Sedatives addiction

Sedative drugs are a type of medication used to calm the nervous system, often prescribed to relieve anxiety, promote sleep or relax muscles.

These drugs work by slowing down brain activity, which helps reduce stress and tension in the body. Doctors may prescribe sedatives for conditions such as insomnia and anxiety disorders or during certain medical procedures where relaxation is necessary.

Are sedative drugs addictive?

Sedative drugs can be addictive, especially when they’re taken for extended periods or not strictly as prescribed.

With continued use, the body may start to build a tolerance, requiring higher doses to reach the same effect – a cycle that can lead to dependence and addiction. When someone tries to stop suddenly, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may set in, making it challenging to quit without support.

For this reason, sedatives are generally prescribed for short-term use, with any long-term treatment closely monitored to help prevent dependence.

There are many different types of sedative addictions, each with its own unique challenges and at Liberty House, we understand how easily a dependency on these medications can develop.

Our sedative drug addiction treatment programmes are carefully designed to address the specific needs of those struggling with various sedatives, offering a tailored approach to help each person on their journey to recovery.

Here are the different types of sedative addictions we treat.

Coming to terms with the fact that the medication you rely on for a peaceful night’s rest can be a potential ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ is no small feat.

Because of this, it’s vital to educate yourself on how sedative addiction can gradually form, as understanding this could be your first step in preventing it.

While your doctor will outline the risks, we’re here to offer you additional insights to help you make informed decisions. Below, we discuss some common ways sedative addiction can set in, highlighting areas to watch for if you’re prescribed these medications.

Increasing tolerance and dependency

Over time, the body naturally builds a tolerance to sedatives, requiring higher doses to achieve the same calming or sleep-inducing effects. What may start as a mild dosage can escalate when the original dose no longer has the desired effect. This physical tolerance can lead to dependency, where the body becomes reliant on the drug, often making it difficult to sleep or feel calm without it.

Psychological reliance

Beyond the physical effects, sedatives can foster a psychological reliance. After experiencing the relief of uninterrupted sleep or reduced anxiety, individuals may develop a belief that they need medication to manage stress or achieve rest. This psychological dependence can sometimes be even stronger than physical dependency, as the mind starts associating the drug with feelings of security and relief.

Using the drug outside of the prescribed intent

Sedatives prescribed for short-term relief of insomnia or acute stress may be used beyond their intended scope, such as for dealing with everyday anxiety or stressors. This non-prescribed use increases the risk of addiction, as the medication is taken in ways not recommended by the doctor and often at higher dosages.

Taking sedatives from others

It’s not uncommon for individuals to obtain sedatives through friends or family who may not fully understand the risks. Even if the intent is to help someone in need of sleep or calm, taking sedatives that haven’t been prescribed for you can quickly lead to misuse and dependency, especially when there’s no medical oversight or guidance on dosages.

Using sedatives recreationally

Sedatives can produce a relaxing, euphoric effect when taken in large doses, which may lead to recreational use. This can be particularly risky as it increases the chance of overdosing or using the drug in unsafe settings, raising the potential for both physical and psychological dependence.

Recognising the signs of sedative drug addiction in yourself or a loved one is crucial. Identifying these signs early allows for timely intervention, which can be key in finding the right support and treatment. Sedatives carry a risk of dependency, especially with prolonged or unsupervised use. While symptoms vary, there are common indicators that can help in spotting a potential problem.

Physical signs

• Slurred speech or coordination problems: Difficulty speaking clearly, unsteady movements or a noticeable lack of coordination.
• Drowsiness or lethargy: Extreme fatigue or appearing ‘out of it’ during the day, with an unusual need to sleep.
• Dizziness or blurred vision: Regularly experiencing lightheadedness or having trouble seeing clearly, which may worsen after taking the drug.
• Increased tolerance: Needing to take higher doses to achieve the same calming effect, often leading to unsupervised dose increases.

Psychological signs

• Mood swings or irritability: Fluctuations in mood, ranging from calmness to frustration or irritability.
• Memory problems or confusion: Difficulty recalling recent events or experiencing ‘gaps’ in memory, which can impact daily life.
• Anxiety when not using: Heightened anxiety or agitation, especially if a dose is missed or if it has been some time since the last use.
• Obsessive focus on the drug: Thinking constantly about the next dose or feeling stressed about potentially running out of medication.

Behavioural signs

• Doctor shopping or obtaining pills illegally: Seeking out multiple prescriptions from different doctors or attempting to get pills through other means.
• Withdrawal from social activities: Losing interest in social events or isolating oneself from friends and family.
• Neglect of responsibilities: Decline in performance or reliability at work, school or home due to the effects of sedative use.

At Liberty House, we offer a comprehensive sedative drug addiction treatment programme that’s here to support you every step of the way. Our approach starts with a thorough assessment to understand your unique needs, followed by a medically monitored detox to help manage withdrawal safely. Our team is on hand 24/7, ensuring that you’re cared for around the clock.

Once detox is complete, we move into therapeutic care, incorporating a mix of traditional therapies like CBT, group counselling and holistic options such as yoga and art therapy. Each of these elements is designed to empower you to heal, rebuild and rediscover a life free from addiction. As you progress, our aftercare programme is there to keep you supported and connected, helping you maintain the gains you’ve achieved during rehab.

If you or someone you care about needs help overcoming sedative drug addiction, please reach out to us today.