Benzodiazepines are a class of medications typically prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety attack related to panic attack. There is little disagreement that benzodiazepines can be physically and mentally addictive.
What is up for debate, however, is the extent of the problem amongst users who take these medications entirely for therapeutic purposes in the treatment of anxiety.
To get a clearer picture of the reliance dangers associated with benzodiazepine use, it is necessary to make the difference in between substance abuse and drug dependency.
Is physical reliance on a benzodiazepine the same as addiction? If withdrawal symptoms take place upon discontinuation of a benzodiazepine, does this mean addiction has occurred?
What are Side Effects of Benzodiazepines?
Dependence
Physical reliance to a drug can be recognized by withdrawal symptoms if the drug is quickly stopped or reduced. While physical dependence might belong of dependency, it is not, in and of itself, dependency. In fact, physical dependence is a repercussion of numerous medications. For instance, specific blood pressure medications can cause physical dependence. Yet, these medications do not lead to addiction.
Physical reliance might be an anticipated outcome of long-lasting healing use of benzodiazepines. Such dependence might cause withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly or decreased too fast. These symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- diarrhea/stomach upset
- insomnia
- muscle cramps
- headaches
- reduced concentration
- rapid breathing
- tremors
- seizures.
If a person is physically dependent on a benzodiazepine, withdrawal complications can be prevented by slowly reducing the dose of the medication over a time period.
Addiction
Drug addiction is a brain disease recognized by components of physical and mental reliance.
Detoxing can result in completion of physical dependence, but the mental part keeps a steadfast hang on the addict. It is this element that makes preserving sobriety so hard for patients. There is no remedy for addiction and preserving sobriety is normally an ongoing quest for those affected.
Drug addiction leads to drug-seeking habits and continued use regardless of unfavorable consequences. Drug-seeking habits with benzodiazepine may include getting the drug from more than one provider or illegally getting the drug without a doctor’s prescription.
Addiction to benzodiazepines or other drugs can result in negative consequences in numerous life functions. These effects might include loss of work performance, family or relationship problems or legal concerns. Drug addiction results in continued use of the drug regardless of the unfavorable effects.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, drug addiction varies from substance abuse. Not all people with physical reliance to a drug will go on to establish dependency.
It is believed that specific individuals are predisposed or susceptible to addiction based on biological, mental and social influences.
Signs of drug dependency might include:
- drug-seeking behaviors (obtaining the drug from multiple medical professionals, unlawfully obtaining the drug)
- yearnings for the drug
- fixation with getting the drug
- misusing the drug for intoxication or pleasure
- reliance and withdrawal upon stopping the drug
- disturbance with normal life functions (reduced work performance, reduced motivation).
- relationship problems
- legal issues
- continued use despite negative effects.
Pseudo-addiction
Drug-seeking habits is a typical component of dependency. However, this type of behavior might likewise be the result of authentic symptoms that have not been effectively treated. For example, a person who has symptoms of anxiety and panic may participate in drug-seeking habits to get his or her symptoms under control. This is not a true dependency because the individual is not looking for the drug for satisfaction functions and does not display drug-seeking habits once panic symptoms are effectively treated.
Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use
Lots of people who are prescribed long-lasting benzodiazepine therapy for anxiety associated with panic disorder or another anxiety condition fret about becoming “addicted.”
Some doctors might withhold benzodiazepine treatment due to the fact that of the same problem. Numerous research studies have suggested that long-lasting benzodiazepine use works and safe and does not result in dependency for many people being treated for anxiety. However, for some people, benzodiazepine use may lead to dependency.
It is important to bear in mind that benzodiazepines are usually safe and efficient when used as directed. Tolerance and dependence might result, and may even be expected, with long-lasting use. But, this is not the same feat as dependency. If you believe you have a dependency issue, remember that help is offered. Speak to your doctor or other doctor about treatment options.
Disclaimer: This site is for information only and NOT a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. You ought to look for prompt treatment for any health problems and consult your doctor before using medicine or making a change to your routine.
