The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast

Episode 5: Benzodiazepines — The Hidden Danger of Dependence and Withdrawal | Carolina Center for Recovery

The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast Season 2025 Episode 5

Episode 5: Benzodiazepines — The Hidden Danger of Dependence and Withdrawal | Carolina Center for Recovery

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal — but even when taken as directed, they can quickly lead to physical dependence and addiction. In this episode of The Behavioral Health Answers Podcast, we break down how benzodiazepines work, why they’re so risky, and what safe recovery actually requires.

In this episode, we cover:

• What benzodiazepines are and why they’re prescribed
 • Common benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin
 • How benzodiazepines slow the central nervous system
 • Why dependence can develop even when taken as prescribed
 • How tolerance, dependence, and addiction form
 • What benzodiazepine misuse really looks like
 • Behavioral warning signs of benzodiazepine addiction
 • Why withdrawal symptoms are so severe and dangerous
 • The risks of quitting benzodiazepines “cold turkey”
 • How withdrawal can cause anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, and dangerous spikes in heart rate and blood pressure
 • Why medically supervised detox is critical
 • What long-term recovery from benzodiazepine addiction involves

This episode reinforces a crucial message: benzodiazepine addiction is not a personal failure — it’s a medical condition. With proper medical support, therapy, and long-term care, recovery is possible and lasting healing can begin.

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.