The line that separates what we consider psychotropic drugs from what we usually call “drugs” is blurrier than it seems. In fact, technically, psychotropic drugs are drugs, although culturally their use is not associated with what is morally wrong.
However, there are cases in which substances used in medicine to treat pathologies also become drugs in the negative sense of the term, generating a process of dependence and degradation of health due to their constant use. Here We will see how a specific type of anxiolytic psychotropic drug, benzodiazepines, can cause addiction
Benzodiazepines are a set of psychotropic drugs normally used for their anxiolytic and sedative effects This means that they help reduce the intensity of nervous activity, something useful for, for example, helping people with anxiety or insomnia problems. Thus, its use produces a feeling of relaxation that is also expressed in a change in observable behavioral patterns.
There are many types of benzodiazepines with different mechanisms of action, but they are generally considered to be Its characteristic effect on the human body is given by its GABA agonist role ; This means that it enhances the influence of this neurotransmitter, which is known to be an inhibitor of the activity of neurons. Simply put, benzodiazepine use increases the chances that many neurons in certain parts of the brain will tend to be less active than they were before.
On the other hand, benzodiazepines were introduced into the drug market among other things to replace barbiturates, which have more side effects and have a greater addictive potential. However, As we will see, addiction to benzodiazepines is also a reality
Characteristics of benzodiazepine addiction
These are the phenomena that come hand in hand with addiction to benzodiazepines.
1. Tolerance
As with all drugs with addictive potential, the use of benzodiazepines can produce tolerance to this substance, which means that As time goes by, the person needs to consume a greater amount to obtain the same effects This phenomenon causes many people to lose control of their habits of taking this medication and begin to take it excessively, which in turn triggers the intensity of the addiction. Following the doctor’s instructions is essential when it comes to minimizing the risk of this happening.
2. Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome
Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome It often occurs when the consumption of this drug is interrupted or when the dose to be taken is adjusted downwards too abruptly : once again, the existence of this phenomenon shows to what extent one must always follow the instructions of the health professional when using these drugs.
On the other hand, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is made up of a set of symptoms that cause discomfort and that in the most extreme cases can even pose dangers to health or be lethal.
In general, this syndrome can be understood as a kind of “rebound effect”, which means that as the body has become accustomed to the presence of benzodiazepines in its system, when it stops consuming the substance, it produces an imbalance in which the biological and psychological processes associated with high nervous activation have nothing to counteract them : This is why insomnia, high levels of anxiety, irritability, and in severe cases, even seizures or a general collapse of the body’s functioning occur.
3. Use of benzodiazepines to compensate for the effects of other drugs
Scientific research on addiction shows that people who have developed substance use disorders are much more likely to become addicted to other substances than the average population. That is The existence of a drug addiction encourages the appearance of another
In the case of benzodiazepine dependence this is relevant, since it is known that many addicts to stimulant drugs use the former to try to counteract the effects of the latter; for example, when amphetamines have generated a state of discomfort due to high sensitivity to any stimulus. In this way, both types of psychoactive substance reinforce the consolidation of the other’s addiction.
4. In extreme cases, greater propensity for violence
It might be counterintuitive to think that the consumption of substances that inhibit nervous activity, such as benzodiazepines, is capable of giving rise to a greater predisposition to violent behavior. And yet, statistically it happens: although each person is different and cases must be analyzed individually, it is known that Those who consume this type of substance are more likely to end up adopting aggressive behavior patterns
What is the cause of that? The key is not to focus on the immediate effects of benzodiazepine consumption, but on the addiction itself that they generate. What is important is not the simple interaction between neurons and the molecules that constitute the active ingredient of benzodiazepines, but the way in which dependence, without adequate professional help, makes people more desperate and prone to making impulsive decisions to get rid of withdrawal discomfort.
Since the priority is to have drugs again, everything that stands in the way of consumption is seen as a problem, including many people. Therefore, much of the work done in therapy for people with addictions has to do with managing discomfort.
Are you looking for addiction treatment?
If you have a problem related to addiction, it is very important that you seek professional help as soon as possible. In the event that you have developed dependence on the consumption of a psychoactive substance or suffer from another type of non-drug addiction, such as pathological gambling, contact us.
In CITA Clinics We specialize in the treatment of addictions, offering both medical, psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care. In addition, we work both by carrying out specific therapy sessions and a follow-up program in our residential module designed for admissions, fully equipped and located in a natural environment. On this page you can see our contact information.
