Sedative Drug Abuse Adverse Effects

July 11, 2012 0 Comments

Current statistics have shown that young people are the leading victims of prescription drug addiction. One in every 9 youth has practically abused prescription drugs in the year 2009. The number is getting bigger every year and this threat is creeping fast into our neighborhoods earlier than we think. The scary fact is that these youth use prescribed drugs not for treatment of any mental or phsyical disorder. Most of those who abuse prescribed drugs are up to the stimulation effects it brings to the user. Most abused substances are stimulant drugs which mainly increases stamina and activity. Increase awareness of proper prescription drug use should be disseminated to the rising generation to prevent the increasing rise of drug abuse in the country.

One of the many prescription drugs that have often been abused is Diazepam. Its common brand name is Valium. Based on a study conducted, 4.3% of high school seniors have abused this drug in the year 2009. Many believed that this prescription drug has no imminent negative effects and is therefore not harmful to take. Prolonged use of diazepam however, can cause addiction. When addiction has been developed, adverse body reactions can be felt when intake isn’t made regularly.

There are many side effects of diazepam addiction. These effects include but are not limited to drowsiness, blurred speech, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue and loss of balance. For younger people, these symptoms may be perceived as natural occurring related to drug intake but it must be noted that these symptoms are only symptoms of possible bigger health issues.

With all the data and symptoms stated earlier in this article, it’s no surprise that people would want to know what is the drug diazepam? This particular medication belongs to a group of drugs called Benzodiazepines which are psychoactive drugs. It is used for treating anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms associated with tetanus, seizures occurring among epileptic patients and convulsions due to high fever. The drug induces a calming soothing effect and is also referred as a sedative because it induces sleep or sedation. Onset effects are felt within 30 minutes from intake and could last for 3-4 hours. Short-term treatment is recommended since it has addictive properties. It’s best that previous health issues or concerns be brought up with the physician to avoid any harm or injury to the body.

Knowledge is power and as long as we are informed with the facts of these prescribed drugs, we are better able to reach out to the young generation and prevent the spread of addiction in the society.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *