How addiction is formed
Sedatives and sleeping pills enhance inhibitory processes in the brain, quickly relieving anxiety and making it easier to fall asleep. The nervous system adapts: the sensitivity of the receptors decreases, and after a few weeks of regular use, the previous dose no longer gives the same effect. This is called tolerance. At the same time, physical dependence is formed: without the drug, the excitement of the brain cannot be balanced by anything, anxiety, insomnia, and tremors appear. The psychological part is no less important - a person stops believing that he is able to fall asleep or cope with anxiety without a pill.
- Tolerance - the previous dose no longer works
- Physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms
- Psychological attachment to the drug
- The risk increases after several weeks of use
- Forms faster with short-acting drugs
Signs your intake is getting out of control
You can suspect addiction long before obvious problems appear. People who should be wary of increasing the dose without consulting the doctor, taking it “just in case” before ordinary events, anxiety at the thought that the package is running out, stocking the drug in different places, asking several doctors for a prescription. Life around us also changes: performance decreases, memory and attention deteriorate, daytime sleepiness, unsteadiness, and falls appear, especially in the elderly. Relatives usually notice changes before the person himself.
- The dose was increased independently
- The appointment lasts longer than the scheduled time
- Anxiety when there is no supply of the drug
- Obtaining prescriptions from different doctors
- Daytime sleepiness, memory loss
- Falls and unsteadiness, especially in older people
Why is abrupt refusal dangerous?
Withdrawal syndrome from sedatives and sleeping pills develops hours or days after stopping use and is more severe than many expect. Anxiety and insomnia return, and are stronger than the original ones; sweating, trembling, palpitations, nausea, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and muscle twitching are added. In severe cases, seizures and confusion with hallucinations are possible - this condition requires emergency care. Therefore, it is impossible to stop taking it at once, especially after a long course and high doses.
- Increased anxiety and insomnia
- Trembling, sweating, palpitations
- Nausea, headache, muscle twitching
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Convulsive seizure in severe cases
- Confusion and hallucinations
Survey
The doctor clarifies what drug is being taken and in what dose, for how long, for what reason it was prescribed, whether there were any attempts to quit and how they ended. It is important to find out the use of alcohol and other substances because the combination increases the risks. They evaluate sleep, anxiety, mood, and the presence of chronic pain—what the treatment was usually started for. Examinations include general and biochemical blood tests, liver enzymes, and ECG; in the elderly, memory and risk of falls are additionally checked.
- Detailed collection of medication history
- Assessment of anxiety, sleep, pain
- Alcohol use detection
- Complete blood count and liver enzymes
- ECG
- Assessment of cognitive functions in the elderly
Treatment
The main method is a gradual dose reduction according to an individual schedule drawn up by the doctor; sometimes the drug is first switched to a longer-acting form to make withdrawal easier. The process takes weeks or months, and rushing is harmful. At the same time, the reason for taking it must be treated: for insomnia, cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective, for anxiety disorders - psychotherapy and, if necessary, drugs without the potential for addiction. Sleep hygiene, physical activity, avoiding alcohol and support from loved ones help.
- Gradual dose reduction according to the doctor’s schedule
- Transfer to a longer-acting drug if necessary
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
- Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders
- Complete abstinence from alcohol
- Physician supervision throughout withdrawal