Updated August 6th, 2025
There are a variety of medications used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders in America and around the world, but some may also be abused recreationally for the purpose of getting high. One such drug is etizolam. Here are eight important things you should know about this addictive drug and what you should do if you or a loved one becomes addicted.
- Etizolam is chemically related to benzodiazepines.
According to the DEA, etizolam is chemically similar to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These types of drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
- Etizolam is not currently legal in the United States.
Etizolam is used medicinally in Japan, Italy, and India, but it is still illegal in the U.S. It was first introduced in Japan in 1983 and is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1.0 mg tablets in countries where it is legal for medical use.
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- Etizolam is often sold as a “research chemical” in the U.S.
Recent reviews and national forensic case analyses indicate that illicit etizolam use has continued to rise sharply, causing an increasing number of overdose deaths and toxic exposures attributed to its high potency and prevalence in the illicit drug supply. Designer benzodiazepines—including etizolam, flualprazolam, and flubromazolam—were implicated in 82% of benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths in 2023, highlighting etizolam’s dominant role in the crisis.
Originally placed in temporary Schedule I by the DEA in 2023, etizolam’s status remains under consideration for permanent scheduling, with the temporary classification set to expire in July 2025. The proposal continues to undergo rule-making and public comment.
In Scotland, etizolam accounted for more than half of illicit benzodiazepine-related deaths by 2019, and postmortem detection rates in the prison population approached 40–70% in recent years. Polydrug use—particularly with fentanyl and opioids—has been identified as the main driver of etizolam-related fatalities.
- Etizolam is an extremely powerful and addictive drug.
Etizolam is highly addictive. According to the DEA, etizolam is 10 times more potent than Valium for producing hypnotic effects. Its potency gives it a very high potential for abuse, making it appealing for recreational abuse in America. The length of time it takes for etizolam addiction to develop will vary based on the individual and his or her circumstances.
- A diverse population of people abuse etizolam.
Etizolam is misused recreationally by teens, young adults, and older adults alike. When taken in low doses, benzodiazepines like etizolam can be very helpful in managing sleep and anxiety disorders, but they are frequently abused and taken in larger, more frequent doses to produce a euphoric high.
- Etizolam abuse comes with many dangerous side effects and risks.
Abusing any benzodiazepine is very dangerous, especially when alcohol is abused simultaneously. Common side effects and risks of benzodiazepine abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Memory impairment
- Decreased coordination
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Overall physical weakness
- Coma
Abusing etizolam may also cause organ failure. The best way to discontinue etizolam abuse and recover from etizolam addiction is by enrolling in a medically assisted drug detox program and long-term drug rehab.
- Abruptly stopping Etizolam abuse is dangerous.
If you are addicted to etizolam and you abruptly stop taking it, you may begin to experience very uncomfortable withdrawal effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Muscle pain/stiffness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- If you are addicted to Etizolam, it’s very important that you get help as soon as possible.
Etizolam addiction and abuse is a serious disorder and should be addressed immediately. Any type of benzodiazepine abuse is extremely dangerous and can result in uncomfortable physical and mental side effects, overdose, or even death.
Etizolam Withdrawal and Detox
If you abuse etizolam regularly and develop a physical dependence, you may experience uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms when the abuse suddenly stops. This is called withdrawal.
Etizolam is a benzodiazepine, therefore, etizolam withdrawal produces similar side effects to that of other benzos like Valium and Ativan. Etizolam withdrawal will be different for everyone, but some common side effects are:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Muscle spasms
If you are addicted to etizolam and decide to stop taking the drug, it’s extremely important that you don’t do so on your own at home. Etizolam withdrawal (and benzodiazepine withdrawal in general) can be very dangerous and may result in unexpected or life-threatening medical emergencies such as seizures.
The safest and most comfortable way to detox from etizolam is with a medical detox program. A drug detox facility like Briarwood will provide medical and clinical supervision throughout your detox program to ensure that you are comfortable and your etizolam withdrawal is progressing safely. Additionally, if any unexpected medical complications do arise during the process, you’ll have a whole team of medical detox experts to treat you.
How to Get Help for a Loved One Who Is Addicted to Etizolam
If you or a loved one is misusing benzodiazepines such as etizolam, Briarwood Detox Center can help you achieve a stable life in recovery. Our individualized benzodiazepine detox programs are designed to meet your unique needs and provide the most comfortable drug detox experience possible. Our multidisciplinary treatment team will work together to provide personalized and appropriate physical and psychological treatment that will give you the best chance for long-term success in sobriety.
Benzodiazepine abuse is not always intentional at first, but it can quickly evolve into a lifestyle of drug addiction. If you are addicted to your anxiety medication, you are not alone in this struggle. Call Briarwood Detox Center today to learn more about medically assisted drug detox programs at our detox locations in Austin and Houston, TX. We know offer medically assisted drug detox in San Antonio, Texas.
