Sedative Drug Dependence

What are sedatives?

Sedatives are drugs that slow down the body's functions. Other terms for these drugs are tranquilizers or sleeping pills. They are used to calm anxiety or to help you sleep. At high doses, many of these drugs can cause unconsciousness and death.

There are 2 main kinds of sedatives: benzodiazepines and barbiturates. Barbiturates are rarely prescribed these days. Examples of barbiturates are secobarbital (Seconal) and pentobarbital (Nembutal). Accidental deaths sometimes occur when a user takes one dose, becomes confused, and unintentionally takes more. With barbiturates, there is little difference between the amount that helps you sleep and the amount that kills.

Diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clorazepate (Tranxene) are examples of benzodiazepines. All of these drugs can be dangerous when they are not taken according to a healthcare provider's instructions and especially if taken with alcohol.

What is sedative drug dependence?

People who are dependent on a drug feel an urgent need for the drug when it is stopped. Sedatives can cause both psychological and physical drug dependence. You are psychologically dependent if you believe you need the drug to function normally. You are physically dependent if you have bodily changes when you stop using the drug, such as tremors or seizures.

How does it occur?

Sedatives change body chemistry, especially in the brain. At first you use the drug because it makes you feel good. If you become dependent, you start seeking the drug to prevent the symptoms of psychological and physical withdrawal. After dependence on sedatives has developed, your body's chemistry has to readjust if you stop taking the drugs. The withdrawal symptoms occur while the body is readjusting.

You have a higher risk of becoming dependent on drugs if you have:

• a mental illness such as depression or an anxiety disorder
• a family history of drug abuse
• used sedative drugs for more than a short time

What are the symptoms of dependence?

Sedative drug dependence may cause:

• depression
• shakiness
• slowed thinking and movement
• slurred speech
• confusion, poor judgment, memory problems
• slow breathing
• drowsiness
• unsteadiness
• small pupils

When you stop taking the drug and the level of it in your blood drops, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as:

• sweating
• rapid pulse
• increased shakiness
• trouble sleeping
• nausea or vomiting
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
• jumpiness and restlessness
• anxiety
• seizures (convulsions)
• delirium tremens (extreme confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and other symptoms)
• weakness
• craving for more drugs

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and drug use and examine you. A sample of your urine may be tested for drug use.

How is it treated?

Withdrawal from sedative dependence can be life-threatening. Withdrawal should be attempted only under medical care, preferably in a hospital where it can be safely managed by slowly decreasing the amount of the drug in your body.

Your healthcare provider or counselor will help you to admit that you have a drug problem. He or she will also help you identify the stresses in your life and find ways to better handle stress and anxiety.

Your healthcare provider will recommend community self-help groups and individual counseling for you. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers information and support but cannot take the place of starting your treatment at a hospital.

How long will the effects last?

Recovery from sedative dependence can be a long-term process. Treating sedative dependence requires slowly and carefully decreasing the amount of the drug in your body. If you are dependent on sedatives and suddenly stop taking them, major withdrawal symptoms (convulsions and delirium) start within 16 hours. Withdrawal should be attempted only under medical care. The withdrawal symptoms last up to 5 days and gradually lessen over about 2 weeks.

How can I take care of myself?

If you are or have been addicted or dependent on a drug, admit that you have a drug problem. Seek professional help. The best way to help yourself is to see your healthcare provider and stop taking sedatives.

Changing your lifestyle can help you to stop using sedatives. Make the following a regular part of your life:

• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine.
• Exercise 30 minutes 3 times a week.
• Participate in relaxing recreation activities at least once or twice a week.
• Do relaxation exercises daily.
• Think of good things about your life often.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of rest each night.
• Practice deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
• Talk and spend time with friends.
• Listen to music or take up a hobby to help you relax.
• Get help at home and at work when the load is too great to handle.
• Seek professional help to talk through anxiety-producing life events. Ask for help in developing positive ways to cope.

For more information, contact:

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
PO Box 9999
Van Nuys, California 91409 USA
(818) 773-9999
Web site: http://www.na.org/index.htm