDA distinguishes physical dependence, which can cause withdrawal after stopping or reducing a medicine, from addiction involving compulsive use despite harm. An individual assessment is important; withdrawal alone does not prove addiction.
FDA: dependence, addiction, and withdrawal →
How combinations can affect health
Combining benzodiazepines with opioids can suppress breathing and increase overdose risk. Alcohol adds risk as well. Tell your prescriber about all medicines and substances you use so they can assess interactions and monitor care.
NIH/NIDA: benzodiazepines and opioids →
Withdrawal and overdose need medical attention.
Do not stop benzodiazepines suddenly or rapidly reduce the dose without medical guidance. Withdrawal can include life-threatening seizures. A prescriber should create an individualized plan.
FDA: stopping safely and withdrawal risks →
Call 911 for unresponsiveness, difficulty breathing, or a seizure. If overdose is suspected, give naloxone if available even if you do not know what was taken: an opioid may also be involved. Naloxone reverses opioid effects, not benzodiazepines themselves. Follow emergency instructions and stay with the person.
CDC: naloxone and overdose response →
What getting help can involve
Care can include medical supervision for withdrawal, followed by behavioral treatment. The original anxiety or sleep problem also deserves appropriate care. Redwood can offer counseling, sober companion support, and family support alongside a medical care plan.
NIH/NIDA: prescription drug misuse and treatment →
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