Benzodiazepines

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How long do the effects of Benzodiazepines last?

Ativan

Many people who suffer from panic and anxiety are prescribed Ativan or the generic form lorazepam. Some doctors prescribe it for patients with insomnia, even though it is not the primary use for the drug. It may be a way that people get primed on Ativan for habitual use.

This drug is in the benzodiazepine family and is a depressant medication that enhances inhibitory neurotransmission. Various processes of the body are effectively slowed down in the patient. It often gives people calm feelings. Many patients describe feelings of physical and mental relaxation.

Common Side Effects

These are some of the common side effects for people who take Ativan:

There are also serious side effects for those who take large doses of Ativan for a long period:

Ativan Abuse

Side effects from Ativan abuse can lead to extreme depression, kidney failure, or respiratory failure. Often times, people who abuse Ativan mix it with alcohol. This deadly combination can lead to seizures, coma, or even death.

Benzodiazepine addiction is a slow process. When people use Ativan over a long period of time, addiction can occur. They can even build up a tolerance to Ativan when they take it as their doctor prescribes. For the desired effects, they have to take more of the drug. The patient may take higher doses of the drug as their tolerance increases. This increases risks of addiction. The US Drug Enforcement Agency reports that at least 20 million people have abused Ativan at least once in their lives.

Signs of Ativan Addiction

Although these signs may vary from person to person, they generally include:

Ativan Abuse Treatment

Some of the withdrawal symptoms of Ativan include:

While patients are detoxing, it is important that they are under medical supervision so their vital signs can be monitored. Longer acting sedatives may be needed to lower the risks of seizures. After the body has finished detoxing, patients may be referred to inpatient or outpatient treatment programs.

If you are addicted to Ativan, there is hope. As your addiction becomes more severe, signs of abuse will become more apparent. You may feel that your life is revolving around your drug use and you are losing control. It can be very difficult to stop the cycle on your own. You can save your life just by asking for help. Find a treatment center that is right for you.

Halcion

Halcion is a sedative that is used to treat insomnia and requires a prescription. It is intended for short-term use and works by suppressing the central nervous system causing drowsiness in order to help you fall asleep. This drug has been recognized as highly addictive and the most addictive of all the benzodiazepines. Currently, 1.2 million Americans are prescribed Halcion each year. In 2008 over 60,000 sought treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Many people that abuse Halcion use other substances simultaneously to achieve increased euphoria. This drug is commonly taken in higher doses with heroin, alcohol, and prescription pain medication.

It is often hard for people who use this drug to recognize if they are addicted. Prescription drug users often rationalize and justify their misuse by believing because it has been prescribed by a physician that it is ok. This is not true and there are some warning signs to recognize that you may be addicted. One of the easiest signs to recognize is repeated and unsuccessful attempts to quit taking the drugs. Another sign is spending a lot of time recovering from the side effects. These effects include clumsiness or unsteadiness, daytime drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue nausea, and unusual weakness. When your body requires additional dosages to feel the effects of the drug it has now developed a tolerance. Another sign often masked by other illnesses is uncontrollable cravings.

Finding treatment for Halcion addiction is very important. The detoxification process is not as simple as others but rather complicated and requires medical supervision typically in an inpatient treatment facility. People who have used this drug often suffer from other medical complications. When seeking treatment be sure to speak with a professional who can help you weigh your options. You want to evaluate your needs and what works best for you for success.

Klonopin

Klonopin, or its generic form of clonazepam, is in the benzodiazepine family. Its medical properties include anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant. It works faster on the central nervous system than some other benzodiazepines do. It most often is prescribed for anxiety disorders. If it is used for an extended time period, it can become addictive.

When taking Klonopin, people report feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These good feelings are often what keeps people taking the drug. They want to feel good and expel any feelings of negativity. Even if people take Klonopin the way it is prescribed by their doctor, they may eventually need higher doses to get the same relaxation.

The calm feelings that people get from Klonopin can cause addiction. Often times, addicts will spend most of their time trying to get more benzodiazepines. Many people make the dangerous habit of chasing Klonopin with alcohol. This can cause serious respiration problems and even death. Other people may be hooked on cocaine or methamphetamines. They may use Klonopin to negate the side effects of these drugs. It opens the chances for further addiction and other serious health risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Klonopin Addiction

Klonopin Abuse Statistics

After Xanax and Ativan, Klonopin is the third-most prescribed benzodiazepine in America. There were at least 27 million prescriptions written for it in 2011. Here are some other pertinent statistics about Klonopin from the DEA:

Withdrawal Symptoms

People who have taken Klonopin for a long time may have increased tolerance and can be physically dependent on the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal will vary according to dosage and how long the drug has been abused. Klonopin should never be stopped without medical supervision. These are some of the common withdrawal effects:

Addiction Treatment

Treating a Klonopin addiction takes a customized process that requires qualified medical professional. For this reason, it is advised that patients have supervised medical detoxification. The staff will monitor patients’ vital signs and will gradually reduce the dosage of Klonopin. Sometimes, extra sedatives may be taken to prevent seizures.

If you or a loved one is addicted to Klonopin, there is help available. You do not have to be ashamed to ask for help to break this serious addiction. Thousands of people have been successfully treated for Klonopin addiction. Find a treatment center that best suits your needs. The road to recovery does not have to be a lonely journey. There is hope.

Librium

Librium is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety. When taking Librium, users may become addicted to the drug as it suppresses the central nervous system and gives users a “high.” Abuse occurs when users of the drug seek this “high” repeatedly by taking increased doses of Librium or using the drug on a long-term basis. For this reason, Librium is given in small dosages and prescriptions to attempt to avoid addiction and dependence in users. Librium has a half-life between 10-30 hours meaning it can stay in the body for a long time and give users a longer lasting “high” compared to other drugs.

Users of Librium who are becoming addicted will begin to exhibit changes in their lifestyle and behavior. A person developing an addiction may become obsessed with attempting to get “high” as well as spend lots of time and resources attempting to acquire more Librium. Users may lie to friends and family regarding the use of Librium and may even result to stealing in order to buy more medication. Abusers of Librium may also exhibit altered behaviors such as neglecting work, relationships, avoiding daily responsibilities and spending the majority of their days focusing on acquiring the drug or using it.

igns of addictions include:

Every year over 50 million prescriptions are given for benzodiazepines, including Librium. Often times large amounts of Librium end up in the hands of individuals who sell the drugs without a doctor prescription, thus making Librium easier to acquire for addicts. According to the American Psychiatric Association 11-15 percent of Americans have benzodiazepines, including Librium, available in their homes and as of 2011, benzodiazepines made up for approximately 31 percent of opioid-analgesic overdose deaths.

If you think you or someone you care for is addicted to benzodiazepines, consult your doctor right away. To find out more information about treatment solutions for benzodiazepine addiction, call us to speak with one of our certified addiction counselors today.

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