Anxiety and Sleep Medications

Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium and Restoril are the most prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia. These medications are highly addictive and can be dangerous if abused. Often these medications are overused, shared between family members or friends, or worse get into the hands of kids who take them from the medicine cabinet. People who use sedatives combined with other substances such as prescription opioids, heroin and alcohol are at high risk for respiratory failure and/or death. Sleep meds include the Z drugs Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta, and although they are somewhat less addictive then benzos they still have an additive risk.

“Benzos” Can Be Dangerous

Non-medical use of prescription Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used drug in poly drug use. Benzodiazepines can be used to:

• Intensify the “high” of opioids;
• Heighten the effects of alcohol;
• Ease the agitation of drugs that have stimulant effects, such as ecstasy, cocaine or methamphetamine.

Patience is the Key to Detox and Benzo Addiction Treatment

• Abrupt discontinuation from benzos can be dangerous and may lead to serious medical problems including seizures, stroke, heart attack and death.
• Slow, small, controlled incremental tapering minimizes withdrawal symptoms, and serious side effects and is effective in preventing relapses.