Anecdotal reports by some professionals have caused concerns youth Using prescription benzodiazepines such as xanax for recreational use.
The border forces of these drugs have Almost doubled Over the last five years, further feeding concern.
So why do young people use them and how are the damage to those used as defined by a doctor?
What are benzodiazepines?
You may be aware of this large group of drugs with their commercials. Valium (Diazepam), Xanax (Alprazolam), Normison (Temazepam) and Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) are just a few examples. Sometimes they are referred to as small tranquilizers or, consciously, as “benzo”.
They increase the gamma gamma amino acid (GABA) gamma. GABA reduces brain activity, creating feelings of relaxation and repression.
The unwanted side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and coordination problems.
Benzodiazepines were widely used for the long -term management of stress and insomnia. Are still prescribed for these conditions, but less often, and they are also sometimes used As part of treatment for cancer, epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal.
Long -term use can lead to tolerance: when the result is worn over time. So you need to use more over time to get the same result. This can lead to dependency: when your body depends on the drug. There is a very high risk of dependence on these medicines.
When you stop taking benzodiazepines, you may have symptoms of withdrawal. For those who depend on, withdrawal can be long and difficult, it lasts for several months or more.
So now they are only recommended for a few weeks for specific short -term conditions.
How do people get them? And how does it make them feel?
Benzodiazepines for non -medical use are usually either diverted by legal prescriptions or purchased by illegal drug markets, including online.
Some illegal benzodiazepines look like prescription drugs, but they are fake pills that may contain fentanyl, nitazenia (both synthetic opioids) or other powerful substances that can significantly increase the risk of random overdose and death.
When used entertaining, benzodiazepines are usually taken in higher doses than those usually prescribed, so there are even greater risks.
THE result Young people are looking for the use of these drugs is a feeling of deep relaxation, reduced inhibition, euphoria and a sense of detachment from one’s environment. Others use them to enhance social experiences or manage “comedown” from stimulants such as MDMA.
There are risks associated with use at these levels, including memory loss, reduced crisis and dangerous behaviorsuch as unsafe sex or driving.
Some people report that they do things they normally do not do when they are affected by high doses of benzodiazepines. There are cases of people Crime commitments They cannot remember.
When taken in higher doses or in combination with other repressive drugs such as alcohol or opioids, they can also cause respiratory depressionwhich prevents your lungs from getting enough oxygen. In extreme cases, it can lead to loss of senses and even death.
The use of high dose also increases the risk of tolerance and dependence.
Is recreational use?
The data we have on the use of non -prescription benzodiazepine among young people are fragmented and difficult to interpret.
The National Strategy Strategy of Strategy 2022-23 estimates About 0.5% of 14 to 17 years and 3% of 18 to 24 years of age have used benzodiazepine for non -medical purposes at least once in the past year.
Australian Secondary School survey 2022-23 reports that 11% of secondary school students They were investigated had used benzodiazepines in the past year. However, they note that this number may include a significant proportion of benzodiazepines prescribed, but have been inadvertently reported using them entertainment.
In both surveys, the use has remained quite stable for the last two decades. Thus, only a small percentage of young people have used benzodiazepines without a recipe and does not seem to increase significantly.
Reports of more young people using benzodiazepines entertaining could simply reflect more comfort among young people, talking about drugs and drug problems, which is positive.
Benzodiazine prescription Teenagers or young adults have also been reduced by 2012.
What can you do to reduce the dangers?
To reduce the risk of problems, including dependence, benzodiazepines should be used for the shortest possible duration at the lowest effective dose.
Benzodiazepines should not be taken with other medicines without talking to a doctor or pharmacist.
You should not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs at the same time with the use of benzodiazepines.
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Fake benzodiazepines They are increasingly located in the community. They are more dangerous than pharmaceutical benzodiazepines because there is no quality control and may contain unexpected and dangerous substances.
Drug control services It can help people identify what they are in substances they intend to take. It also gives them the opportunity to talk to a healthcare professional before they use. People often reject their medicines after finding out what they contain and talk to someone about drug damage.
If people use benzodiazepines without a recipe to manage themselves anxiety, anxiety or insomnia, this may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Psychological remedies such as Cognitive behavioral treatmentincluding favorableness Approaches are very effective in treating these symptoms and are more effective long -term solutions.
Lifestyle modifications – such as improvement exercise; diet and sleep – It can also be useful.
There are also other drugs with a much lower risk of dependence that can be used to treat worry and insomnia.
Read more: I think my child has anxiety. What are the treatment options?
If you or someone you know needs help using benzodiazepine, Reappearance can help. It is a tips and support service for people using benzodiazepines.
Alternatively, Counseling It is a good place to get information and referral for the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence. Or talk to your GP. THE Sleep Health Foundation It has some large resources if you have sleep problems.
