In this write-up I intend to talk about the use of Benzodiazepines available under a variety of brand names most reputable of which are Valium, Xanax, Ativan. I will cover the far reaching beneficial effects experienced by sufferers using these prescription drugs and the extreme penalties it can have when used improperly . This report is intended to be educational and should not be used to justify the use of any medication with out the prior consultation of a competent physician.
This group of drugs can be utilized in the remedy of a number of diverse illnesses but I will concentrate on its use for the remedy of panic attacks, generalised anxiety disorder (G.A.D) and social anxiety disorder.
Democratic secular society enshrined in capitalist ideology seeks to instil values of perpetual progressive development as both individuals and as a human race. Be it economically, socially or technologically we must be far better than our fellow citizen in each sense of the word.
This then produces a multi tier society with the ruling elite minority effectively dictating to underclass what social ideals define success? Quite a few aspire and strive to attain these dizzy heights which we are all instructed is achievable in this fair, equal and open culture. Others find the pressures of merely trying to keep up with the social ideal close enough impossible.
With technological advancements and the rapid explosion of social networking we are nearer than previously before in tune with the lives of each other and those of the so termed social elite. We are bombarded by television adverts, periodicals, news columns pertaining to the ideal manner in which we are to conduct our lives. From how we look, how we dress, what things we buy and even what we eat.
How many of us completely healthy individuals would dare stand in front of the mirror and proclaim to have the ideal physique? How many of us if we are actually truthful are pleased with our social standing? How many of us consider ourselves free? free from the shackles of financial slavery?
For quite a few in this group who are resound to the actuality that these folks survive in a debt based financial system and will permanently stay in their low social ranking, start to look for outlets of escape. The misuse of alcohol and readily obtainable illicit narcotics in Developed societies is no new phenomena and has been well documented over recent decades.
But what of those who either cannot or choose not to associate themselves with the taboo of binge drinking or even worse still the use of illicit drugs?
This swiftly expanding area of interest is turning to the healthcare establishments to remedy social inequities and the pressure to conform to the definition of the social norm. Today we investigate the veiled world of the use and misuse of benzodiazepines which are known to be amongst the most recreationally abused health professional prescribed drugs globally.
There are quite a few different chemicals inside the Benzodiazepine family but usually speaking they are extremely powerful with a rapid onset. Some are short acting only remaining in the body for 6 hrs while others can stay for up to 200 hours. Amongst their many therapeutic effects they are known for their attributes as a effective anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, amnestic and muscle relaxant.
For those truly undergoing panic attacks and generalised anxiety disorder these medications seem to show superb efficacy data in short term therapy (8 weeks or less). These medication are known to be very addictive and the body can very easily build tolerance therefore short term treatment is favoured over extended use greater than 8 weeks.
Though efficacy data is not readily available for treatment durations exceeding 8 weeks, quite a few doctors will have recommended benzodiazepines for lengthier intervals on an as required basis. Individuals without a history of alcohol or drug abuse can often continue to obtain therapeutic benefits at low doses.
There is nevertheless no doubt whatsoever concerning the effectiveness of short term} remedy of panic attacks, G.A.D and social anxiousness. The benefits can be witnessed inside of one to two weeks often sooner. This remedy can be combined with or followed on by the use of anti depressants like Fluoxetine (SSRI), Amitriptyline (Tri Cyclic) and Venlafaxine (SNRI).
So how can these medicines possiblely trigger any harm?
Everyone who has been prescribed this class of medication will inform you how addictive they can get over a quite short period of time. This coupled with the bodies speedy tolerance to the medication causes the user to continue to increase their does to obtain a similar effect. This is a downwards spiral that can quickly end up in outright dependence.
Benzodiazepines typically exhibit a fast onset upon ingesting tablets by mouth. This can be as short as ten to fifteen mins before effects can be felt. Seasoned recreational users will choose the most powerful of chemicals within this class like Alprazolem or Lorazipam and stick tablets under their tongue allowing the tablets to dissolve sublingually. This means the user will experience results within 2 to five minutes.
The first time any medication within the Benzodiazepine family is taken, the sedative and hypnotic effects are felt profoundly. To such a extent that users will often quickly want to lie down and fall into a deep sleep.
As the drug is utilized more often most of the sedative and hypnotic effects vanish and you are left largely with the antianxolitic and muscle relaxant attributes. The feeling is a surprising rush of euphoria, self confidence, reduction of inhibition, free from any anxiety. This sensation has been likened to a mild form of that of the illicit drug Extacy (MDMA).
When taking these medicines usually one can maintain a normal outward look and not portray overt signs of intoxication. This permits individuals to use this medicine in a vast range of circumstances from social gatherings through to any situation where anxiety is anticipated.
