by: Daniel Factor
Benzodiazepines are in a class of medications that are known as tranquilizers. Commonly used benzodiazepines include Xanax and Valium. These medications are some of the most highly prescribed medications by physicians in the United States. Benzodiazepines also have a high risk of abuse due to their sedating effects. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for individuals suffering from anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, insomnia, epilepsy, tense or rigid muscles, and induction of anesthesia for surgeries or procedures that are painful.
Benzodiazepines work through acting on the central nervous system and lower the level of anxiety, increase muscle relaxation, and induce sedation. More than 2,000 different benzodiazepines have been developed, but only 15 are approved by the Food and Drug Administration within the United States. Benzodiazepines are classified by the amount of time they produce effects. Ultra short acting benzodiazepines include Versed and Halcion. Short acting benzodiazepines include Xanax and Ativan. Long acting benzodiazepines include Librium and Valium.
As mentioned before, benzodiazepines have a high risk of abuse and are commonly abused by people who are prescribed and others that are not prescribed the drug. The abuse of benzodiazepines is related to the effects they produce as well as the wide availability of the drugs. Benzodiazepines can be abused chronically and lead to accidental overdoses. Serious illness or death from benzodiazepines use rarely occur alone and usually take place when a benzodiazepines is combined with another substance such as alcohol or other drugs. Combining benzodiazepines and alcohol can be extremely dangerous and sometimes leads to death. The root cause of benzodiazepine abuse can be from genetic predisposition as well as environmental factors. Environmental factors that can lead to benzodiazepine abuse include low socioeconomic status, peer pressure, and unemployment.
Symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse can include pronounced drowsiness or dizziness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, lack of coördination, coma, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing. Signs of chronic benzodiazepine abuse may include changes in appearance and/or behavior that lead to issues in relationships and work performance. Signs of benzodiazepine abuse can also include changes in mood, anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, weakness, and headaches.
If benzodiazepine use is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms including seizures may occur. Symptoms of withdrawal can occur three to four days after the last use of a benzodiazepine and may occur for up to two weeks. Withdrawal symptoms can appear during an earlier time frame for shorter acting benzodiazepines.
Treatment for benzodiazepine abuse can vary depending on the level of abuse that is occurring. Medical treatments for benzodiazepine abuse include ridding the body of the toxic effects of benzodiazepines. Treatments to flush the body of benzodiazepines include gastric lavage (i.e.,tube insertion in order to flush the stomach with water), taking a dose of activated charcoal (side effects can include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps), or taking a dose of Romazicon. Romazicon is an antidote for the toxic effects of benzodiazepines. It reverses the sedation effects of benzodiazepines.
Treatment of chronic benzodiazepine abuse can be completed within a treatment center or home. Doctors should monitor individuals who are going through treatment for benzodiazepine abuse. The first step in the treatment of chronic benzodiazepine abuse is reducing the amount of benzodiazepines taken gradually in order to prevent seizures and other withdrawal symptoms. This is usually the easiest phase for individuals to complete. The hardest part of benzodiazepine withdrawal is the final phase in which the drug must be abstained from. Individuals who abuse benzodiazepines should also be given social support after treatment. Family and friends should be involved in the treatment process in order to increase the chance that the treatment will be successful long-term. Family and friends should provide support and encouragement to individuals who are working toward recovering from benzodiazepine abuse.
Daniel Factor is a freelance writer from Birmingham, Alabama. He is passionate about helping those who suffer with alcohol or drug addiction.
To learn more about benzodiazepine addiction, please visit The Recovery Village.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
