Understanding Halcion Abuse and Addiction
Although less common than other types of substance use disorders, Halcion addiction is a serious and dangerous condition. Halcion, medically known as Triazolam, is a strong benzodiazepine. This potent medication is used to treat mental, mood, and other disorders including anxiety, aggression, insomnia, suicidal behavior, schizophrenia, psychosis, and Tourette’s syndrome. Because of the habit-forming nature of Halcion, this drug is a controlled substance.
Halcion is abused because it may cause a high similar to alcohol intoxication. In many cases, physical and mental dependency develops as a result of Halcion abuse. Unfortunately, some individuals become addicted to this drug in as little as two weeks. Even people with a prescription for Halcion are at risk of developing dependency and addiction.
What is Halcion (Triazolam)?
Halcion is the brand name for the drug Triazolam. Halcion comes in tablet form and is taken orally. Typically, this medication is prescribed to treat insomnia, however, there are many mental and mood disorders that this drug treats as well. Halcion is the fastest-acting benzo on the market that works by slowing brain activity and making it easier for patients to sleep. Some doctors prescribe Halcion for pre-medical procedure anxiety. However, because of the habit-forming qualities of this drug, Halcion is only intended for short-term use.
Halcion targets neuroreceptors that regulate brain function, slow hyperactive brain activity, and provide a deeper sleep. While Halcion is fast-acting, it also has a short half-life when compared to other forms of benzodiazepines. For example, some benzos, such as Valium, have a half-life of up to 7 hours, while Halcion only lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Due to the drug’s potency and addictive potential, doctors rarely prescribe Halcion for more than 10 days. Halcion may stop working how it’s supposed to after a week. Additionally, this medication tends to become less effective the longer it’s taken.
After the first week, many patients find that Halcion doesn’t help them sleep as it did initially. This often leads users to increase their dose in an attempt to regain the drug’s effects. As a result, individuals may become addicted to the medication.
Signs of Halcion Abuse
Oftentimes, Halcion abuse is difficult to detect. This is partially due to the misconception of believing that because it’s a prescription medication, it must be safe. However, this is far from the truth. Not following prescription instructions or taking Halcion for extended periods of time may create serious risks including addiction, dependence, and adverse health effects. While Halcion abuse is not the same as addiction, the abuse of this drug causes the development of Halcion addiction.
The common signs of Halcion abuse include:[1]
- Drowsiness, confusion, and issues with concentration
- Unsteady walking or dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Slow breathing
- Taking higher doses than what’s instructed by a doctor
- Taking Halcion more often than prescribed
- Using Halcion for long periods of time
- Using it without a prescription
- Mixing Halcion with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids
Halcion abuse affects brain chemistry over time. As a result, certain pathways in the brain may be altered, causing compulsive drug use and cravings, also known as addiction. While addiction is a terrible disease, it is treatable and life-long recovery is attainable in many cases. However, Halcion addiction requires professional medical and psychological treatment.
Explaining Halcion Dependency and Addiction
When Halcion is used in any way other than the manner in which it’s prescribed, it is considered abuse. When Halcion is abused long-term, physical dependency accompanied by the presence of withdrawal symptoms begin to occur. After an individual becomes dependent upon Halcion, it is likely that they will become addicted. Halcion addiction is described as a chronic neurobiological disease stemming from genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors.
Behaviors displaying a Halcion addiction include:
- An inability to control how much and how frequently Halcion is used
- Compulsive abuse of Halcion
- Continuing to abuse Halcion despite facing negative consequences as a direct result
- Cravings and urges to use Halcion
- Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit
- A lot of time spent recovering from the effects of Halcion
- Ignoring important obligations and responsibilities
- Needing more Halcion to feel its effects (also known as tolerance)
If you or a loved one struggle with the behavioral signs of addiction to Halcion, it may be time to attend a professional drug rehab center. [2]
The Long-Term Symptoms of Halcion Addiction
Halcion is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of drugs that cause wide-ranging symptoms when abused over a long period of time. To begin, Halcion addiction may cause an impairment of cognitive function and a decline in mental and physical health. In other words, people might experience a reduction in cognitive ability, mood swings, and issues with memory. On the other hand, other individuals reported experiencing issues concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and severe depression.
One of the biggest risks associated with the abuse of Halcion includes suffering from a benzodiazepine overdose. When an individual consumes too much Halcion, they may suffer from a severe reaction resulting in life-threatening side effects. If you or a loved one are displaying the signs of benzodiazepine overdose, contact emergency medical professionals immediately.
Get Help for Halcion Addiction Today
While the long-term symptoms of Halcion addiction take some time to go away after a person stops using, most individuals return to their normal, healthy state within six months. However, without professional benzodiazepine addiction treatment, recovery is difficult. With that being said, CWC Recovery is here to help you or your loved one beat the disease of Halcion addiction. Contact us today for more information on our benzodiazepine detox, residential rehab, and outpatient treatment services.
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