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Abuse of Sedative or Hypnotic Drugs The sedatives or hypnotics are barbiturates or benzodiazepines. They are often called 'hypnoanxiolytics' because they induce sleep (the hypno part) or calm anxiety (the anxiolytic part). The most popular drugs are valium (diazepam) and librium (chlordiazepoxide); their effects are similar, but valium acts faster. The faster a drug acts, and the more unpleasant its withdrawal symptoms are, the more addictive the drug is. Given that these drugs are so often prescribed, it is not surprising that many people are "hooked" on them. If people are hospitalized for dependence on these drugs, they are very likely to return to using them within a few years. The treatment for abuse often involves switching to a slower-acting, longer-acting, hypnoanxiolytic that is gradually withdrawn, perhaps in combination with supportive or cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Because the drugs are usually obtained legally via prescriptions, the financial and social "side effects" of abuse or dependence on these drugs are less severe than for most other drugs of abuse. The barbiturates are much more prone to bring about abuse and serious withdrawal symptoms than the benzodiazepines. Read our page explaining how
medications work and their side effects to get more information. Last updated 12/19/03 |
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