Benzodiazepine Drug Abuse

Benzodiazepines are a type of anti-anxiety drugs.Signs of chronic drug abuse can be very
While anxiety is a normal response to stressfulnonspecific and include changes in appearance and
situations, some people have unusually high levelsbehavior that affect relationships and work
of anxiety that can interfere with everyday life.performance. Warning signs in children include
For these people, benzodiazepines can help bringabrupt changes in mood or deterioration of school
their feelings under control. Benzodiazepines act onperformance. Chronic abuse of benzodiazepines
the central nervous system, produce sedation andcan lead to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia,
muscle relaxation, and lower anxiety levels.anorexia, headaches, and weakness.
Benzodiazepines are commonly abused.Monitoring and Testing of Benzodiazepine
Benzodiazepines abuse is partially related to the· Benzodiazepines drug abuse can be detected
toxic effects that they produce and also to theirwith Saliva drug test.
widespread availability. Death and serious illness· Urine drug screens are used to find the
rarely result from benzodiazepine abuse alone.addiction levels for Benzodiazepines. Lab tests can
However, they are frequently taken with eitherdetect many of the commonly abused drugs,
alcohol or other medications. The combination ofincluding benzodiazepines (but may not be able to
benzodiazepines and alcohol can be dangerous.discover them all). The urine drug screens do not,
Causes and Symptoms of Benzodiazepinehowever, reveal a specific level or amount of the
At normal or regular doses, benzodiazepinesdrug taken. However, it is difficult to find the level
relieve anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines overof addiction for Benzodiazepine as it varies from
dose causes side effects like drowsy or dizzy.individual.
High doses of benzodiazepines can produce more· In the case of overdose of Benzodiazepine, in
serious side effects. Signs and symptoms ofthe emergency department, patient will be placed
acute toxicity or overdose may includeon a monitor evaluating heart rate, blood
Drowsiness, Confusion, Dizziness, Blurred vision,pressure, and pulse oximetry. An IV line will be
Weakness, Slurred speech, Lack of coordination,started. Oxygen is given if patient is short of
Difficulty breathing and even Coma.breath or has a reduced level of consciousness.