Prescription Sedatives are Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants that promote sleep and relaxation due to the calming effects produced. They are commonly prescribed to treat people who suffer from issues with sleep and anxiety. Examples of sedatives include barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. When sedatives are used, the brain signals the heart rate and breathing to slow down. This can be dangerous, as a person who abuses CNS depressants can lose consciousness, slip into a coma, and possibly die. Despite the dangers associated with these drugs, sedatives are still regularly prescribed and abused medications. If you or a loved one struggle with a sedative addiction, please call Restore Drug Treatment LA at (888) 979-4570 to speak with one of our specialists.

What are the Most Commonly Abused Sedatives?

Benzodiazepines

• Valium
• Xanax
• Ativan
• Klonopin
• Halcion
• Librium
• Ambien

Barbiturates

• Secobarbital (Seconal)
• Amobarbital (Amytal)
• Butalbital (Fiorinal, Fioricet)
• Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
• Amobarbital (Amytal)
• Phenobarbital (Lunial)
• Methohexital (Brevital)

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Sedative Addiction?

Many people fall victim to sedative abuse because they come to crave the relaxing sensations produced by these drugs. They may double their dosage without considering the consequences in order to intensify these feelings. Unfortunately, this increases one’s tolerance and oftentimes leads to a severe drug dependence.

Symptoms of Sedative Addiction

• Drowsiness
• Decrease in balance
• Decreased anxiety
• Sedation
• Lethargy
• Shallow breathing
• Decreased motor skills
• Memory lapses
• Loss of concentration
• Slurred speech
• Loss of appetite

A person who is abusing sedatives will appear dazed or drowsy. They may slur their speech and have a difficult time concentrating. Someone with a sedative dependence will also go to great lengths to acquire the substance once they run out. Examples of this may include seeing multiple doctors in order to obtain more medication, stealing prescriptions from others, and purchasing drugs illegally. Because sedatives are known to lower inhibitions, it is not uncommon for addicts to have run-ins with the law. These are only some of the many signs of a potential sedative addiction.

Signs of Sedative Addiction

• Intermittent anxiety
• Mood swings
• Mental confusion
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Neglecting one’s hygiene
• Anger
• Depression
• Poor judgement
• Lying, stealing, cheating

Addiction Treatment for Sedative Dependence

The first step of recovery is admitting that you have a problem. Oftentimes, drug intervention services are needed to help the user make a change and agree to treatment. After the individual accepts help and admits themselves into sedative addiction treatment, the will likely spend a period of time in a detox program. Detoxification is the process of removing the addictive substance and its toxins from the body and breaking the physical dependence on the drug. Sedative withdrawal can cause physical discomfort, as well as mental and emotional disturbances, and therefore, a certified sedative detox program is highly recommended for around-the-clock professional, medical support. Restore Drug Detox LA specializes in successfully supervising and aiding patients through the course of withdrawal, so that clients can smoothly transition to rehabilitation treatment once the detox phase is complete.

At Restore Drug Rehab LA, our treatment programs are customized to meet the unique needs of each client in recovery. Traditional programs, combined with alternative treatment methods, gives clients of Restore Drug Treatment the confidence to take their lives back from addiction and plan for the future ahead.