Anxiolytics, although valuable for treating anxiety, carry risks of addiction.
- Anti-anxiety medications are drugs commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve anxiety.
- However, taking this type of medication too often can lead to tolerance, which is the need to increase doses to have the same effect.
- While benzodiazepines are particularly known for their addictive risk, not all anxiolytics present the same risk.
Anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed by doctors to relieve anxiety. Although effective, some can lead to addiction. Understanding the rules for prescribing them can help prevent this problem.
Why can some anxiolytics cause addiction?
Dependence on anxiolytics is mainly linked to their action on the brain. Most anxiolytics act on GABA, a messenger that calms the activity of neurons. This is particularly the case for benzodiazepines, the most prescribed family of anxiolytics, which provide a rapid and powerful calming effect.
However, taking this type of medication too often can lead to tolerance, i.e. the need to increase the doses to have the same effect. The brain adapts in a way, by reducing its own production of GABA, which causes withdrawal symptoms when stopping: anxiety, insomnia and even convulsions in severe cases. It is this vicious circle that causes the desire to consume again without being able to stop.
Know the different types of anxiolytics
While benzodiazepines are particularly known for their addictive risk, not all anxiolytics present the same risk. For example, you can ask your doctor for anxiolytics from the antihistamine family, which are also given in cases of allergy and which have a low risk of addiction.
In some cases, antidepressants from the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) family are indicated. Although their action is more gradual, they have the advantage of not directly modifying GABA levels. They are often prescribed for long-term treatments and allow for more stable management of anxiety.
The importance of accompaniment and support
If an anxiolytic treatment from the benzodiazepine family is necessary, it is best to avoid taking it in the long term. In general, the prescription period should not exceed 12 weeks and it should not be taken systematically. To minimize the risks of addiction, it is crucial to have psychological support and talking to those around you can help monitor the signs of addiction and offer emotional support.
Find out more: “Addictions: Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, medication, gambling…” by Éric Peyron and Julia de Ternay.
