Psychiatric medication addiction (benzodiazepines and anti-anxiety drugs)

What is psychiatric medication addiction?

Addiction to psychiatric medication is a dependence on drugs that act on the nervous system, mainly benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam, lorazepam or alprazolam) and hypnotics or sleeping pills. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia or stress, and they are very effective in the short term.

The problem appears when their use is prolonged over time. The body develops tolerance and needs ever larger doses to achieve the same effect, and when you try to reduce or stop the medication, withdrawal symptoms appear. In this way, many people become trapped in a dependence they did not seek and do not know how to escape.

It is one of the most silent and common addictions, since it begins within a legitimate medical treatment. Recognising it does not imply any blame, and overcoming it is possible with the right support.

Symptoms and signs of dependence

Dependence on psychiatric medication usually sets in little by little. These are some warning signs:

• Needing the medication to function day to day or to sleep.
• Increasing the dose on your own to feel the same effect.
• Feeling anxiety, insomnia or discomfort when trying to reduce or stop it.
• Going to several doctors or pharmacies to get more medication.
• Taking the drug for far longer than recommended.

Fear of withdrawal symptoms is one of the main obstacles to giving up these substances, but it is a process that should always be done gradually and with support.

Causes of psychiatric medication addiction

Addiction to psychiatric medication usually has its origin in a medical prescription to treat real problems such as anxiety, insomnia or stress. Prolonged use, beyond the recommended time, is the main route to dependence.

To this are added psychological factors: the medication becomes the only tool for managing emotional distress, and the person feels they cannot face life without it. At Reconectar we work so that you recover your own resources to manage anxiety and sleep, so that the medication stops being indispensable.

Consequences of prolonged use

Prolonged use of benzodiazepines and other psychiatric medication has significant consequences. Cognitively it causes memory problems, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness and slowing down, with a greater risk of falls and accidents, especially in older people.

Emotionally it can cause apathy, emotional blunting and, paradoxically, more anxiety and depression in the long term. Dependence limits the person's autonomy and their capacity to enjoy life. Reducing the medication gradually, with support, makes it possible to recover mental clarity and wellbeing.

Psychiatric medication addiction treatment at Reconectar

At Reconectar we treat dependence on psychiatric medication with an outpatient approach that combines the Minnesota Model and cognitive therapy. Treatment is individual and personalised, and it focuses on giving you resources to manage anxiety, stress and insomnia without depending on medication.

We work on the beliefs and emotions that sustain the dependence and support you through the process, which must always be gradual and coordinated with your doctor. Everything takes place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with complete confidentiality and with no need for hospitalisation.

The process includes

• A free initial assessment with no obligation.
• Individual sessions adapted to your situation.
• Tools to manage anxiety and sleep naturally.
• Relapse prevention and recovery of autonomy.

How to ask for help

If you feel you cannot give up anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills, you are not alone and you are not to blame: this dependence is very common and it has a solution. It is important not to stop the medication suddenly, but to do so with support. Contacting us commits you to nothing: we listen to your case and explain how we can help you recover your autonomy.