Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment Program

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What are Benzodiazepine?

Benzodiazepines are powerful sedative drugs, sometimes considered sedative-hypnotic drugs. Benzodiazepine was first formulated in 1955, and by the 1970s, benzodiazepine drugs were the most prescribed drug on the whole planet. In such a short time, Benzodiazepines replaced barbiturates in treating the symptoms of:

  • Alcohol withdrawal
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Panic attacks
  • Seizures

Benzodiazepines affect the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter. The chemical process by which benzodiazepine works reduces communication between brain cells, which produces the drug’s sedation effect on the body. When used correctly, benzodiazepines are an effective drug treatment with medical uses. However, one problem with benzodiazepine use is how rapidly a tolerance forms with prolonged use. An individual who has become physically dependent upon benzodiazepines would require more of the drug to get the same effect. 

Another severe effect of benzodiazepines is their mechanism of action as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Mixed with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can increase the risk of a fatal overdose occurring. This is a cause of concern since many individuals struggling with benzodiazepine addiction often combine other drugs or engage in polysubstance abuse.

What are the Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse?

Many side effects come with the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs. Some symptoms of abusing only benzodiazepines are:

  • Blurry vision
  • Confusion
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Retrograde amnesia
  • Shallow breathing
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Slowed reactions

Those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction can intensify these side effects even further by combining benzodiazepines with other drugs. 

Benzodiazepine Addiction and Benzodiazepine Withdrawals in Wakefield, MA

The Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment Program at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center in Wakefield, Massachusetts

Why Choose the Benzodiazepine Abuse Treatment Program at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center in Wakefield, MA?

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