Temazepam is a drug commonly prescribed for severe insomnia. This helpful drug may, however, be subject to abuse and cause addiction or physical dependence. It is thus included in the list of controlled substances in most parts of the globe. As a controlled substance, this drug must be administered only upon a doctor’s prescription and be used the onlyshort-term for sleep disorders. People illicitly obtain temazepam by visiting several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying from illegal sources.
There are people who have abused or misused the substance and become addicted to Temazepam and should undergo drug rehabilitation treatment for their condition.
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Benzodiazepine Abuse in the United States
Benzodiazepines were developed during the 1950s and were first introduced to the market in the 1960s upon establishment of its clinical effectiveness. This became the most commonly prescribed drug in the world during the 1970s. The most popular benzodiazepines used as hypnotics are temazepam, nitrazepam, flurazepam, and triazolam, while those used as tranquilizers are alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
In a paper on the history of benzodiazepines, it was noted that the abuse and misuse of these drugs were observed early, however, the number of cases was deemed too low in comparison with a large number of prescriptions. During the 1970s it was already suspected that physical dependence occurred on individuals even with a normal-dose prescription. It was not until the 1980s that scientific evidence showed its reality was presented.
An original study on the use of benzodiazepines in the United States cautioned against indications of prevalence in issuing prescriptions of the medication to older people, despite risks of falls, fractures, and motor vehicle crashes. Also noteworthy is the warning that physical dependence and the concomitant withdrawal and rebound syndromes may affect individuals who obtain benzodiazepines through prescriptions as much as those who get them through illicit means. Statistics from the National Survey for Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2011 indicate a staggering number of 20.4 million individuals aged 12 and above have misused benzodiazepine. Likewise, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports an 8-fold increase in the number of deaths from benzodiazepine overdose in 2016 compared to 2002 figures.
Although Temazepam is only the fifth most prescribed benzodiazepine in the US, there are indications of increasing illicit trade in the drug. More people may be able to obtain temazepam illegally and go on the path to addiction.
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Why Are People Abusing Temazepam?
Temazepam belongs to benzodiazepine class of drugs, which falls under the category of central nervous system depressants. It is generally prescribed by doctors to treat insomnia. It is a helpful medication for those who suffer difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Temazepam works by increasing the effects of the brain’s neurotransmitter, GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is responsible for reducing the activity of nerve cells and takes part in the cognition, behavior, and the response of the human body to stress. When GABA is amplified by Temazepam, the user feels relaxed and with a sense of enhanced well-being.
Temazepam is officially listed as a sedative/hypnotic drug. Such drug induces sleep and is commonly called sleeping pills. Temazepam is a generic drug available under the following brand names, among others:
- Restoril
- Normison
- Euhypnos
- Norkotral
- Temtabs
Temazepam is also a muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety). It is thus prescribed and used as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Some doctors prescribe it as a preparatory medicine prior to minor surgery or dental operation.
While effective as a medication, some people misuse Temazepam, and other benzodiazepines, for mood alteration. Some people find their ‘highs’ and sense of well-being in altering their brain functions. In many cases, benzodiazepines are used together with alcohol or other drugs. Use of benzodiazepines with other substances increases the danger of fatal poisoning.
Due to its more rapid onset of action, temazepam is one of the more popular drugs in the benzodiazepine group. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that have become favorites in recreational misuse for their psychoactive effects. They alter moods, consciousness, perception, and affect brain functions. When a substance is abused, it takes a larger dose to produce the wanted effects.
Because temazepam is a psychoactive substance belonging to the benzodiazepine group, its users are in danger of physical dependence and addiction to the drug. Temazepam is a controlled substance and a prescription-only medicine in many countries.
Consequences of Abusing Temazepam
The US National Institutes of Health has published a study on the withdrawal syndrome from a benzodiazepine. The following symptoms may be experienced:
- Sleep disturbance, irritability
- Anxiety
- Increased tension
- Panic attacks
- Hand tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Lack of focus
- Some weight loss
- Dry retching
- Nausea
- Palpitations
- Headaches
- Pain and stiffness in the muscles
- Seizures
- Psychotic reactions
Addiction is a disease with psycho-social manifestations that negatively affect the individual. People may lose friends, jobs, and properties due to addiction. Stopping the use of the substance is the desired solution and is the object of drug rehabilitation treatments. Cessation of use will, however, produce withdrawal symptoms and may have rebound effects. Withdrawal and rebound from addiction are both dangerous and difficult to be done without professional care. Recovery and drug rehabilitation in licensed facilities will reduce the dangers of withdrawal, minimize life-threatening symptoms, and prevent relapses. An ideal drug rehabilitation program offers medical and psycho-social interventions fitted to the individual needs of each patient. The right mix of treatments should be developed for each individual case.
Most common side effects of Temazepam are dizziness and irritability. There are also unwanted effects which may require consultation with your doctor, such as:
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Problems with muscle coordination
- Hallucination
- Unusual sense of well-being
- Mood changes
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How Addictive is Temazepam?
Temazepam often makes people feel very relaxed with an enhanced sense of well-being, including euphoria. This is the ‘high’ that is craved by recreational and medical users. With chronic use of the drug, a person develops tolerance to its effects. There is a general consensus that prescriptions should not be longer than a week. With a longer period of use, the user develops a tolerance to the drug and the brain requires increased doses to get the desired effects of Temazepam. This is the beginning of physical dependence and ultimately progresses to addiction. A good indicator of addiction to temazepam, and all benzodiazepines, in general, is the occurrence of a withdrawal syndrome when you stop using the substance.
When people stop using temazepam, or other benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms occur which can be difficult and even life-threatening. In the case of addiction or physical dependence, when you stop using the substance, you go through withdrawal symptoms and rebound effects. The conditions that you tried to control in using the drug re-emerge in a more severe intensity.
The withdrawal and rebound syndromes may be felt within one to four days after stopping the use of temazepam and other benzodiazepines. The physical and psychological manifestations may last up to fourteen days. Physical symptoms of withdrawal include heart palpitations, abdominal pains, headaches, vomiting, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, trembling, convulsions, and even seizures. The last is clearly life-threatening.
The psychological manifestations of withdrawal and rebound syndrome from temazepam and benzodiazepines include sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Even in instances of mild manifestations, there is always a risk of falls, sprains, and motor vehicle crashes when the affected individual is alone or not closely assisted.
How to Safely Detox from Temazepam Dependence
Physical and psychological dependence on benzodiazepine drugs such as temazepamis caused by continued misuse and abuse of the drug. Discontinuation of medication or sudden cessation of the drug can produce withdrawal symptoms that can be very harmful to the user. Withdrawal from the drug must be administered safely and slowly to minimize the likelihood of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as seizures.
Detoxification or removing the substance from the body must be managed correctly to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. Within the first to the fourth day of withdrawing from temazepam, the drug dependent user will experience physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and anxiety. After the fourth day, the withdrawal symptoms will worsen and reach its peak. As the best drug and alcohol rehab center in California, Chapters Capistrano can help individuals safely detox temazepam and other drugs.
Types of Treatments to Help with Temazepam Addiction
With diverse cases, experiences, and dependency, there are various treatments available for different drug-dependent users. Each drug is also different and can cause varying withdrawal symptoms. It is important that individuals must be helped to choose the right treatment for their needs.
Free Yourself from Addiction Here
Substance use disorder can be treated, and this includes addiction to Temazepam. Early treatment of substance dependency means getting the care to mitigate serious effects. If you or your loved ones are seeking help and want to recover from temazepam dependency, contact us at Chapters Capistrano and we will be happy to help you on your way to recovery.
Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.
