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Anxiety disorders affect nearly a quarter of the American population every year. People with anxiety disorders are also two to three times more likely than the general population to experience a substance use disorder at some point in their lives.
Treatment methods for anxiety are well-researched topics and the first course of action is often cognitive behavioral therapy, which studies have shown to be extremely effective and long-lasting. However, in some cases, a person may suffer from excessive levels of anxiety, which can prevent them from getting the most out of their therapy.
Anti-anxiety medications (most commonly benzodiazepines) are generally safe and effective ways to treat the symptoms of anxiety, like insomnia or panic attacks. However, they are only intended for short-term use. Over time, benzodiazepines become less effective and the user’s risk of addiction increases.
Due to the risks of physical dependence and addiction, most health experts do not recommend doctors prescribe benzodiazepines for longer than one month at a time.
How Do Anti-Anxiety Medicines Work?
There are several different types of medications that can be used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there are four main classes of drugs used to treat anxiety and each class of drug works differently.
- Benzodiazepines help reduce muscle tension and physical symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation. They’re typically used short-term, with common types including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels by blocking its reabsorption in the brain, improving mood and nerve signaling. They target only serotonin, not other neurotransmitters. Common SSRIs include citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) boost serotonin and norepinephrine levels by blocking their reabsorption. This helps improve mood and focus. Common SNRIs include venlafaxine and duloxetine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants treat anxiety by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. Though effective, they’re used less often than other anxiety medications. Common types include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Can You Get Hooked On Anxiety Medication?
Yes, anxiety medication can be highly addictive. Consistent use of anti-anxiety drugs can quickly cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Many people mistake withdrawal symptoms for a return of their anxiety, leading them to believe that they need to take more of the medication or begin using it again after their prescription has run out. Taking anti-anxiety drugs for long periods or taking more of the drugs than directed is likely to cause addiction.
Top 3 Most Addictive Anxiety Medications
There are many different types of anti-anxiety drugs, but these are some of the most addictive and commonly prescribed (listed in no particular order).
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States and it is a Schedule IV drug. It is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, various phobias, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorders.
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that produces feelings of calmness and relaxation. Its effects can be felt almost instantly, which contributes to the high rates of abuse in the U.S. According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 5.4 million people were past year misusers of prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax in 2018.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Klonopin is another powerful prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat panic attacks, anxiety, and seizure disorders. It is a Schedule IV drug that works by inducing feelings of relaxation and calmness. Although it is generally effective for medical treatment, it is highly addictive, even if it is taken for a short period. High doses of Klonopin can produce feelings of euphoria and can even cause hallucinations.6
Klonopin is very similar to Xanax, but its effects last up to two or three times longer. People who abuse Klonopin are at high risk for physical tolerance, addiction, or overdose. Quitting Klonopin without medical assistance can be difficult and dangerous.
According to the DEA, Valium is one of the five most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S. and one of the most frequently encountered benzos on the illicit market. It is a Schedule IV drug that works by relaxing muscles and preventing convulsions.
Its effects typically last 20 to 70 hours and the drug starts to produce a sedative effect that can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose. Valium is both physically and psychologically addictive and when it is abused with other drugs or alcohol, it can be even more dangerous, potentially leading to an overdose.
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Other Common Anxiety Medications That Can Be Addictive
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Ativan is a benzodiazepine and it works by attaching to GABA receptors in the brain. Ativan is highly addictive so doctors usually only prescribe it for short-term use spanning 3 to 4 months. However, many people become physically dependent and abuse it.
Heavy abuse of lorazepam or using lorazepam with alcohol or other drugs can cause insomnia, headaches, weakness, memory problems, anorexia, and anxiety. Quitting Ativan abruptly can also cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression, confusion, short-term memory loss, sweating, hallucinations, anxiety, delirium, and vertigo.
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Librium is another habit-forming psychotropic drug that is used to treat anxiety. Misusing Librium in any way (especially for a prolonged time) can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction. It’s a Schedule IV regulated drug and directly affects the brain and central nervous system to produce feelings of calmness and relaxation.
People who misuse Librium often snort the contents of the capsules or mix the powder with water and inject it. Some people also use it to curb the side effects of powerful and illegal drugs like cocaine.
Bromazepam (Lectopam)
Bromazepam (Lectopam) is a short-term benzodiazepine used to ease anxiety and tension. At higher doses, it acts as a sedative. Even when taken as prescribed, it can cause physical dependence, and addiction risk increases with higher or prolonged use due to its fast-acting, euphoric effects.
Oxazepam (Serax)
Serax is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia that boosts GABA activity. It’s less likely to build up in the body but can still lead to addiction if misused—especially when combined with other substances, taken in high doses, or used longer than prescribed.
Clorazepate (Tranxene)
Tranxene, a benzodiazepine for anxiety and insomnia, works by calming the brain through GABA receptors. Its effects can lead to dependence and addiction, especially when misused or mixed with other substances. Quitting suddenly can trigger serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures, anxiety, and hallucinations.
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What Are Signs I Might Be Addicted to My Anxiety Medicine?
Signs of anxiety medication addiction include taking it longer or in higher doses than prescribed, spending excessive time using or recovering from it, and experiencing withdrawal. Other signs are needing more to feel the same effects, struggling at work or home, failed attempts to quit, and intense cravings.
If you think you might be addicted to your anxiety medication, you should speak with your doctor immediately.
Is There a Non-Addictive Anxiety Medication?
- SSRIs can effectively reduce anxiety, but it may take 4–6 weeks to feel full results. While not physically addictive, drugs like Prozac or Zoloft may lead to psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
- SNRIs are also not considered addictive, but they can still cause psychological dependence and may produce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using them.
- Buspar is an anxiety medication like SSRIs but targets one brain area, causing fewer side effects. It’s not addictive, doesn’t cause withdrawal or tolerance, and is often used for anxiety with substance use. A prescription is required.
- Vistaril (hydroxyzine) treats generalized anxiety by blocking histamine, causing drowsiness. It’s effective but meant only for short-term anxiety relief, not long-term use.
What Are Some Natural Remedies for Anxiety?
You can reduce anxiety naturally without medication through lifestyle changes like quitting alcohol, exercising, meditating, improving sleep, and eating well. Supplements and vitamins may also help. If anxiety is severe or tied to substance use, talk to your doctor—treating both issues together offers the best chance for recovery.
Treatment for Anxiety Medication Addiction
Various anxiety medications may be helpful to manage anxiety disorders but many of them are also highly addictive. If you or a loved one is addicted to your anxiety medication, the safest way to stop abusing it is by getting professional help. At Briarwood Detox Center, our medical detox program for anxiety medication addiction will provide round-the-clock medical treatment for withdrawal symptoms. We also provide clinical treatment from licensed counselors to help you manage the psychological symptoms of drug withdrawal.
If and when you are able, you may also attend group therapy meetings. These sessions will provide additional guidance and support as you process your emotions and feelings related to getting sober.
Treatment during medical detox not only ensures your physical health and safety but also helps you stay sober through the most difficult aspects of withdrawal. We provide compassionate assistance and support to ensure that you have access to appropriate treatment and care after detox is over. Getting the proper care will help you stay sober and achieve long-lasting sobriety.
If you’d like to learn more about drug and alcohol detox programs and treatment for co-occurring disorders like anxiety, call (888) 857-0557 to speak with a Briarwood Detox Center representative today. We accept most forms of insurance for detox.