Benzodiazepine Addiction

During the 1930's, Leo Sternback discovered benzodiazepines while working for the Hoffman-LaRoche Company. However, the first benzodiazepine was not introduced to the general public until 1957, when Hoffman launched Librium, which is used primarily to relieve anxiety. Abuse of benzodiazepines was not specifically addressed until the 1980s, when they became among the most prescribed medications in America.

However as the medical community began prescribing these drugs to every woman on earth, they never realized what a monster they were creating at that time.

Years later when women became free from family burdens and began to work, they thought they could just toss their drugs out the window because now they were all better. What they didn't realize that by now their bodies had become so highly addicted to this drug, they could not stop taking it.

Klonopin and Xanax have made their way in to the streets and state officials have cracked down on doctors for prescribing these pills to patients because of their addicting make up. These drugs, being made for short term use, have become the death of many.

Drug trafficking of Bennies has risen so much in the last decade that doctors in some states are only allowed to write a script with no refills and making patients take drug test who are on these medications. This makes it very difficult for people who have been on these drugs for years, go to their doctors monthly to get their medications.

Although in times of trouble we are quick to ask for something to settle our nerves, these drugs should be the last drug that any doctor should prescribe to their patients. Not only are these drugs addicting, but the withdrawal can be worse than being on the actual medication. Many people trying to get off Klonopin now are stuck with it forever even if they don't want it.

Deciding to stop taking benzodiazapines can lead to seizures when this medication is stopped abruptly. People who are on any type of benzo, need to be weaned off this drug over a period of 18 months or longer with the possiblitly of still having ill affects of this medication.

Long term use of bennies can lead to adverse psychological and physical effects, violence, and suicidal behavior sometimes occur. It can also cause brain deterioration over time.

You may think you're doing yourself a favor when bad fate falls in to your lap to ask your doctor for these drugs to help you get through, however the consequenses of taking these drugs can be fatal.

There are many other good drugs out there if you are having trouble coping, sleeping, or even dealing with pain, that are not addictive. Before you decide to purchase these drugs off the street make sure you know what your getting yourself in to.

Benzodiazapines are one of the worst drugs anybody could be addicted too. As the world says good bye to many starlets, their deaths could have been avoided by not using these drugs.

Any good doctor would think twice before prescribing these medications to a patient without trying other alternatives first.

Of course there are medical problems that warrant the use of benzo's, however if you are just having a bad time in your life that is not a reason for wanting this drug.

The amount of withdraw symptoms are alarming but any of these you can experience when being weaned off benzo's. Do NOT just stop taking them or you could end up having a seizure.

Abdominal pains, cramps, diarrhea, bloated, diarhea, constipation, cramping, Dry throat and Dyspepsia. Aching joints, aching muscles, shaking. myoclonic jerks, severe muscle rigidity.

Aggressive behavior, Agitation, Hyperactivity, hysterical or inappropriate laughter, Irrational rage, Irritability, obsessive behavior.

The list is long but these are the most things that bother people when going through with draw.

If you ever get off benzodiazepines, you can never take them again or you will relapse right back into your old drug habit.

If your doctor decides to put you on any kind of medication for anxiety or muscle spasms, make sure it is not a benzodiazepine. You can find out by asking. You are the one in charge of your healthcare and even though doctors are supposed to be way smarter then us and have compassion for the sick by the oath they took, sometimes they do not do what is in best interest of their patients.

If you doctor insist on putting you on a benzodiazepine then make sure it is a very short time. Not more then two weeks and only take it as prescribed.

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed, with four of them—alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan)—listed among the top 100 most commonly prescribed medications.

Know what you are taking before you leave their office.

You can not wean yourself properly off these drugs and should have a psychiatrist or a physician who knows a great deal about these drugs to help you get off of them. If you have been taking them for many years, then it is highly unlikely that you will ever get off of them.

Weaning can take up to 18 months or longer to get off of these drugs.

So the good news is, you don't have to start taking them and the bad news is if you are taking them long term, you will have a hard time getting off of them.