When we think of drugs, substances like cocaine or marijuana likely come to mind. Even alcohol, although it is not usually referred to as such. This may happen because we tend to think of the negative effects and the addiction that drugs generate, especially the most dangerous ones. However, there are many other substances with the same addictive potential and harmful health effects. One of these is medication used under medical prescription to treat ailments, but whose misuse can lead to a strong addiction to them. And one of the drugs that creates the most addiction is benzodiazepine. Today, we explain what they are and what benzodiazepine addiction entails.
What are they and how does benzodiazepine addiction affect you?
The benzodiazepines are a family of psychotropic medications with sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects used to mitigate states of anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, epilepsy, etc. Benzodiazepines were created in 1955 by Leo Sternbach at the American subsidiary of the pharmaceutical multinational Roche. A few years later, in 1963, diazepam was launched on the market, becoming the most successful drug in the history of pharmacology.
Benzodiazepines are safe and effective but also addictive, which limits their potential therapeutic use in anxiety disorders, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Most addictive substances act on the same brain circuit: the dopaminergic system, which in turn stimulates the natural reward mechanism, such as that obtained with food and sex.
These drugs should be prescribed for short periods of time as they have a strong addictive power and can end up becoming a serious health problem. Most people who become addicted and end up asking for help have been taking these medications prescribed by their doctors for a long time. There are cases of patients who have taken benzodiazepines for 20 years. The problem lies in the fact that, although this medication initially improves their condition, in the long run, it ends up causing considerable damage.
Types of benzodiazepines
The benzodiazepine group consists of different types of substances that can be classified in various ways. One of the most common ways is based on the drug’s half-life in the body. In this way, we can find three large groups of benzodiazepines with characteristics more or less suitable for specific situations.
Short-acting benzodiazepines
These are drugs that remain in the body for a short time (less than twelve hours) and are not suitable for treating long-term anxiety disorders. However, they are the fastest-acting benzodiazepines. This is a great help in combating the onset of sudden anxiety symptoms, such as anxiety attacks or problems that only require momentary relaxation, such as difficulty falling asleep. The main problem with this subtype is that when the effects of the medication wear off, consumption becomes more frequent. This is likely to lead to dependence. Additionally, they tend to produce more side effects.
Long-acting benzodiazepines
Their great advantage is that they remain in the body for a long time, which is very helpful in anxiety disorders. Conversely, the fact that they remain in the body for so long means that the effects of the doses can accumulate. This could have undesirable sedative effects. Furthermore, they take time to take effect, so they are not indicated when an immediate response is needed. Their duration and action in the body can last more than thirty hours after consumption.
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines
Halfway between the two previous types are intermediate-acting benzodiazepines. These are early-acting, though not as immediate as short-acting ones, for a fairly prolonged period. They last between twelve and twenty-four hours.
Side effects of benzodiazepine addiction
One of the main consequences of long-term use is the development of benzodiazepine addiction. This can occur both due to the duration of treatment and high doses. The patient becomes accustomed to taking the medication and cannot stop because the moment they do, they experience withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance is another effect resulting from use. Over time, benzodiazepines stop having an effect and the body becomes used to them. This means the patient needs increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effect.
There is also a phenomenon known as co-prescription, which is also associated with addiction to this medication. It affects people with pain associated with other problems such as anxiety or insomnia. Therefore, they are prescribed an opioid and a benzodiazepine at the same time, for example. It is then that, when trying to withdraw the medication, the patient does not want to because they claim to feel well, which shows that the patient has developed a drug dependency.
In addition to these problems, abusive consumption of benzodiazepines also has a series of cognitive and psychomotor side effects, as well as others such as:
- Loss of concentration
- Memory problems
- Decreased performance
- Lack of reflexes
- Dizziness
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
Psychomotor impairments are particularly important as they can cause accidents, falls, etc. On the other hand, an overdose from consuming this drug can cause respiratory depression and death. In the long term, taking benzodiazepines could also increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, and an increase in mortality, especially in elderly people. There are even some studies that show the risk of suffering from cancer with the prolonged use of these medications. Finally, it should not be forgotten that all these adverse effects are enhanced if alcohol or other substances with depressant effects on the central nervous system are used.
At CCAdicciones, we have the best professionals to help you if you are addicted to any drug or have any other addiction. Contact us if you believe you need help to regain control over your life.
