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Estazolam, a benzos, is a sedative-hypnotic drug that is commonly prescribed under its brand Prosom. It is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Though Estazolam seems ideal for initiating and maintaining sleep, its long-term use is harmful. It causes tolerance after repeated use and users may take an increased dose to achieve the same effect. Addiction will set in, and it will become very difficult to discontinue the drug.
Estazolam addicts find it difficult to overcome addiction on their own. Depending on the intensity and extent of their addiction, individuals may seek treatment in a rehab facility where they will either get inpatient or outpatient care. In this article we provide more information on Estazolam addiction and how to get help.
What Is Estazolam
Estazolam is a central nervous depressant that works via GABA receptors. It has good anti-convulsant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and muscle relaxant properties. It is known by many street names such as “benzos”, “blues”, “candy”, “chill pills”, “downers”, “french fries”, “sleeping pills”, “totem poles”, and “tranks”.
Indications for Use
Estazolam is commonly prescribed for the treatment of convulsion, insomnia, and anxiety. The use of Estazolam for insomnia is short-term due to its addiction potential. Estazolam is used to initiate and maintain sleep because of its fast onset and long duration of action.
Estazolam Analogs
Its analogs are temazepam (Restoril), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), nitrazepam (Mogadon), quazepam (Dormalin), triazolam (Halcion), and lorazepam (Ativan).
The Effects of Estazolam Abuse
After some time, Estazolam use leads to tolerance, which then develops into dependency. If not controlled, patients will develop physical and mental addiction. It then becomes challenging to discontinue the drug because the withdrawal symptoms could be fatal. The potential for abuse of Prosom increases when it is co-administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids, and other benzos.
Short-Term Effects
Even at a therapeutic dose, use may have the following prosom side effects:
- Hangover
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Behavioral changes
- Uncoordinated movement
- Muscle stiffness
Long-Term Effects
Long-term effects of Estazolam use include:
- High risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Coma
- Paranoia
- Change in blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Seizure
Symptoms and Signs of Estazolam Use
Estazolam use can have physical, behavioral, or psychological effects on the patient. Their tolerance, weight, age, health, dose, etc. can all have an impact on the symptoms and signs that are observed.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms and signs of Estazolam use include:
- Shaky hands
- Slurred speech
- Elevated heart rate
- Intestinal issues
- Sleepwalking
Psychological Symptoms
The psychological symptoms and signs of Estazolam side effects include:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Depression and anxiety
- Extreme confusion
- Paranoia
- Memory loss
Behavioral Symptoms
The following are behavioral signs and symptoms of Estazolam use:
- Trying to obtain the medication illicitly
- Taking larger doses or for a longer period than prescribed
- Use it for recreational purposes or combined with other drugs
- Inability to stop using the drug despite bad consequences
- The presence of withdrawal symptoms after quitting
Estazolam Addiction Treatment Options
These are the Estazolam addiction treatment options:
- Medical detoxification
- Mental addiction therapy
- Education on addiction
Depending on the intensity and the unique characteristics of the patient, the treatment plan may include all three options. Mental addiction therapy is essential to help patients live healthy lives after treatment. It also speeds up recovery.
Medical Treatment for Estazolam Addiction
The medical option is detoxification. The patient is progressively tapered off the drug under expert supervision to avoid and lessen the possibility of withdrawal symptoms. It is only prescribed to patients who are at high risk of developing severe withdrawal syndrome. Detoxification is dangerous and should not be done at home without professional supervision.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment for Estazolam Addiction
The inpatient treatment option allows the patient to be formally hospitalized and receive therapy under the close monitoring of a healthcare expert. It is recommended for patients with severe signs and symptoms and those at risk of Estazolam withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home and maintain their daily routine while receiving treatment. It is usually prescribed for patients with less severe symptoms. Patients come to the clinic when they have an appointment.
Process and Stages of Estazolam Addiction Treatment at Dr.Vorobjev Clinic
We know that many patients are hesitant to ask for help because they don’t realize they need it. The first step in the Prosom addiction treatment process is a free consultation with a specialist who will give the patient information and allay any fears that may be holding them back from getting help. The method of treating addiction includes a thorough diagnosis, detoxification, and other forms of therapy.
Diagnosis of Estazolam Addiction
The diagnosis is a thorough process to understand the depth of the patient’s addiction, evaluate their health status, and choose the best treatment option to enhance their quality of life. For a high success rate, the treatment is individualized and has patient involvement.
Estazolam Detoxification Treatment
After diagnosis, patients will undergo detoxification if necessary. It involves a gradual reduction in the drug dose over a period of time, under the close supervision of an expert. This is to avoid or lessen the withdrawal symptoms that may follow the discontinuation. It increases patients’ coping mechanisms and reduces their risk of relapse.
Therapy
Working with a psychologist allows patients to identify the cause of their addiction and form new healthy behavior patterns.
Aftercare
Support programs help patients avoid relapses and adjust treatment if necessary.
Average Length of Estazolam Addiction Treatment
The level of addiction, general health status, and pre-existing support systems will influence how long the detoxification takes. If the symptoms are severe, treatment could be a couple of months, and usually at an inpatient facility. Patients with less severe symptoms can get treatment as an outpatient.
Effectiveness of Treatment for Estazolam Addiction
The success rates of patients who underwent Estazolam addiction therapy at our clinic attest to the effectiveness of the therapeutic strategy. It is worth noting that addiction treatment is a lifelong commitment, and maintaining good friendships that advocate against drugs.
Cost of Estazolam Addiction Treatment
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the addiction and the program chosen. At our clinic the price starts at 2700 €.
Doctors
Dr.Vorobjev clinic provides top-notch facilities and services for addiction treatment. Our drug addiction specialists have a wealth of knowledge and expertise from helping hundreds of addicts resume healthy lifestyles. Only Estazolam treatment standards are used by our medical professionals that specialize in drug addiction.
Patents and Certificates
The Dr.Vorobjev clinic stands out from other clinics because it provides patients with the best acute care. We are recognized and trained addiction specialists with the Drug, Alcohol & Addiction Counselor Certification (DAACC) to help patients end the cycle of substance misuse and start a new life.
