Originally written on: Tuesday, 13 August 2019 Last edited on: Thursday, 15 August 2019

Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Services for Tranquilizers Addiction in the United States

Throughout the United States, tranquilizers are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs. Per the Centers for Disease Control, there are an estimated 60 million people receiving tranquilizer prescriptions every year. People take them for a variety of reasons such as sleeping problems, and anxiety issues. Tranquilizers are also referred to as sedatives and central nervous system central nervous system depressants. These drugs are highly addictive and are abused by prescription drug users and non-prescription drug users. These sedatives are classified as major and minor tranquilizers. Major tranquilizers are essentially anti-psychotics and create heavy sedation. A minor tranquilizer is the one that is commonly abused, and are in the category of benzodiazepines and barbiturates. These types of drugs are habit-forming and have a high potential for addiction and dependency.

When a minor tranquilizer is used, it essentially slows down brain activity. This leads to a feeling of drowsiness, euphoria, relaxation, and slowed breathing. Tranquilizers are commonly mixed with other drugs, such as alcohol, which increases the risk of overdose. The long-term use of tranquilizers causes dependency and a tolerance to develop. The user develops uncontrolled cravings, an inability to control how much they use, and addictive behavior. Tranquilizers cause a loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. Some of the commonly prescribed tranquilizers include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Halcion, and Librium, which are all benzodiazepines. Some of the commonly abused barbiturates include Seconal, Mebaral, Luminal, and Amytal. Common sleeping medications abused are Ambien, Zolpminst, and Edluar.

Alcohol could be classified as a tranquilizer because ethanol is a central nervous system depressant depressant. It affects the body much of the same way and slows down the functions of the central nervous system. The abuse of tranquilizers creates tolerance and the body begins to develop a need for more to maintain the feeling it wants. Gradually the dosages increase, which also increases the risk for an overdose. Overdose is common with tranquilizer use, especially when mixed with other drugs such as alcohol or opioids. Like any other type of drug abuse, the dependency for the drug leads to addiction, and eventually creating intense withdrawal symptoms. Tranquilizer use causes a temporary feeling of euphoria and lowered inhibitions, confusion, dizziness, and restricted breathing.

Drug and alcohol treatment centers and detox programs in the United States can treat people who abuse tranquilizers. Detox should be done through medical detox, with proper medical supervision. Withdrawal symptoms include shaking muscles, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, anxiety, and hallucinations. The length of time required in detox is different for each person, but the step must be done. Drug rehabilitation centers treat the underlying issues, along with rehabilitating the person’s physical health. The treatment process takes time, especially for heavy users who have been abusing drugs for many years. Both inpatient and outpatient drug rehab centers in the country treat tranquilizer addiction. When you start the rehabilitation process, some treatment programs will have the detox as part of the treatment center. This does make for a smoother transition into treatment when drug detox is complete.