Everyone in New Jersey these days knows that opioid prescription develops, more often than not, from a seemingly innocuous doctor’s prescription that has been given to someone for pain. That prescription often leads people to using heroin, or fentanyl which are strikingly deadly in nature and therefore monopolizing the drug related headlines these days and consequently the public’s knowledge of prescription addiction. Sedatives, however, are also a prominent form of medication prescribed in New Jersey that can lead to a strong addiction when taken consistently for long periods of time or when taken outside of a doctor’s orders. The first exposure to sedatives can come by way of treatment for insomnia or anxiety disorders, but can lead to a chemical dependency that makes a person’s body dysfunctional when the drug is not used.
What Drugs are Sedative Hypnotics?
Sedatives slow down the central nervous system in order to slow down the body’s performance. They depress respiratory functions as well as cardiac function, for instance. These medications are prescribed for when someone has a hard time sleeping or for people who suffer from chronic anxiety disorders. They are meant to help a body’s systems relax and to stave off panic or anxiety. Some people take sedatives like Xanax for years and according to prescription guidelines, but if they begin to feel uncomfortable or “off” without the drug, there is a solid chance that an addiction is forming that must be treated at a New Jersey detox.
Commonly Prescribed Sedative Medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Valium
- Xanax
- Librium
- Klonopin
- Phenobarbital
- Ativan
- Lunesta
Signs and Symptoms of Sedative Abuse
- Slurred speech
- Altered personality
- Irritability and aggression
- Slowed reaction time
- Confusion
- Loss of cognitive ability
- Lack of good judgment
- Inability to focus on specific tasks
What is It Like To Withdrawal From Sedatives?
Some of the withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Muscle ache
- Cardiac complications
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Numb extremities
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Excessive sweating
- Jaw tension
Everyone struggling with a substance addiction to a sedative will experience withdrawal symptoms differently, depending on many different variables, including but not limited to the person’s physical health, the amount of the drug they were giving themselves, how frequently they were using, or dual diagnosis, or co-occurring mental health disorder.
Treatment for Sedative Addiction at Detox Centers in NJ
Discovery Institute of New Jersey offers sedative addiction treatment like detox programs and rehab. New Jersey citizens are finding more so than ever that excellent treatment is available to them. At Discovery Institute someone who struggles with an addiction to a sedative like Xanax can go through withdrawal symptoms with a medical staff at their side and know that there are qualified therapists there to help them work through their psychological addiction as well as their physical symptoms. Being in a facility for detoxification, with people who you know you can trust will help you through the difficult process and the hard work recovery.
Call Discovery Institute today if you have questions about sedative addiction.
Dr. Joseph Ranieri D.O. earned his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University School of Pharmacy in 1981 and His Doctorate Degree in Osteopathic Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine Addiction Certification. Dr. Ranieri has lectured extensively to physicians, nurses, counselors and laypeople about the Disease of Addiction throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 2012.
