Here we tell you what benzodiazepine are, what dangers benzodiazepine abuse carries and how to help the addict cope with the disease.
When you read the instructions for the drug, you can substitute that there will definitely be side effects listed there. One of them may be the formation of addiction. Benzodiazepines belong to just such drugs.
Even if you've never used them, you've probably heard of Xanax, Valium, Librium. All these are trade names of various benzodiazepines. They are united by the similar structure of the active substance and the nature of the effect on the body when used.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat epilepsy, seizures, anxiety and insomnia. Once in the bloodstream, such substances affect neurotransmitters in the brain. For example, those that inhibit nerve activity. This explains the sedative effect that occurs when benzodiazepines are taken.
Benzodiazepines are relatively safe at dosages prescribed by doctors. They have been used for more than 60 years and have proven to be effective. But if the drug is used longer than the course prescribed by the doctor and in excess of the dosage, there may be problems:
development of addiction. Drugs of this group are addictive after 6-8 weeks of use;
severe withdrawal symptoms. Paradoxically, but the abuse of benzodiazepines can intensify the symptoms of the diseases they are designed to combat. The withdrawal syndrome is manifested by anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and seizures, among others;
use as a narcotic. Benzodiazepines produce relaxing and euphoric effects and are easy to buy, so they are often misused;
risk of overdose. As central nervous system depressants, benzodiazepines can cause respiratory arrest. The likelihood of overdose increases when different prescription opioids are mixed and alcohol is consumed.
The use of benzodiazepines is a reason to take a closer look at a person's behavior. Below we have three basic recommendations that will improve his health and maybe even keep him alive.
If you are already aware of the problem, getting benzodiazepine addiction help is possible at one of the rehabs – there are especially many of them in California. Here, the patient will receive qualified help, help with withdrawal symptoms, learn how to avoid triggers and live without such drugs.
Benzodiazepines have an inhibitory effect on the nervous system. If a person abuses such drugs, he will look exhausted, lethargic, drowsy. He is easily recognizable by impaired coordination of movements, he looks like a drunk.
But there are other situations when a person dependent on the drug becomes very active and fidgety. This can be accompanied by a sudden change in mood.
If a person with addiction for some reason does not use benzodiazepines for more than 6-8 hours, his state of health changes.
This is due to the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms:
heart rhythm disturbances;
a drop in blood pressure;
seizures;
dilated pupils;
shortness of breath;
abdominal pain;
psychosis.
Patients often develop insomnia, and rare periods of sleep are accompanied by nightmares. In case of overdose, there is a high risk of death due to heart attack and severe damage to the nervous system.
Despite the symptoms described above, it is not very easy to recognize addiction. The whole point is that benzodiazepines are prescribed by doctors who have a certain authority. These are prescription drugs, so it is difficult to believe that they can do harm.
At the first suspicion it is necessary to consult with addiction specialists. Tell how often the patient uses the drugs and in what doses. Describe the case in as much detail as possible, so that the specialist can determine the source of the problem.
It is also recommended to visit communities dedicated to prescription drug addiction. You can find them on the Internet.
The success of treatment depends on how consciously a person has made a choice in favor of rehab. It is possible to force him/her to do it, but it is ineffective, it is necessary to convince him/her.
For each patient in the treatment center develops an individual treatment program, which may include:
detoxification to remove harmful substances from the body;
dual diagnosis: treatment of addiction and associated mental disorders;
psychotherapy;
alternative therapies.
If benzodiazepines were prescribed for symptomatic treatment, they are replaced with other drugs that are not addictive during the rehabilitation process. After rehab, the patient needs to monitor his or her health and prevent relapses by seeking help in a timely manner.
