Sedatives are drugs that slow the body's functions and include sleeping pills and tranquilizers. They are designed to help people cope with anxiety or to treat sleeping problems. Some people become addicted to these drugs and feel that they cannot cope without them. When taken in high doses, these drugs can cause unconsciousness or death.
Sedatives fall into two main categories,
barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Barbiturates are dangerous in that
the amount required to help a person sleep and the amount that is fatal
is very close. Benzodiazepines can be dangerous when not used according
to directions or when used in combination with other substances such as
alcohol.
Addiction to sedatives is both physical and psychological. This means
that there are physical dependencies in addition to feeling as though
one cannot function without using the drugs. The body will react when
the drugs are no longer present. In this case, withdrawal symptoms can
be deadly. Sedatives alter brain chemistry and make the user feel good.
To deal with the symptoms of withdrawal, addicted persons will use more
of the drug. Some people may be at a greater risk of developing
addiction, such as those with a family history of drug abuse.
Depression or anxiety can also lead to dependence, as can prolonged use
of the drugs. Withdrawal symptoms are varied and may include shakiness,
trouble sleeping, nausea, hallucinations, seizures, tremors, and
cravings for more drugs.
Treatment for sedative addiction is a serious matter and must be done
under medical supervision as withdrawal can be life threatening. Health
care practitioners gradually reduce the amount of drugs in a person's
body while he or she is in a hospital. From there, abstinence from drug
use is required. Additional treatment measures including support groups
such as Narcotics Anonymous and counseling can also be helpful.
Remaining drug-free is a lifelong process.
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