Benzodiazepine is a psychoactive drug. It is pharmacologically used to treat anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawals and seizures. This is due to it’s sedative, sleep-inducing and anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant effects. When used under professional medical care, benzodiazepines are safe and effective on a short term basis. Although, damaging effects and cognitive impairments are possible.
Misuse of the drug
Benzodiazepine is a recreational drug. It is commonly in association with drugs of misuse. This is partly due to their availability.
“The wide human exposure to this group of drugs throughout the world is of great concern for human health” (Giri A K, Banerjee S. (1993). Genetic toxicology of four commonly used benzodiazepines: A review. Mutation Research, 340, 93-108)
Benzodiazepine drug names include Zopiclone, Oxazepam, Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Clorazepate, Diazepam, Temazepam and many others. Some of Benzodiazepine common brand names include Xanax, Lexotan, Librium and more.
Short term side effects can include: impaired motor coordination, drowsiness, lethargy and fatigue. They also impair thinking and memory. Also, when taken in high doses they can induce severe drowsiness, slowed reflexes and mood swings.
Long term use of benzodiazepine may result in impaired thinking memory and judgement, disorientation and confusion. Furthermore, they may induce slurred speech, muscle weakness and lack of coordination. It is noted that the elderly are especially at risk of benzodiazepine dependence. They are more sensitive to the adverse effects of it, such as memory loss and impaired motor coordination. Long-term effects of benzodiazepine dependence can resemble dementia, depression and anxiety.
Dependence on Benzodiazepine
Dependence on and tolerance of benzodiazepines is built up fast which may result in dose increase and withdrawal symptoms. This can be after as little as three weeks of continuous use. When used without medical supervision and for an excessive amount of time, they may induce anxiety. Furthermore, it may induce insomnia, anorexia, headaches and weakness. The symptoms of withdrawal are difficult to manage, it is advisable to obtain professional help and treatment.
Dependence on benzodiazepines can be psychological or physical. Psychological addiction occurs when a person feels like they need the drug to be able to cope with daily life. They may feel they need the drug to relieve depression or panic attacks. Physical dependence tales place when users wish to experience intoxication or euphoria or want to relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription drugs can be addictive is used for more than a short period.
There are various ways of treating dependency on benzodiazepines. Addiction treatment centres in the UK offer detox programmes and help such as 12 step treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy and addiction counselling in order to tackle psychological dependency.
See out general drug addiction page for more general details on its symptoms, consequences and causes.
Call the Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414
