Sedative-hypnotic drugs have the role of slowing down the activity of the brain. They work very well for the treatment and management of anxiety and sleep disorders. Sometimes, they are used for treating seizures. They can also be given to patients before major surgery, as they can act as very good aesthetics.
These substances include barbiturates such as Amytal, Seconal, Nembutal and phenobarbital and also benzodiazepines, mepreobamate and chloral hydrate.
The problem with these substances is that they can lead to dependence. This means the body gets used to the drug and doesn't react to it as well as in the beginning, thus forcing the addict to increase the dosage in order to obtain the same effects. Abuse will generate a craving for the drug, the subjects finding it impossible to cut down the amount they need to take.
Moreover, addicts experience physical dependence, which will cause them feel sick when trying to stop taking the medication. The other side of such addictions is emotional, which means the patient feels insecure if he doesn't get his daily fix. Withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe, ranging from anxiety and poor appetite to tremors, rapid pulse, nightmares, high fever and even seizures.
Depressants are also dangerous because they cause symptoms during the intoxication phase. these symptoms can be severe also, therefore putting the subjects at risk of getting injured because of their lack of coordination and focus.
The doctor can diagnose a sedative-hypnotic substance abuse, then he can prescribe the most appropriate treatment plan. The role of a good treatment plan is to decrease the drug cravings and to manage to withdrawal symptoms, as well as to solve the initial problem that was at the origin of the substance abuse. The treatment takes quite a long time, so the patient shouldn't expect immediate improvement.
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