News / Education
Xanax, Valium, Ativan Abuse, Dangerous Facts
Benzodiazepine abuse, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, can cause addiction, even death, and withdrawals often need medical intervention.
Useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms, they seem helpful enough.
There is a catch: The long-term use of benzodiazapines can cause physical dependence. In other words, drug addiction.
“We have dealt with many people who started using Xanax or Valium to help with insomnia or anxiety,” states Mary Rieser, Executive Director for The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia. “Unfortunately, once they become drug addicted to these prescription drugs, they often need a medically supervised withdrawal from them.”
Thats right. Benzo withdrawal can cause death.“Any withdrawal from any drug is extremely uncomfortable. Our withdrawal specialists work with our students in withdrawing from drugs comfortably,” continues Ms. Rieser. “However, benzo and extreme alcohol addiction need close medical supervision.”
The problems with benzodiazepines are many. And ways to get drug addicted are just as many.
“Recreational stimulant users often use benzodiazepines as a means of ‘coming down’. They then become physically addicted to them. Many teens find Valiums or Xanax in the family medicine cabinet, and take them to get high. Again, drug addiction occurs. The prevalence of internet pharmacies who sell Xanax with no prescription only worsens the problem,” explains Ms. Rieser.
The use of benzodiazepines should therefore commence only after medical consultation and benzodiazepines should be prescribed the smallest dosage possible to provide an acceptable level of symptom relief. Dependence varies with the benzodiazepine used and with the user.
Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed depressant medications in the United States today. More than 15 different types of benzodiazepine medications exist to treat a wide array of both psychological and physical maladies based on dosage and implications.
Due to their sedative properties, benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse, especially when used with other depressants such as alcohol or opiates. Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act.
“Be aware of the potential for dependence on benzos. Lock the medicine cabinets. Flush old prescriptions. Don’t let you or any family member become another drug addiction statistic,” warns Ms. Rieser.“The Atlanta Recovery Center Drug Rehab in Georgia is a non-traditional drug rehab facility. We specialize in drug education, and drug rehab. With a gentle withdraw protocol, and after completing the Sauna Detox program, the cravings for prescription drugs are reduced, if not completely eliminated, according to our students. If you suspect that someone you know is abusing a prescription drug, call us. We can help.”
