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July 17, 2019
Benzodiazepine addiction is the most common tablet abuse.
People have long sought ways to relax and eliminate nervousness, tension, and bad mood. In an effort to make life less painful, they resorted to bromine salts, barbituric acid derivatives, alcohol. Since the 60s of the last century, benzodiazepines have been included in this list.
In the short term, they provide not only psychological but also physical relaxation, so it is not surprising that they quickly become “favorite” sedatives of people all over the world. Almost every home pharmacy has some kind of benzodiazepine, and it is estimated that every other person takes them on their own hook, without consulting a doctor. It is here that the risk of activating their adverse effects lies, that is, after a certain period, one develops benzodiazepines addiction.
How do benzodiazepines work?
Benzodiazepines belong to the group of anxiolytics, i.e., antianxiety drugs. The most famous of these are diazepam (Apaurin, Bensendin), lorazepam, bromazepam, and alprazolam (Xanax, Xalol).
These drugs have four basic functions – sedative, muscular relaxation, and cramp relieve function. Thanks to this effect, they are widely applied in medicine. Namely, benzodiazepines are used to treat panic attacks, insomnia, obsessions, and various neuroses. They are also used as part of anesthesia. Then, in cardiology, for the protection of the heart against elevated levels of adrenaline, in neurology for the treatment of seizures …
Benzodiazepine addiction develops rapidly
Since they have a fast effect, benzodiazepines must be used only in the prescribed dose and for a shorter period. Unfortunately, many patients continue with use even after the termination of therapy. Over time, the effect of the drug weakens, so they take increasingly higher doses, which lead to addiction.
In fact, the problem can develop in just three months, and with some types even in 6 weeks, especially in people who experience other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism, smoking, gambling, and so on. These people are recognized by unpredictable behavior, insomnia, muscle pain, depression, or even aggressiveness.
Benzodiazepine addiction can be physical and psychological
Psychological addiction causes a craving for medication. More precisely, a person is afraid not to take medicine, and strives to never be without it. He does not see taking medicine as something bad, especially if he faces a problem in life.
Physical addiction means the body got used to the given medicine. If it is not taken at the usual time, the person will fall into a crisis, experiencing severe problems – increased anxiety, irritability, fear, panic attacks, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, feeling of numbness, hot flashes, tingling sensation.
Benzodiazepine addiction is treated individually
Treatment begins by understanding the problem. The expert team of Dr Vorobjev clinic makes a physical and psychological assessment of the patient. In this way, the condition of the internal organs and the consequences of drug abuse left on mental health – possible mental disorders – are determined. At the same time, the level of addiction is examined.
The treatment plan is determined based on a detailed analysis. The first part is painless detoxification, which involves the application of special treatments for cleansing the body from benzodiazepines and alleviating the crisis. During this phase, regular urine tests for the presence of the drug are performed.
When urine tests become negative, the physical condition is stable. However, it is also necessary to establish psychological stabilization. The psychologist and psychiatrist help in this step to overcome all the risks of returning to the old ways. Only then will the patient have the energy and the will to return to normal life.
Dr Vorobjev clinic has a decades-long experience in the treatment of benzodiazepine addiction. With us you will learn to re-enjoy your day-to-day activities.
Published on July 17, 2019
Dr Vorobjev Clinic team
