You’ve heard about it. Maybe you’ve tried it. Anti-anxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, are widely prescribed and used to manage anxiety. But what do you really know about these drugs and their risks? This article from Evoke Wellness will walk you through the facts on anxiolytic medications, including side effects, addiction risks, and how to get help if you or a loved one are struggling. You’ll learn:
- Common anxiolytic drugs and how they work
- Potential side effects and dangers
- Warning signs of addiction
- Detox and treatment options at Evoke Wellness, including:
- Vital statistics on anxiolytic use and abuse
- Actionable steps for getting help and support
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. At Evoke Wellness, you will find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (855) 509-1369 today or reach out online.
Overview of Anxiolytics
What Are Anxiolytics?
Anxiolytics are medications used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sometimes seizures. Also known as anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives, they work by slowing activity in the brain to promote calmness.
Common Types
- Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
- Non-benzodiazepine sedatives (Ambien, Lunesta)
- Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft)
- Beta blockers (Propranolol)
Potential Side Effects
- Drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination
- Dependence and addiction with long-term use
- Increased risk of overdose when combined with other depressants
While helpful in the short-term, anxiolytics carry risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms with sustained use. Consulting a doctor is crucial for safe and effective treatment.
What Are Anxiolytics Used For?
Treating Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anxiolytics, also known as anti-anxiety medications, are primarily used to treat various types of anxiety disorders. These include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Managing Short-Term Anxiety
In some cases, anxiolytics may be prescribed for short-term relief from anxiety caused by specific stressful situations or events, such as public speaking, dental procedures, or air travel. However, they are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and other side effects.
Alleviating Symptoms
The goal of anxiolytic treatment is to alleviate the physical and psychological symptoms associated with anxiety, such as excessive worry, restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Effective treatment can help individuals regain control over their lives and improve their overall quality of life.
Side Effects and Risks of Anxiolytics
Serious Risks
You should be aware of the potential for dependence and addiction with long-term anxiolytic use. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia and seizures can occur if stopped abruptly.
Elderly individuals are at higher risk for excessive sedation, confusion and falls when taking anxiolytics. These medications can also increase the risk of dementia in older adults.
Dangers of Misuse
Combining anxiolytics with alcohol, opioids or other depressants amplifies their sedating effects. This raises the likelihood of overdose, coma or life-threatening respiratory depression.
Anxiolytics should never be taken without a doctor’s guidance, as unsupervised misuse can lead to addiction, overdose and even death. If struggling with anxiolytic misuse, seek professional help immediately.
Warnings for Taking Anxiolytics
Potential for Dependence
- Anxiolytics, especially benzodiazepines, carry a risk of physical and psychological dependence with long-term use. Suddenly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Impaired Cognitive Function
- These medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, concentration, and memory – effects that may persist into the next day. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you’re affected.
Interactions with Other Substances
- Combining anxiolytics with alcohol, opioids, or other sedating drugs amplifies their sedative effects and increases overdose risks. Never mix anxiolytics without your doctor’s approval.
Pre-existing Conditions
- Anxiolytics may worsen certain conditions like respiratory problems, sleep apnea, glaucoma, urinary problems, and severe liver disease. Disclose your full medical history to your prescriber.
With proper medical supervision, short-term anxiolytic use can provide relief. But be aware of the risks of dependence, impairment, and interactions to use these medications safely.
Getting Help for Anxiety and Addiction
Seek Professional Treatment
If you’re struggling with anxiety and addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Evoke Wellness offers comprehensive treatment programs tailored to address both conditions simultaneously. Their holistic approach combines medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and support groups.
Explore Treatment Options
- Medical Drug Detox: Evoke provides a safe, medically supervised detoxification process to help you overcome physical dependence.
- Residential Treatment: Their inpatient programs offer 24/7 care and support, helping you develop coping strategies and build a strong foundation for recovery.
- Therapeutic Approach: Through individual and group therapy, you’ll explore the root causes of your anxiety and addiction, gaining valuable insights and tools for lasting change.
Specialized Programs
Evoke Wellness understands that every individual’s journey is unique. That’s why they offer specialized programs designed to meet your specific needs:
- Men’s and Women’s Rehab Programs
- Veterans Addiction Treatment Program
- Intensive Inpatient Treatment Program
By seeking professional help at Evoke Wellness, you’ll embark on a transformative journey towards healing, empowered with the skills and support you need to overcome anxiety and addiction.
FAQ on Anxiolytic Medications
What are anxiolytics?
Anxiolytics, also known as anti-anxiety medications, are drugs that help relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders. They work by depressing or slowing down the central nervous system, allowing people to feel calmer and less anxious.
Are they addictive?
Yes, anxiolytic medications like benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Valium) can be highly addictive if misused or taken for too long. They should only be used short-term under a doctor’s supervision.
- Careful medical monitoring is required to prevent dependence.
- Withdrawal symptoms like seizures can occur with abrupt discontinuation.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and impaired coordination. More serious risks involve overdose, memory problems, and increased risk of falls in the elderly.
How can Evoke Wellness help?
Evoke’s medical detox program provides safe, supervised withdrawal from anxiolytic drugs. Their evidence-based therapies address underlying anxiety through:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Holistic wellness approaches
Their residential treatment offers intensive care for co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders.
Conclusion
You now have a deeper understanding of anxiolytic medications, including their risks and potential side effects. While they can provide short-term relief, overuse can lead to dependence and addiction. The caring professionals at Evoke Wellness are here to help if you feel you need support stopping use of these drugs. Our medical detox program assists with safe withdrawal, and we offer gender-specific residential rehab tailored to your needs. With research-backed therapeutic approaches, even those who served our country can regain sobriety. Take the first step and contact us today – a life free from anxiety medication addiction is possible.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. At Evoke Wellness, you will find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (855) 509-1369 today or reach out online.
