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Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs: Understanding Their Impact and Finding Recovery

Sedative hypnotics are prescription drugs used as sleeping pills or sedatives that affect your central nervous system and have a calming effect on your body. Older adults with anxiety or insomnia commonly use sedative drugs.

There are three types of sedative-hypnotic drugs such as benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and barbiturates. Drug authorities in the United States highly regulate sedatives since they can be addictive. It is vital that you only take them only as prescribed drugs to avoid physical dependency and addiction.

If you or your loved one misuse sedative-hypnotic drugs, then reach out to The Recovery Team. We offer drug addiction treatment in a safe environment to help you recover from the effects of addiction.

Key Takeaways

Overcoming sedative-hypnotic drug addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical dependence and behavioral patterns. With the right combination of medical detox, therapy, and support programs, individuals can achieve long-term recovery and a healthier future.

  • Sedative-hypnotic drugs can be addictive, leading to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and potential health risks.
  • Common causes of addiction include family history, easy drug availability, and social pressure.
  • Treatment options include medical detox, residential rehab, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support programs for long-term sobriety.
  • Professional care is essential for safe recovery and to prevent relapse.

Symptoms of Sedative Drug Addiction

You may be addicted to sedative drugs if you regularly take them and cannot start your day without taking them. At this point, your body is used to the medication, and you may have developed tolerance.

Some of the physical signs of sedative-hypnotic drug addiction are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Slurred speech
  • Sleep disorder
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Excessive sweating
  • Respiratory depression

Some of the psychological changes you will experience are needing a higher dose and consuming it more often. Individuals are likely to combine it with alcohol to achieve the euphoric effects of drugs. Such people also experience intense cravings that cause relapse if they try to quit sedative drug use.

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Causes of Sedative Addiction

The causes of addiction vary from person to person. According to recent scientific studies, a person may have a higher possibility of abusing substances or being addicted if they have more potential risks for addiction.

Following are some of the causes of addiction to sedative drugs

Family history plays a vital role in causing addiction in various ways. Genetics is one of the significant factors that can lead to substance abuse. The likelihood of developing sedative abuse disorder is typically higher in people who inherited personality characteristics from their close family.

People exposed to drugs at home, where consuming them is perceived as an acceptable habit, are more likely to experiment with drugs as they grow older. Family history does not always lead to addiction but increases the possibility of misusing it.

You can avoid addiction by limiting your drug or alcohol use and learning about the symptoms of addiction.

Sedative or non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs (Z-drugs) are for older people who have insomnia. This drug is available as a prescription and OTC medication. This medication has sedative effects and depresses the function of the central nervous system, especially the brain.

It impacts your sensory response, such as pain or touch. Some hypnotic drugs, like barbiturates, bind with GABA receptors, and you experience their addictive effects. The risk of addiction increases when you misuse or abuse this drug.

Even if you are correctly using it, you are still likely to develop a dependence on this drug. One hypnotic drug like Xanax (benzodiazepine) has addictive potential. A drug user will feel calm and experience agitation when avoiding the drug.

Risk Factors of Sedative Addiction

Substance addiction can affect people of various cultures and ages. It might be challenging to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to it than others. A number of things can make you more likely to develop an addiction to drugs. Additionally, some drug types and substance use techniques are more compulsive than others.

Sedative drugs are controlled substances, and you can legally purchase them with a doctor’s prescription. However, people can get this drug through various illegal sources. This class of drug is also provided to patients dealing with alcohol addiction.

However, they are also likely to develop a dependence on it. Individuals suffering from severe substance use disorder may use a fake prescription or access this drug through illegal sellers on the street.

The availability of substances at home can also cause addiction among young adults. Parents’ use of substances at home can influence children to use them since they learn such behaviors from their elder

There is incredible pressure on kids and teenagers to fit in. People who influence your behavior or inspire you can cause addiction to OTC sleep aids.

A person with supportive parents may consume drugs if their friends consume them. Sometimes high school students use drugs so their friends accept them.

Social media trends and specific famous figures on a social platform can also cause an individual to develop substance use disorder. Such trends can sometimes be subtle, and social media trends can slowly standardize drug use among teenagers.

Social pressure causes addiction because a person does not want to be rejected and wants to be socially accepted.

If a person is physically dependent on hypnotic drugs, they may find it challenging to get help if there is a lack of support from their loved ones.

A poor environment at home and a lack of supervision can cause drug addiction. A robust support system is vital to recovering from addiction.

Effects of Sedative Addiction

Sedative abuse, defined as using sedative-hypnotic drugs in large doses or ways other than those recommended by a doctor, can have negative consequences, like an overdose.

