Tranquilizers such as Valium or Xanax for panic disorders and anxiety can be addictive and dangerous. Learn more about addiction treatment for tranquilizers and how to recognize the symptoms of abuse.
What are Tranquilizers?
Drugs used to treat anxiety or sleeping disorders have a similar effect to alcohol as the drugs depress the nervous system. Another term is sedative because it can provide sedative effects at a biochemical level. The FDA estimates over 60 million people are prescribed a type of tranquilizer every year. Commonly abused due to calming effects on the brain and body, it is linked to people who have been addicted.
Types of Tranquilizers
Two categories of tranquilizers exist: major and minor. The major tranquilizers are anti-psychotics because they help treat mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. Drugs like Thorazine and Haldol differ from minor tranquilizers because they do not have the same calming effect. Minor tranquilizers are benzodiazepines which include Xanax, Valium and Librium.
Signs of Dependence
Signs about tranquilizer use can include the following:
- Shaky hands
- Depressed breathing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Rapid heart beat
- Increased sleepiness
Dependency Causes
A calming effect is created by tranquilizers. The more that are taken, the higher one’s tolerance becomes to the substance. Tranquilizers are often given to people as treatment for alcohol withdrawal because of similar effects being produced. A person may want the ‘high’ that drugs allow a person to feel.
Treatment
Many treatment centers can help with tranquilizer abuse. The first step in getting treatment is to attend a detox center. The places will help with a person’s withdrawal symptoms which can last anywhere from three to ten days. A person may choose a rehab program following detox with individuals helping to choose a place along the way. The first type of treatment center is a free-standing residential center. Facilities may help with drug addiction as one is supervised 24 hours a day for 20 days. If a person needs longer treatment, options may be available for individuals who need support. Drug addiction is a difficult obstacle but sobriety is the goal and can be accomplished with the right support and help.
Sustain Recovery provides support for young adolescents who need a place to complete treatment. Longer term solutions are also provided which support teens who need a place to get individualized programs towards sustainable recovery. Call us to find out how to get started.
