The majority of CNS depressants work by increasing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that suppresses brain function. The sleepy and relaxing effects of this action are what make the drug beneficial for treating anxiety and sleep difficulties. For the first few days after starting to take CNS depressants, people often feel tired and uncoordinated while their bodies acclimate to the adverse effects. Other consequences of use and misuse include:
Long-term use of CNS depressants may necessitate higher doses in order to produce therapeutic effects. When consumption is quickly reduced or terminated, it might result in dependence and withdrawal. Stopping suddenly might potentially have negative repercussions, such as seizures.
Yes, a person can overdose on CNS depressants. An overdose occurs when the person uses enough of a drug to produce life-threatening symptoms, coma or death.
When people overdose on a CNS depressant, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term mental effects and effects on the nervous system, including coma and permanent brain damage.
Yes, misusing or abusing prescription CNS depressants can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), which can develop into an addiction in severe situations. Long-term use of prescription CNS depressants, even when recommended by a doctor, can lead to tolerance, which means that they require greater and/or more frequent dosages to achieve the desired effects. When continued use of a drug has negative repercussions such as health problems or failure to perform responsibilities at work, school, or family, but the drug is still used, a substance use disorder (SUD) develops.
Those who become hooked to a prescription CNS depressant and immediately stop taking it may have withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms, which can start as soon as a few hours after the last dose, include:
It is not recommended that people who are addicted to prescription CNS depressants try to stop taking them on their own. Withdrawal symptoms from these medications can be severe, and in the case of some pharmaceuticals, potentially fatal.
There isn't much research on how to treat patients who have become addicted to prescription CNS depressants. People who are addicted to these medications, on the other hand, should undergo medically supervised detoxification because the dosage should be carefully decreased.
Counselling, whether in an outpatient or inpatient setting, can aid people in their recovery. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is a style of counselling that focuses on changing a person's thoughts, expectations, and actions while also improving strategies to cope with life's challenges. People who have successfully stopped using benzodiazepines have benefited from cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Often prescription CNS depressant misuse occurs along with the use of other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids. In those cases, the person should seek treatment that addresses the multiple addictions.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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