Benzodiazepine addiction is growing just as rapidly as other prescription pill addiction, such as opiod medications like OxyContin and Vicodin. Benzodiazepines create a sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxing, amnesic, anti-convulsant state, which makes it useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation and seizures, but also makes them susceptible to abuse. They are intended typically only for short term use – seven to ten days – because their side effects are alluring and people using them are prone to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. A loophole in federal drug control laws known as ‘practice of medicine exception’ allows physicians and psychiatrists among other medical professionals to prescribe benzodiazepines for a wide array of ailments, which may or may not include the intended purpose of a benzodiazepine. The four most common benzodiazepines include clonazepam (Klonipin), temazepam (Restoril), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Clonazepam, or brand name Klonipin, is most commonly used to treat seizures and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and other drugs, but frequently becomes the addict’s new drug of choice. The sedative side effects during treatment for acute withdrawal often lead people to use it longer than recommended and increase their dosage, leading to a new dependency.
Temazepam, or brand name Restoril, was developed to treat short term insomnia, and has since gained a reputation as ‘the knockout drop’. It is a powerfully hypnotic benzodiazepine, and leaves users compliant and susceptible to control. Because of these side effects, it has been used during CIA and KGB interrogations and also as a date-rape drug.
Alprazolam, or brand name Xanax, is probably one of the most well known – and most abused – benzodiazepine. It has been prescribed by doctors and psychiatrists for a wide range of problems, including anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. It has been estimated by some reports that Xanax alone accounts for almost 60% of hospital admissions for drug addiction.
Lorazepam, or brand name Ativan, is used in treatment of anxiety and depression, as well as nausea and vomiting in combination with other drugs for side effects from chemotherapy and alcohol withdrawal. Several homicides and suicides have also been attributed to the side effects of the drug, and it has also been used to sedate suspected terrorists while being transported by United States military forces.
Benzodiazepine addiction is responsible for more emergency room visits in the United States than illegal street drugs by a three-to-one ratio. The problem with these drugs is not limited to the United States, however; according to the BBC, an estimated one million people – or 16% of the population - in the United Kingdom are addicted to benzodiazepines. And even as addiction is becoming more prevalent and the awareness about the dangers of benzodiazepines in general, the UK saw an increase in prescriptions written rise by almost 8%.
When seeking treatment for a benzodiazepine addiction, the best option is to find a holistic treatment option, such as the Freedom Center. Many times, people addicted benzodiazepines were addicts seeking treatment or medical detoxification from another substance, whether illicit or legal. Pursuing treatment through holistic means ensures that this will not happen again – trading dependencies. The Freedom Center offers professional, trained staff delivering the highest quality of care while helping people free themselves from substance abuse. They can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-877-362-9682.