Dependant on the drug of option the effects can be prolonged lasting for up to a week and beyond with medication such as Valium. This having said that has its down side with users who complain that it leaves them feeling groggy and fatigued. This is why users prefer Xanax or Ativan which have a much reduced half life and can leave the body within 6-12 hrs.
Therefore the low half life compounds like those mentioned above enable users to benefit from the therapeutic results whilst minimizing the side effects. This brings us nicely into the seldom mentioned world of the prescription medication addict.
When one envisages a standard drug addict, maybe a deviant looking social outcast springs to mind? Nevertheless the prescription drug abuser really rarely fits this stereotypical image. Conversely the natural benzodiazepine abuser can fall into a broad array of social groups. Abusers can range in age from early teens through to old age pensioners. Abusers need not derive from monetarily deprived backgrounds and can usually maintain high positions within their peer groups and in society.
When a drug like Xanax is placed below the tongue and permitted to dissolve it begins to act in mins. Within 10 mins users report a rush of euphoria, relaxation and mood elevation. Though benzodiazepines usually have sedative properties, a tolerant person will almost never feel or seek the hypnotic effects which rapidly diminish with time. In actual fact users frequently report feeling energised, free from inhibition and sociable.
Individuals in society who are described as shy or reserved suddenly turn out to be the life blood of any social gathering. The increasing quantities of individuals in Developed culture suffering from low self esteem can find an outlet via this medicine which shuts off the subconscious voice continually in the background reminding one of perceived inadequacies. Those suffering with stress, anxiety or disappointment induced by participating in a capitalist society are granted immediate relief from symptoms.
Quite a few would argue that alcohol and various illicit drugs can be used in much the same way to accomplish much of the same goals. In fact many alcoholics and substances abusers are also usually trying to find escape from their troubled lives. Nonetheless there are plenty of alcoholics and drug abusers who embark on this path for no other reason but choice.
The distinct difference with the use of benzodiazepine in sharp contrast to the former group is that they can be used at any time within any number of settings. While coming into work drunk would be totally frowned upon, the use of benzodiazepines to attain significantly the same effect is very rarely mentioned if even noticed. You would never consider going for a interview and downing a shot of vodka before proceeding. Having said that in any atmosphere probably to result in pressure or anxiety, the benzodiazepine user is able to discretely place a little tablet below their tongue and in mins be totally free of inhibition and ready to embrace any challenge.
In much the same way as alcohol using a greater than therapeutic dosage of benzodiazepines will result in intoxication. At relatively elevated doses one can witness abusers exhibiting slurred speech, impaired motor function, unsteadiness, memory loss amongst a lot of other side effects. Again the distinct distinction between benzodiazepine abuse in distinction to other drug users is that the user more often than not stays in control. Though evidently encountering a level of intoxication the user outwardly remains perfectly regular to the world around them. Users can tweak the dosage to attain the desired effect ranging from mild relaxation to complete intoxication yet continue to be in control of the atmosphere around them devoid of exhibiting any antagonistic outward characteristics.
In that regard this medicine can be utilized by abusers to deal with any uncomfortable circumstances which is perceived to be distressing or conversely in any social setting to improve ones experience. These characteristics of being able to balance self control with intoxication can hardly ever be achieved with any other drug in quite the same way as benzodiazepines.
As talked about earlier, the persistent abuse of benzodiazepines can lead to the build up of tolerance with the user requiring a bigger does to accomplish a similar effect. Abusers speak of experiencing blackouts, memory loss, melancholy, paranoia, agitation, violence, mania and even suicidal thoughts.
In reality benzodiazepines or drugs of any kind for that matter can and should never be the solution to life’s difficulties. In the United States easily available benzodiazepines are among the most broadly abused substances in society. In various parts of the world such as Europe the abuse of benzodiazepines has reached epidemic proportions resulting in pressure groups lobbying governments to adopt stricter control in the dispensation and accessibility of these medicines.
Note worthy celeb deaths connected to benzodiazepine abuse including~ Michael Jackson, Heath Leger, Anna Nicole Smith and Corey Haim. All were known to be persistent benzodiazepine users with Haim admitting to using over 80 tablets of Valium (Diazepam) each day prior to his death.
What then is the common denominator separating such a extensive group of people who differ in age, gender, ethnicity, upbringing, education, occupation, prosperity and social rating? what kind of culture generates individuals dying to escape?
Drug abuse will proceed to be prevalent at all levels of society unless social inequity and injustice are emphatically addressed. This can only happen when fairness, equality and justice can be established where secular governance is replaced by the law of God. I conclude by reminding us all we are one people under one God, and for men of understanding seek your path to tranquility in the reality that is Islam.
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