Benzodiazepines were first introduced in the 1960’s with the notion that they were free of addictive properties (de las Cuevas, Sanz, & de la Fuente, 2003). They instantly became popular due to their action of reducing tension and “inducing mental calmness” (Konopka, Pełka-Wysiecka, Grzywacz, & Samochowiec, 2013, p. 229). However, the awareness of potential dependence and addiction has increased as well. De las Cuevas and colleagues state that many studies have found that a substantial proportion of patients who are currently taking benzodiazepines will, at some point, form a dependence to them and become addicted (2003). Strikingly, a survey from primary care physicians has found that half of the physicians find it “difficult to discuss …show more content…
The external factors associated with benzodiazepine addiction are how long the treatment is, lack of psychoeducation given to the patient about the possibility of addiction, and careless usage (Konopka et al., 2013). Additionally, Konopka et al. discuss that critical life events, such as childhood maltreatment, increase one’s chances of benzodiazepine addiction (2013). This demonstrates that the role of social problems and critical life events, as well as lack of information, leads to the addictiveness of benzodiazepines. In juxtaposition, the internal factors that may predispose an individual to benzodiazepine addiction involves psychological determinants, such as depressive and anxiety disorders, personality traits, such as neuroticism and borderline personality disorders, and “negative mood combined with a feeling of personal unworthiness” and inadequacy (Konopka et al., 2013, p. 230). Therefore, Konopka and colleagues (2013) developed a research design that analyzed the internal and external factors related to benzodiazepine addiction. These researchers investigated four factors related to benzodiazepine addiction: treatment circumstances (duration, dosage, and reason for receiving the benzodiazepine), psychological characteristics (anxiety levels and personality traits), coping mechanisms, and critical life events (Konopka et al., …show more content…
234). This indicates that the reason benzodiazepines are addictive is in their function, which is to sedate and calm an individual. This paradox treads a fine line between therapeutic effectiveness and addiction, which is alarming because an individual receiving a benzodiazepine for therapeutic relief can easily become addicted to its sedating properties, thereby refuting its therapeutic claim. Additionally, Konopka et al. found that adverse life events, such as domestic violence and childhood maltreatment, and the “accumulation of stress,” leads to higher potential of abuse and addiction than compared to controls (2013, p. 234). This further demonstrates that circumstances which cause people to utilize anxiolytic medications are playing a vital role in also predisposing them to
Pt. is currently in Phase 7 of the tx program. Pt. has been able to maintain abstinence from mood-altering substances, her drug screen results has shown no evidence of ongoing BZP use. During the recent quarter, Pt. has maintained a positive balance in his AMS account. Pt. maintained his full-time employment status and self-reported that he has no issues or concerns with his current financial status. Pt. remains at 130 mg.
The novel Buzzed is a book written by three authors that talk about the most popular drugs in today’s world and what they do to our bodies. These authors include Scott Swartzwelder who is a professor of Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine, Cynthia Kuhn, who is a professor of Pharmacology at Duke University School of Medicine, and Wilkie Wilson, who is a professor of Prevention Science at Duke University. Buzzed, based on the current psychological and pharmacological research provides a reliable look at not only the use but also the abuse of the popular legal and illegal drugs. The first part of this book includes chapters on each of a total of 12 kinds of drugs which include alcohol, caffeine, enactogens, hallucinogens, herb drugs,
Pt. reported that he wants to get up early and meditate and exercise. Pt. explained wanting to improve his health by taking herbal medicines. Pt. shared how he believes that pharmaceutical companies don’t want people to know about other alternative to combat addiction and improve health. Pt. indicated that his current dosage of methadone is 5 mg and he is experiencing minimal withdraw symptoms. Counselor explained how unfilled time, an unoccupied mind can act as triggers, who is going to give him advices and talk to him when needed and told his to reflect on it.
