Benzodiazepines: Drug Index

Benzodiazepines include drugs such as Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Librium and others that are part of the benzodiazepines drug class. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that are designed to slow down brain functions. People are prescribed benzodiazepines because they can be effective for treating anxiety, stress and panic attacks and sleeping problems. However benzodiazepines also trigger the brains reward system which means that these drugs have a high likelihood for abuse and addiction. Many people who take benzodiazepines find that they suffer physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if they cut down or stop taking the drugs.

Chemical dependency on benzodiazepines is defined by a physical tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, taking larger doses than prescribed and continued use despite negative consequences. Incidentally this definition of dependence is the same for benzodiazepines and heroin, cocaine and any other street drug. Addiction has been defined by the American Medical Association as a disease. It is characterized by progressive symptoms that attack and weaken the body, mind and spirit. Because addiction to benzodiazepines can affect every aspect of a person's life, treatment needs to be comprehensive and address all aspects as well.

Treating the physical tolerance and dependence is often the first step. Many people who are addicted to benzodiazepines did not start out that way. Receiving a prescription from a doctor for treatment of an ailment, early dosages are often taken as prescribed. Physical tolerance describes the body adapting to that dosage so that the person feels he or she needs to take more than the prescribed amount to feel the same effects. This happens when the brain's chemistry adjusts to the benzodiazepines being introduced into the system and compensates to counteract the drugs effects. Practically speaking, this means that the brain functions will "speed up" to counteract the "slowing down" effect produced by benzodiazepines. This explains why some individuals feel like the drug is no longer working for them and take more to compensate. Naturally the brain compensates as well and some can find themselves taking many times more than the prescribed dosage.

Early warning signs of dependence are withdrawal symptoms if the drug is ceased or reduced. Withdrawal signs include a racing of thoughts and anxiety which can lead to seizures and other complications. Not often life threatening, these withdrawal symptoms are non-the-less troubling enough to make it difficult if not impossible to quit on ones own and can be eased by doctors supervision.

The physical and emotional pain of dependence on benzodiazepines is often the biggest motivating factor for seeking treatment. Scripts understands that use of benzodiazepines and other prescriptions drugs has caused problems with the spouse, family and children. The job has suffered and financial problems are piling up, your physical condition is worsening and you can't even seem to think straight.

Scripts has created a very exclusive treatment facility dedicated only to those suffering from complications due to prescription drug dependence. With our qualified and licensed on staff doctors and counselors, we develop an individualized treatment plan to address the behaviors and thinking patterns necessary to deal with the problems of abuse of benzodiazepines and other prescription drugs. We are waiting to hear from you and look forward to answering your questions. Please give us a call right now.