Addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on certain substances or prescription medication. An individual who struggles with addiction has a difficult time controlling the amount of the substance he uses even if the addiction effects his relationships, work, health or finances. Many individuals struggle with an addiction to central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Barbiturates, benzodiazepine and alcohol are CNS depressants that are commonly abused.
CNS Depressants
CNS depressants slow down the nervous system and produce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Alcohol is a CNS depressant that when used in high amounts produces feelings of euphoria, lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment. Use of benzodiazepine and barbiturates produces symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication including slurred speech, lowered inhibition, drowsiness and slurred speech.
Alcohol
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 17.6 million adults abuse alcohol. People with acute alcohol intoxication have slurred speech, impaired balance and lack of coordination. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include depression, tremors, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty thinking and mood changes.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are schedule IV controlled medications that are often prescribed to individuals with anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines are also used to control seizures and are used during certain medical procedures. If taken as prescribed, benzodiazepines carry a low abuse potential; however, clonazepam, diazepam, alprazolam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that can be abused. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches, hallucinations, depression, muscle twitching, seizures, memory loss, nausea, sensitivity to light, noise sensitivity, motor impairments, derealization and depersonalization.
Barbiturates
Barbiturate abuse is still a problem today; however, they are being replaced by other CNS depressants including benzodiazepines. Barbiturates are prescribed for people with seizure disorders, but the National Institutes of Health states that many abusers start by taking the medication as prescribed. Pentobarbital and secobarbital are examples of barbiturates. Withdrawal from barbiturates can be life-threatening and can cause seizures, anxiety, hallucinations, insomnia and in rare cases, death.
Treatment
Stopping benzodiazepines, alcohol and barbiturates abruptly is dangerous and can cause serious life threatening complications, including seizures. Individuals who have been taking benzodiazepine and barbiturate medications or who have been drinking should be medically supervised when undergoing detoxification from these substances. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can help an individual detox from CNS depressants and focus on getting sober. Inpatient treatment programs offer counseling and group therapy that help the patient develop healthy coping skill to prevent relapse. A individual who chooses not to enter a treatment center can enter outpatient counseling with a licensed clinical social worker or a psychotherapist. The Mayo Clinic states that counseling can help patients develop strategies to avoid relapse, develop healthy coping skills and obtain advice if relapse occurs. Self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are available to people who struggle with addiction. These groups emphasize that addiction is a chronic condition that requires awareness and maintenance to avoid relapse.