CMN 556 Unit Three Journal Unit three was quite challenging and very rewarding. So many of the patients I encountered during this unit (actually unit two because I have not had any clinical so far in unit three) have had ongoing struggles with addiction, specifically to benzodiazepines. I made it one of my goals for this unit to learn more about the proper use of benzodiazepines, and to discuss with my preceptor the many options for alternative medications and the treatment of anxiety. Benzodiazepines are not prescribed as widely as they once were, not just because of the addictive nature of this medication class, but because there is new evidence-based research that shows that there is a high risk for developing early-onset dementia with prolonged use. In the past, patients with diagnoses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Panic Disorder were given this medication in order to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Intro: Opiate use has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Opiate dependence has been associated with multiple problems and some people report high rates of dissatisfaction in multiple spheres of their lives including finances, family relations and living situations. Neurological changes associated with prolonged opiate use such as decreased
As in Frankenstein the creation is undergoing a series of monster like actions and with Xanax users have trouble with speech ,keeping their balance at times , difficulty concentrating , depression , and suicidal ideation all come into play . Even though this drug is prescribed it is mostly abused by taking more dosage than given or consuming the drug when you should not be . Xanax is based on the chemical properties of alprazolam which was first released by UpJohn in 1981. At the time is was first given to calm panic disorders and within the first two years of its marketing Xanax became a blockbuster drug in the US. Xanax is a negative technological advancement which results in addiction , mental health problems , as well as death, to which anyone taking this medication needs to be aware of these
The Ativan I take for anxiety. The Ambien I sometimes have to take to sleep…” (Pg. 279).
The applicant is a 49 year old male with two adult children. The applicant has never been married is currently in a relationship with his significant other, Kim for the past 17 years. The applicant currently resides with his 2 sisters and his mother. Also, the applicant is employed as a car sales person with Toyota and is at risk with losing employment due to his drug habits as to why the patient is seeking treatment.
Along with mental illness, there is also an epidemic of addiction and substance abuse in our world today. These diseases take control of people’s lives, and they are usually very difficult to treat. Treatment for mental illness and addiction usually involves countless hours of therapy, and even the use of medication in some cases. Even though mental disorders and substance abuse are still pressing issues today, it is never too late for those affected to seek help and change their lives for the
Dependence on prescription opioids can stem from treatment of chronic pain and in recent years is the cause of the increased number of opioid overdoses. Opioids are very addictive substances, having serious life threatening consequences in case of intentional or accidental overdose. The euphoria attracts recreational use, and frequent,
Mental illness is associated with all drug use, but withdrawals of ice can provide a user with insomnia, confusion, depression, anxiety as well as violent behaviour. Neuroimaging studies show that alterations in the activity of dopamine reproduction, which assists motor speed and verbal learning can be partially reversed if the right steps are taken to treat the addiction. The current plan put in place for those who are prosecuted with drug charges is inadequate to those suffering from heavy addictions and have no access to appropriate
According to Michael Klein, “The most prescription drugs that are commonly misused are opioids, tranquillizers, sedatives, and hypnotics.” Unintentional overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers have quadrupled since 1999 and have outnumbered those involving heroin and cocaine since 2002. (Klein). The reason some people abuse opioids is just to “get high”.
Literature Review Substance Use Disorder Defined According to the American Psychological Association, the definitional boundaries of what addiction is has changed multiple times over the years. Addiction was relabeled dependence in 1964 by the World Health Organization, as it thought that the word addiction closely linked to opiate use. A few years ago, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was released and combined the diagnostic categories for substance abuse and substance dependence (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These diagnoses have replaced the term with substance use disorders.
Drug Addiction : Treatment or Punishment? When a person takes a drug the chemicals affect the brain by interfering with how the neurons send messages. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the structure of Marijuana and Heroin mimic a natural neurotransmitter which tricks the receptors into allowing the drug to activate neurons inside the brain which interferes with messages and leads to abnormalities of behavior. With other drugs such as cocaine there is an abnormally large amount of neurotransmitters released which disrupts communication channels.
Drug abuse is caused by psychological, genetic as well as environmental factors and can have significant damaging effects on health. Psychological factors are associated with the development of drug abuse. Drug abuse often occurs