More than 1 in 6 adults in the US has an anxiety disorder, while 1 in 9 young people have experienced anxiety [1]. Anxiety isn’t just feeling nervous; it’s a serious, life-changing condition that has increased among populations in recent years.
Anxiety can be treated with prescription medications. The problem, however, is that some of the substances can be misused and lead to addiction. Anyone who is vulnerable to addiction could also struggle to take the medication safely.
People often assume that if a medication has been prescribed, it can’t be addictive or that it can’t influence addiction. That’s not correct. In the case of anxiety medications and addiction, here’s when treatment can make things worse.
What Are Anxiety Medications?
Anxiety medications are drugs that are administered by a licensed physician to help treat anxiety disorders, including general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. The most common medications for anxiety are antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
Antidepressants work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which help regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Benzodiazepines enhance the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter at the GABA-A receptor, which slows down activity in the brain and nervous system.
Antidepressants are generally not considered addictive, but they can produce withdrawal symptoms if use is suddenly stopped or slowed. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. In 2019, over 30 million people reported taking benzodiazepines [2].
Medication is usually given after a person with anxiety has already tried lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise, seeking weekly therapy, and reducing stress. Not everyone with anxiety will be prescribed medication; people with severe symptoms are most likely to receive a prescription.
Can Anxiety Medications Be Misused?
Both antidepressants and benzodiazepines can be misused. Misuse includes the following actions:
- Taking a higher dose, taking medication more frequently, or using medication in any way other than as recommended
- Using someone else’s prescribed anxiety medication
- Getting anxiety medication from a source other than a licensed clinician
- Taking anxiety medication with other substances, such as alcohol or illicit substances
- Manipulating health services or providers to get anxiety medications
Studies show that misuse accounts for nearly 20% of all benzodiazepine prescriptions. Using benzodiazepines without a prescription was the most common type of misuse, and a friend or relative was the most common source [2]. Meanwhile, antidepressant misuse has been reported as reaching “epidemic proportions”. The most common form of misuse is taking high doses [3].
Does Misuse Lead to Addiction?
Misuse increases the risk of developing an addiction to anxiety medication. Having an existing substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health disorder also increases the likelihood of becoming addicted to prescribed medication.
The misuse of prescription opioids or stimulants is strongly associated with benzodiazepine misuse [2]. Most cases of antidepressant abuse have occurred among people with co-occurring substance use and mood disorders [3].
Due to the long-term nature of anxiety, benzodiazepines are typically given at a low dose for treatment [2]. But a person misusing benzodiazepines may increase the dosage and develop dependency. Research shows that adults under 50 are more likely than younger people to use benzodiazepines more often than prescribed. However, people aged 18-25 have the highest overall rates of misuse [3].
Among people taking antidepressants, one study found that 40.3% had an alcohol use disorder, and 17.2% had a substance use disorder [3]. Antidepressants are not habit-forming, but they can produce side effects that could influence someone who is prone to addiction to misuse, continue misusing, or use other substances. Misusing antidepressants can be a predictor of developing lifetime prescription drug dependence [3].
In 2026, there have been growing concerns about the high rates of co-prescribing CNS depressants (including antidepressants) with benzodiazepines [4]. People who are prescribed both may be vulnerable to longer treatment and higher benzodiazepine doses which may impact the risk of dependence [5].
How to Navigate Anxiety and Addiction Risks
Anxiety medications are effective and safe when used as prescribed, but for some people, access to highly addictive medications can do more damage than good. Benzodiazepines, in particular, carry a risk for people who have an existing SUD or mental health disorder, or for people who are vulnerable to addiction.
Treating anxiety is important, but so is being aware of possible outcomes. It’s also important to know that if a person is suffering from anxiety and an addiction, there is tailored treatment to address and overcome both conditions.
Treatment includes evidence-based therapies to identify the triggers and drivers of addiction and anxiety, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings in severe cases or if alcohol/opioid abuse is present, and wellness activities that promote physical and mental health.
Trying to heal from one disorder shouldn’t mean being exposed to another. Know the risks, and know that recovery is always possible.
Addiction and Mental Health Care at Buena Vista Health & Recovery Center
We’re a leading rehab facility for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. We have a licensed team to provide tailored care for each person based on their medical history, current needs, and hopes for the future.
Our center in Chandler, AZ, spans 50,000 square feet and is fully equipped for treatment that targets both anxiety and addiction. Our approach integrates evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) where needed, and wellness activities for deep, sustained healing.
We never judge; we just help — and we know that you’re worthy of it. Contact our admissions team.
Sources
[1] National Alliance on Mental Illness. (May 2026). Anxiety Disorders. nami.org.
[2] Maust, D. et al. (February 2019). Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States. Psychiatric Services.
[3] Evans, E. Sullivan, M. (August 2014). Abuse and misuse of antidepressants. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation.
[4] Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. (February 2026). Benzodiazepine Use Declines Across the U.S., Led by Reductions in Older Adults. publichealth.columbia.edu.
[5] Kinny, K. et al. (March 2025). Influence of SSRI and SNRI co-prescription on benzodiazepine prescription trajectories. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
— And Keep Your Family Near By.