Benzodiazepine Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes
Last Updated: Jan 20, 2025
What is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
The benzodiazepine drugs are the type of benzene rings that help calm the nerves. They target the GABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitters and enhance their effect to sedate the consumer. Or, in a word, tranquilizers. Millions of benzodiazepine-based drugs are prescribed every year. These drugs mainly come in three categories based on their duration of working
- Ultra-short acting
- Short-acting
- Long-acting
They are widely available and hence convenient for the abuse. In the hospitals, the overdoses can be intentional/ accidental. The medical use is mostly to treat anxiety, inducing amnesia, alcohol withdrawal, etc. While the abuse includes mixing with alcohol to peak the effects, as a date rape drug, etc. the consumption of benzodiazepine drugs are effective because it triggers the dopamine (the feel-good transmitters in your brain) levels and hence a Pathway is set. Dopamine exists to help us remember these Pathways to happiness. Thus, starts an addiction. It is similar to opioids, an addictive substance. The researchers believe that as the benzo accumulates in the body, it begins to alter the structure of receptors in the brain making them sensitive to dopamine triggers. Once addicted, it is very difficult to get rid of the urges and need of benzodiazepine.
Causes of Benzodiazepine Addiction.
The benzodiazepine drugs are prescribed by the doctors to treat:
What is the symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Treatment of Benzodiazepine Addiction.
- 1. Consult A Doctor:
- Be under the care and vigilance of a physician
- Find the physicians that are educated about withdrawal and explain to them everything that is going on, the reach you have done and show your reports.
- 2. Remain as Static as possible in the Beginning
- Adding to, or taking away is not always the best options regarding withdrawal treatment modalities.
- Supplements and drastic change in habits of daily living should be gradually implemented with a physicians knowledge
- Slowly implement proper diet changes and an exercise regimen. If you do not follow these it might cause a withdrawal symptoms again.
Prevention to avoid Benzodiazepine Addiction.
It is not recommended to detox on your own, best prevention would be to consult a physician and get well acclaimed about the effects so that you can slowly work towards it to stop the effect. Exercising is the best way to get rid of it, exercise will stand like a reason for you to stop using the pills. Moreover, it's important to inculcate the habit of doing Yoga which will relax your body from outer effects. The practice of talking to people indulging in serious works, hangouts with friends these can have a great effect on your body.
Withdrawal symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction.
There are many different types of Benzodiazepine and they all work as a receptor in the brain similar to how an alcohol works. Many people prescribe these medicines for anxiety, sleep and they are very commonly given by primary care doctors. An important thing to know about Benzodiazepine is its very dangerous, doctors prescribed to you because to get you out of the anxiousness but when you try to stop using it things like your heart racing, blood pressure getting high and if this continues it can lead to seizure and finally death. Stay fit Stay happy.
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