Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Substance Use Disorder

1. Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Substance Use Disorder Benzodiazepines Can Worsen Substance Use Disorder Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers, are a central nervous system (CNS) depressant drug. There have been a number of opinions circulating around on the role of benzodiazepines. One school of thought suggests total avoidance of such drugs due to the impact on the brain activity, while another school of thought recommends benzodiazepines as the preferred agent for treating anxiety and panic disorders due to its various beneficial effects, especially when used as per the prescription. Interestingly, it is also the preferred medication for detoxification from alcohol abuse because of its high safety margin. Generally, benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), are prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms, stress and panic attacks due to their sedative and calming effects. However, the long-term use of benzodiazepines as mentioned above is not recommended due to the risk of developing tolerance, dependence or addiction. At benzodiazepines considered the first-line treatment for certain anxiety disorders and panic However, it is now a well-known fact that the low potent form of this drug does not treat panic disorders effectively and the build-up of tolerance and addiction worsens anxiety symptoms and leads to consequences memory. some point, were disorders. adverse on With numerous evidence corroborating the above harmful effects of benzodiazepines, these drugs are no longer regarded as the first-line treatment. Moreover, reports pertaining to the cases of overdose point out that benzodiazepines are commonly used in a combination with other drugs of abuse. The usage of these drugs in polydrug abuse contexts poses a significant threat to the public, especially for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). Risks of benzodiazepine abuse Due to their increased availability and multiple toxic effects, a large number of people, especially youngsters, abuse benzodiazepines. In fact, it is being increasingly used as a “date rape” drug that can impair cognitive functions and lead to sexual assault. With the dramatic rise in the abuse of benzodiazepines, there has been increased focus on spreading awareness on their repercussions. www.sovtexas.com

2. A person generally feels groggy and languid after consuming a depressant like benzodiazepines due to their sedative effects. Once a person’s body adapts to the effects of benzodiazepines, he or she runs the risk of developing tolerance and dependence on them. A person regularly abusing benzodiazepines needs to increase his or her dose to attain the desired therapeutic effects and experiences withdrawal symptoms when he or she abruptly stops taking the drug. Another aspect of abstinence from benzodiazepines that people need to be wary of is the rebound effect brought on by a sudden spike in brain activity that can result in seizures and other harmful consequences. Although benzodiazepines cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms, it seldom endangers a person’s life. But when taken along with other medications or substances, the consequences amplify significantly. Despite this risk, many individuals due to lack of awareness and increased misconception use benzodiazepines in combination with other drugs for self-medicating their underlying problems, such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, etc. For instance, people encountering sleep problems often use benzodiazepines to improve the quality of their sleep and to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the morning. These drugs also have increased chances of worsening the existing symptoms and developing an addiction. Since benzodiazepines enhance social interactional skills by inciting a calming sensation when taken by a person with anxiety disorder, such benefits can make the drug seem more attractive for use. This can potentially increase the risk of abuse. Furthermore, the nonmedical use of benzodiazepines with other drugs amplifies the euphoric effect, especially when mixed with other prescription opioids. When benzodiazepines are used as a secondary drug for self-medication purposes, it can lead to intoxication delirium due to the combined effects of drugs, medications or alcohol in the bloodstream. As a result, it can lead to the development of a delirious state of mind. When benzodiazepine dependence becomes more pronounced in individuals with SUD, users on the failure to procure the primary drug of abuse take to the streets to scout for benzodiazepines. They may visit a doctor to acquire the drug for recreational purposes by falsely claiming that they require it to address their anxiety symptoms. These individuals run the risk of experiencing a multitude of mental and physical health complications, especially when mixed with a number of other agents to get a high. In extreme cases, it can result in an overdose or death of the user. Recovery is possible Though benzodiazepine is relatively a safe drug, researches have shown that it has the potential to cause dependence. It is increasingly used as a means of self-medication because of its easy availability in the United States. The drug is especially dangerous when taken in combination with other opioids or illicit drugs. Therefore, once a person develops dependence to benzodiazepine, it is imperative to seek professional help to avoid the aggravation of the problem. Sovereign Health understands the plight of a person who is unable to discontinue the use of harmful substances despite the negative impact on his or her life. Our drug addiction treatment centers offer services tailored according to the needs of each patient in order to treat him or her holistically. Sovereign Health of Texas offers treatment for drug addiction thatis designed to enable early recovery. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number (866) 283-6305 to know more about our comprehensive treatment plans. www.sovtexas.com