What is Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction?

A Closer Look at BIND and Effective Treatment Approaches

When people first start using benzodiazepines, they may not know that they can cause changes in the brain. Over time, for some people taking benzo drugs, these changes can include long-term neurological complications, which are referred to as benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction.

If you experience life-disrupting symptoms after taking benzodiazepines, this is not uncommon and can be addressed with the right form of support. Healing from them is possible.

So, what is benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction, exactly? What else should you know?

Catalina Behavioral Health has effective treatment for benzodiazepine induced neurological dysfunction and options for people experiencing the negative effects of benzodiazepines, including symptoms that present before and after stopping the medications in this category.

What is Benzodiazepine Induced Neurological Dysfunction (BIND)?

Benzodiazepine induced neurological dysfunction, also known as BIND, is a condition where long-term neurological or psychiatric symptoms occur after taking benzodiazepines. The specific forms of these symptoms can vary in both type and severity.

Functionally limiting neurologic symptoms associated with BIND affect not only current benzodiazepine users, as well as those who have stopped taking benzodiazepine drugs.

BIND isn’t the same as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to withdrawal symptoms persisting beyond the acute withdrawal stage.

PAWs and BIND can both affect benzodiazepine users. But, PAWs doesn’t accurately describe the complete range of symptoms associated with BIND.

What are the Common Symptoms of BIND?

Everyone experiences BIND differently. However, some of the most common signs of BIND include:

• Memory loss.
• Nervousness.
• Anxiety.
• Digestive issues.
• Muscle weakness.
• Body aches and pains.
• Sensitivity to sights and sounds.
• Difficulty focusing and distractedness.
• Restlessness.
• Low energy.
• Insomnia.

A survey on 1,207 benzodiazepine users from benzodiazepine support groups found that over 76% of participants’ BIND symptoms persisted for months or for one year or longer.

These include symptoms unrelated to why benzodiazepines were originally prescribed.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches for BIND

At Catalina Behavioral Health, our clinicians use a comprehensive approach to effectively treat BIND. Typically, treatment involves a mixture of the following.

Medical Treatment and Withdrawal Management

Let us be abundantly clear here: benzodiazepine withdrawal should be approached carefully. Stopping benzodiazepines abruptly may cause severe symptoms. Working with a professional is crucial. Discontinuing these drugs without medical guidance can lead to serious health consequences.

Typically, a medical provider helping you stop benzodiazepines will use a tapering approach, where they reduce the amount of benzodiazepines you take slowly. They will monitor your symptoms throughout the process so that they can be addressed properly.

Mental Health Therapy

Once past detox and early withdrawal, mental health therapy is often imperative during the recovery process. Mindfulness-based interventions and behavioral therapies can provide you with the coping skills you need to cope with BIND symptoms and protracted withdrawal.

You may find treatments like biofeedback beneficial. Biofeedback helps you learn to manage physiological (bodily) responses. It can reduce cravings (urges to use benzodiazepines), improve mood, and lead to better functioning in daily life, among other positive outcomes.

Our programs use a combination of groups and individual therapy sessions. Family therapy is also available and can aid the treatment process.

Lifestyle and Stress Management

For those who develop BIND, lifestyle changes and stress management can be crucial. Helpful changes may include, but aren’t necessarily limited to:

• Regular exercise. Physical activity benefits the brain and body, improving overall well-being.
• Proper nutrition. For example, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and eating regular meals rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins.
• Sleep hygiene. Going to bed at the same time each night, avoiding caffeine, sleeping in a cool, dark room, and refraining from technology use before bed.
• Techniques that help to regulate the nervous system. For example, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.

The medical and mental health professionals at Catalina Behavioral Health can help you implement sustainable routines and habits that support long-term recovery.

What are the Risk Factors for BIND?

Some factors may make it more likely that you will experience symptoms of BIND and other adverse life consequences associated with benzodiazepines.

Possible risk factors for BIND may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Long-term benzodiazepine use. People who use benzodiazepines for a short period are less likely to experience adverse consequences. Long-term use is not recommended.
• Taking higher doses of benzodiazepine drugs. People who take larger doses of benzodiazepines are at a greater risk of serious withdrawal symptoms and other long-term effects.
• Using other central nervous system depressants. If you combine benzodiazepines with other drugs that affect brain activity similarly, like alcohol, opioids, or some sleep aids, it can intensify the nervous system depression central to the development of BIND.

Ongoing investigations and research should continue to reveal risk factors linked to BIND. With time and professional guidance, BIND symptoms become more manageable and can subside completely.

What are Other Possible Long-Term Consequences of Benzodiazepine Use?

Benzodiazepine exposure can lead to a range of short and long-term consequences.

Adverse consequences linked to benzodiazepine use include but aren’t limited to[3]:

• Long-term neurological changes.
• Benzodiazepine dependence (addiction).
• Withdrawal symptoms.
• Suicidal ideation.

Like there are effective modes of treating BIND, addiction treatment can help you overcome benzodiazepine addiction, misuse, or abuse. In this case, therapies used for substance use disorders should be employed for benzodiazepine users.

Choose Catalina for Support to Overcome BIND Today

Catalina Behavioral Health is an accredited recovery center providing substance use and mental health treatment. With multiple programs available, including inpatient rehab and outpatient therapy, we’re here to help you or your loved one address the symptoms induced by BIND and heal.

Our team uses a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach. Everything that affects your experience with benzodiazepine dependence and recovery will be addressed while you’re in treatment to promote lasting sobriety.

Please call our admissions line today to speak confidentially with a team member. We’re here to answer your questions, help with insurance verification and payment, or guide you through the intake process now.

References

1. Identification and evidence-based treatment of post-acute withdrawal syndrome – sciencedirect. (n.d.-l).
2. Ritvo, A. D., Foster, D. E., Huff, C., Finlayson, A. J. R., Silvernail, B., & Martin, P. R. (2023, June 29). Long-term consequences of benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction: A survey. PloS one.
3. Edinoff, A. N., Nix, C. A., Hollier, J., Sagrera, C. E., Delacroix, B. M., Abubakar, T., Cornett, E. M., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021, November 10). Benzodiazepines: Uses, dangers, and clinical considerations. Neurology International.