Understanding Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos,” are a class of pharmaceutical medicines suggested for a spectrum of mental disorders and conditions. They are made use of to deal with modest to severe stress and anxiety, anxiety attack, epileptic seizures, and even withdrawal symptoms from various other Central Nerves (CNS) Depressants, like alcohol. Because of their high potential to create dependency, Benzodiazepines are generally suggested for temporary usage.
Benzodiazepines are classified Schedule IV medicines under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating they are extremely managed by the US federal government.
Many Benzodiazepines are available in pill or tablet type for oral consumption. Some brand names, like Valium, can likewise be provided intravenously as a clear, odor free liquid. Benzodiazepines are legal when they are suggested. However, an underground market for the medicines exists too. On the street, Benzodiazepine medicines could go by other names like Tranks, Downers, Pubs, Sticks, French Fries, Ladders, or merely Benzos.
Some usual Benzodiazepines consist of:
- Valium
- Ativan
- Klonopin
- Librium
- Halcion
Benzodiazepines can be unsafe and addicting, even in spite of their medical legitimacy as well as government guideline. If you or a loved one is struggling with Benzodiazepine use, get assist rehab-related aid today.
Benzodiazepines Effects And Abuse
Benzodiazepines bind with special neurons called GABA receptors in a process that slows overactive brain function and relieves severe mental stress. Those abusing Benzodiazepines can experience a euphoric “high” or alcohol-like “buzz” depending on the brand abused. This is followed by a prolonged sedation.
Any use of Benzodiazepines outside of a doctor’s recommendation constitutes abuse. Some Benzodiazepine users crush and snort their tablets or pills to amplify the potency. This increases the likelihood of overdose. Seizures and coma are common symptoms of a Benzo overdose.
Benzodiazepine overdose can slow breathing and heart rate until they stop completely, resulting in death.
Addiction To Benzodiazepines
Due to their high potency, Benzodiazepines can change the brain’s neurochemistry. Over time, the drugs build up in the user’s body. Users can develop mental and physical dependencies on the drugs as a result. The prevalence of Benzodiazepines as popular, oft-prescribed anti-anxiety medications means that people from every demographic and lifestyle can be exposed to them. Addiction can form even under a physician’s care and prescribed doses.
Because Benzodiazepines are available by prescription, users and their loved ones are often unaware of the high potential for addiction and abuse. Signs of addiction that might be overlooked include developing a tolerance to the drugs’ sedative effects or dismissing important people and activities to focus solely on getting and abusing the drugs.
Benzodiazepines And Other Drugs
In order to boost their buzz, some users will mix the drugs with other CNS Depressants. Alcohol is typically the chosen CNS Depressant to combine with Benzodiazepines, but users might also take Benzos in conjunction with Opiate drugs to escalate both highs. Mixing Benzodiazepines with other prescription and illicit drugs greatly increases the odds of fatal overdose.
One study reported that nearly 95% of hospital admissions for Benzodiazepine overdose included the abuse of at least one other substance.
Signs And Symptoms Of Benzodiazepine Addiction
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Blacking out
- Passing out
- Poor judgment
- “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Asking others for their pills
- Inability to stop using despite making attempts
- Mood changes
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Mixing Benzos with other drugs
- Impaired coordination
- Withdrawal symptoms
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Benzodiazepine Abuse Statistics
50+
million
Doctors write out more than 50 million prescriptions for Benzodiazepines annually, according to AAFP.
11-15
percent
11 to 15% of Americans have Benzos in their medicine cabinet, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
38+
thousand
38,329 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US in 2010, according to the CDC. Nearly 60 percent were caused by prescription drugs.
