Sleeping Tablet Addiction and Sedative Addiction
Sleeping tablets and other sedatives can produce dangerous overly-calming effects when abused. In high doses poor judgement, loss of movement/control and effects similar to being very drunk can occur. Withdrawal symptoms range from restlessness and irritability to serious convulsions. Physical and psychological addiction can develop quickly and in serious cases can result in extremely negative mental and physical consequences or even death. Overdoses are common and accidental death can occur if taken with other substances, e.g. alcohol.
Sedatives are generally prescribed for anxiety, stress, insomnia, panic disorders and as antipsychotics. However, as with most prescribed drugs it is important that instructions and advice from health care professionals are followed as many drugs in this group have significant side effects and can produce paradoxical complications.
A multitude of prescription drugs fall under the heading of sedatives, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates (link underlined words?), however solvent sedatives, nonbenzodiazepine and uncategorised sedatives are also evident in substance abuse. Please see specific pages regarding benzodiazepines and barbiturates for more details. Below are some common product names relating to nonbenzodiazepine and uncategorised sedatives:
- Zopiclone
- Zopidem
- Carisoprodol
- Gamma-hydroxbutyrate (GHB)
- Diphenhydramine
- Ketamine
- Methyprylon
How does an addiction to a sedative/sleeping tablet develop?
Some people develop physical and psychological addictions to sedatives due to an initial prescription for a specific problems, e.g. anxiety. In these cases it is extremely important to get the right professional help to detox safely and negate the effects of withdrawal. Additionally, it is vital to get professional support to manage the original condition that prompted the use of sedatives. Other sedative addictions develop out of people using these types of drugs to come down from using other drugs. However a sedative addiction has develop it is vital to get suitable help in a clinic that can help address the physical and psychological affects of sedative abuse and provide the level of support the individual needs to feel like they can function effectively without using.
Risks
There are many risks associated with abusing sedatives, even at a therapeutic dose they can cause physiological and psychological dependence, so an addiction to sedatives puts the user at risk of dangerous physical reactions with regular use of the substance, particularly if mixed with other substances. Using sedatives with alcohol is particularly risky – the combination can prove fatal.
Much as with the majority of other substances any individual using sedatives irresponsibly places themselves at indirect risk. For example, driving whilst the under the influence of sedatives could at best lead to you losing your licence and at worst lead to you losing your life.
Getting professional support to address a sleeping tablet addiction is life changing and life saving.
