Benzodiazepine is a type of medicine that is known as tranquilizers.
Some examples of benzodiazepines include Xanax and Valium. Xanax and Valium are
two of the most commonly prescribed medications here in the United States.
These medications are prescribed to treat the following conditions:
·
Seizures
·
Insomnia
·
Muscle relaxation
·
Assisting with inducing amnesia
·
Alcohol withdrawal
Benzodiazepine acts primarily on the central nervous system.
The medication produces feelings of muscle relaxation, lower levels of anxiety,
and sedation. There are over 2,000 varieties of benzodiazepine. However, only
15 varieties of benzodiazepine are approved by the Federal Drug Administration
in the United States. The classifications of benzodiazepine are classified
based on how long the effects last.
There are 3 kinds of classifications. They include:
There are 3 kinds of classifications. They include:
1.
Ultra-short acting
These drugs Halcion and Versed.
These drugs Halcion and Versed.
2.
Short-acting
These include Xanax and Ativan
These include Xanax and Ativan
3.
Long-Acting
These include Librium and Valium
These include Librium and Valium
Unfortunately, benzodiazepine is one of the most commonly
abused drugs in the world, due to their widespread availability. While the risk
of death from benzodiazepine is minimal, this drug is commonly used along with
other controlled substances, such as alcohol. When combined with other
controlled substances, the risk of a dangerous overdose is heightened.
There are some reports that varieties of benzodiazepine have been used as a "date-rape" drug, due to the fact that it can impair the victim, lowering their ability to fight their attacker.
There are some reports that varieties of benzodiazepine have been used as a "date-rape" drug, due to the fact that it can impair the victim, lowering their ability to fight their attacker.
Symptoms of
benzodiazepine abuse
Symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse include the following:
Symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse include the following:
·
Weakness
·
Impaired coordination
·
Breathing difficulties
·
Confusion
·
Coma
Benzodiazepine causes both physical and psychological
dependence and addiction. An individual becomes dependent on a drug when they
use the drug long-term. It gets to the point that the body becomes used to the
drug being introduced into the system. When this happens, the individual may
have to increase their use of benzodiazepine in order to achieve the desired
effect. When the dependence becomes severe, it can be quite uncomfortable for
the individual once they go through withdrawal. This is why medical experts
recommend that individuals undergo benzodiazepine addiction detox in a detox
facility, where they can be closely monitored.
Many inpatient drug rehab programs are equipped to assist
individuals through benzodiazepine addiction detox. The symptoms of withdrawal
can be extremely discomforting and medical professionals can provide medication
and support to help diminish the withdrawal symptoms. Individuals receive care
24/7 when in an inpatient drug rehab center. More often than not, addiction
specialists recommend undergoing addiction detox in an inpatient drug rehab
center so that the temptation is removed while they go through detox. In some
instances, addiction specialists may recommend an outpatient drug rehab center.
These rehab centers may be an attractive possibility due to the price of
treatment being much lower than inpatient drug rehab stays. Still, it is
recommended that an individual receives treatment at an inpatient drug rehab
facility.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from an addiction
to benzodiazepine, seek help from an addiction specialist. Contact your local
facility for more information.