Sedative drugs like benzodiazepines cause drowsiness and dizziness. This side effect can last one to two days and cause confusion and memory issues.

Individuals experiencing such effects are at risk of blacking out, which can result in car accidents. You may experience impaired motor movements that can result in severe injuries like fractures.

Relationships suffer a lot due to substance abuse and addiction. A relationship in which one partner is misusing substances can cause conflict. Addiction harms many parts of a person’s life, including their relationships with family, peers, and partners. Addiction ruins your social and personal life. Your loved ones may hesitate to talk to you about your behavior, which can impact the overall environment at home. Addiction can cause anxiety, lack of trust and dishonesty. Family therapy can help you during such times. Getting help is the only solution to this problem. By helping yourself, you are helping your loved ones too.

Sleeping pills cause sedation that affects your concentration level. Lack of interest and poor concentration can impact your overall performance at the workplace. That can lead to financial instability, and you risk losing your job.

If you are consuming sedative drugs before or during work, then it is a clear sign of substance use disorder. You should seek medical help.

Drugs that directly impact your brain can cause the following symptoms such as:  lack of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, heartburn, poor decision making, slurred speech as well as mood swings.

It can cause insomnia and anxiety. You may also show signs of depression. In severe cases, individuals are at risk of experiencing seizures. These drugs can disrupt normal breathing and can cause chronic lung problems.

If you try to lower or quit drug use, you are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. That occurs because you are dependent on sedative drugs. It is best to consider medical detox for safe recovery to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment of Sedative Drug Addiction

The first step towards recovery is acknowledging that you have struggled due to drug dependence. The next step is to find a suitable treatment that can help you to rebuild your life and restore your physical and mental health.

Although you can detox at home, medical detox is the safest type. Detox can help you to get rid of toxins in your body safely. During detox, you risk experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to the absence of drugs in your body.

Withdrawal symptoms usually range from mild to severe and depend on the severity of the patient's addiction. Some clients may require medication-assisted therapy to help them overcome these symptoms. Prescription drugs provided by medical experts are safe to use for a limited time. The length of detox depends on the following:

  1. Amount of substance abused
  2. Duration of addiction
  3. Family history
  4. Current medical condition

Residential Rehab

Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, is a structured level of care. This treatment program is suitable for those who suffer from severe substance use disorder. You must follow a daily schedule of therapy sessions and various activities to keep you occupied.

The length of the inpatient program ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. Like a detox program, this also depends on your overall health. Residential rehab offers:

  1. Relapse prevention
  2. therapy
  3. Family programs
  4. Trauma programs
  5. Veteran programs

Residential programs help you recover in a home-like environment, and you can learn new life skills. During your stay, you will learn to adopt healthy habits to deal with stress.

Therapies employed at rehab centers depend on your health, drug abuse patterns, and clinical recommendation. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help you deal with negative thoughts and alter your toxic habits. Such thoughts and behavior can cause relapse. This therapy is best for co-occurring disorders.
 
Individual and group therapy can help you share your thoughts with a therapist and other facility members. Different therapy programs that the treatment facility offers include:
 
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • EMDR therapy
  • Group therapy
You can also join support groups after finishing your treatment program. Support groups can help you to help others like you who are dealing with addiction.

Get Your Questions Answered

Navigating the journey to recovery can bring up many questions. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our services. If you need more information or have additional questions, we are only a phone call away.

The most widely abused and used hypnotic sedative drugs are benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and barbiturates. Individuals misuse this drug because of its euphoric and calming effects. These drugs are known to reduce anxiety and stress and induce sleep.

However, long-term use of this drug can cause stress and disrupt your sleep cycle. Sedative drugs lower brain function, affect your overall mood, and reduce feelings of pain. Prolonged use of this medication can lead to tolerance, and the user may increase its amounts to experience the same soothing effect.

Three main types of sedative-hypnotic drugs are benzodiazepine, Z-drugs, and barbiturates. This medication is prescribed to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. 

These drugs are usually in the form of pills or liquid. They are central nervous system depressants and make you feel relaxed.

Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic-related disorders occur when you misuse the class of drugs known as hypnotics, sedatives, and anxiolytics. Medical experts prescribe this drug to treat various physical and psychological conditions.

These drugs are prescription medications, but individuals gain access to these drugs through illegal sources. Symptoms of this disorder include:

Poor judgment

Changes in mood

Impaired memory

Coma

Slurred speech

People who try to lower their dose to recover from the disorder are at risk of experiencing sweating, increased heartbeat, tremors, insomnia, and anxiety.

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