Jessica Williams

COMM 1270
Personal Position
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs, a central nervous system
sedative. It one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States
and is proscribed for legitimate medical concerns. The majority of ages people
admitted to first using benzos according to a study done by SAMHSA in 2012, were
between twelve and twenty years old. Benzos are a genuine drug used to help in a
myriad of positive ways but are suggested to be used sparingly as a short term
solution.
According to some of the worlds leading doctors and psychiatrists, when
taken carelessly, Benzos can lead to abuse, addiction and dependence. The
desirable sensations that make a lot of illegal drugs addictive occur when dopamine
levels in the brain abruptly surge. Benzos weaken the effect of a group of cells,
called inhibitory interneurons. These neurons normally help prevent excessive
dopamine levels by decreasing the firing rates of specific neurons. When
benzodiazepines limit those restraining influences, it causes a release of more
dopamine. People who abuse benzos are more likely to have severe chronic affects
including memory loss, loss of cognitive function, ataxia and an increased risk of
blood poisoning from the diluent used making these medications. The withdrawal
process is nasty. It is one of three known drugs that need a step down in order to
ween off of. Abruptly quitting can lead to seizures and death. Although the drug
itself is not generally fatal on its own, mixing it with other drugs and alcohol can
lead to tragic consequences like death or a permanent comatose state.
They do have some positive effects. Research has shown that taking Benzos
have been known to help in many different ways including anxiety, epilepsy, alcohol

withdrawal, insomnia, daytime sedation and muscle relaxation. They are at times
used with anesthesia to calm a patient before and after surgery. Most commonly
with oral surgery, Benzos can be used to induce Intravenous Conscious Sedation
also known as Deep Conscious Sedation.
Benzos do NOT cure anxiety. You need to find the root of the problem and find
other ways to cope without relying on medication. Two of the most powerful
weapons to combat anxiety are mindfulness meditation and exercise. The body and
brain need to relearn how to work together and accomplish tasks. Start with small
things like taking short walks, painting nails, drawing, journaling, learning how to
knit, singing or playing catch. Few things are harder in life than watching someone
you love struggle with anxiety, panic attacks or depression, and not have anything
within your power that can help. Become balanced in your life.

Works Cited
Health Grove. "Benzodiazepines." Abuse Rates. SAMSHA, 2012. Web. 01 Nov.
2015. <http://substance-abuserates.healthgrove.com/l/14/Benzodiazepines>.
Ashton, C. Heather, DM. "History of Benzodiazepines: What the Textbooks
May Not Tell You." Psychiatric Medication Awareness Group. 3rd Annual
Benzodiazepine Conference, 12 Oct. 2005. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.psychmedaware.org/HistoryBenzodiazepines.html>.
Silverman, Michael D. Dr. "Oral Sedation Dentistry." Which Oral Sedation
Medication Is Right for You? Dear Doctor, Inc., 1 Feb. 2009. Web. 01 Nov.
2015. <http://www.deardoctor.com/articles/oral-sedationdentistry/page3.php>.
"Addictions and Recovery: Tranquilizers and Benzos." Addictions and
Recovery. N.p., 02 June 2015. Web. 01 Nov. 2015.
<http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/benzodiazepine.htm>.