Etizolam Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Etizolam can be described as Valium on steroids, being 10 times more potent than the all-time classic tranquiliser. It is a type of drug called thienodiazepine which is chemically similar to benzodiazepines and functions similarly as well. Doctors prescribe Etizolam as a short term medication for anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and insomnia. Illicit forms of Etizolam have emerged with names like ”etiz” “etizzy”, and “easy”. It is being sold as “street valium” and is the ingredient used in making counterfeit Xanax. Etizolam has surged in popularity over recent years, with many using it to self-medicate for symptoms of anxiety. As a recreational drug, it is sought-after for its ability to induce euphoria and sedation. Due to its potency, Etizolam has a high abuse and addiction potential. People who misuse the drug or use it for an extended period are particularly at risk. This guide takes a deep dive into Etizolam addiction, how it affects users, signs of dependency, and the different treatment approaches used to help those who want to break free from the condition.
What is Etizolam?
Etizolam is a medication that works very much like Valium, but several times stronger. It reduces anxiety, induces sleep, and relaxes muscles. The drug increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), accounting for its calming and sedating effects. Etizolam is used in the short term treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. However, because of its pleasant effects, the risk of misusing and becoming addicted to the drug is significantly high, especially when used in higher doses or taken longer than prescribed.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
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What are the Effects of Etizolam?
When taken as per dose and duration prescribed, Etizolam can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, induce sleep, and promote muscle relaxation. However, when misused or taken for a prolonged period, it can cause serious physical and mental health problems.
- Therapeutic effects
Anxiety relief, sleep, relaxed muscles, reduced panic attacks. - Misuse effects
Euphoria, confusion, drowsiness, impaired motor skills and memory issues.
An individual who chronically misuses Etizolam may develop a tolerance for it, needing larger doses to experience its effects. This unsafe practise may lead to physical dependence on the drug.
Signs and Symptoms of Etizolam Addiction
Early detection and intervention is always best whatever the medical condition, and the same is true for Etizolam addiction. Watch out for the following signs and symptoms:
Physical symptoms
Cognitive issues
Decreased heart rate
Extreme lethargy
Increased anxiety
Increased tolerance and dependence
Low blood pressure
Lowered inhibitions
Respiratory depression
Sleep problems
Seizures
Worsening physical or mental health
Behavioural symptoms
Constantly thinking or talking about taking Etizolam
Continuing to use the drug despite the negative consequences
Difficulty focusing on tasks
Engaging in risky behaviours, such as driving while intoxicated or unprotected sex
Isolation from friends, family and community members
Keeping drug paraphernalia around the home
Lacking personal hygiene
Lying to loved ones about substance use
Loss of interest in once enjoyed activities or hobbies
Making attempts to quit but finding no success
Neglecting responsibilities
Responding with anger or irritation when confronted about your abuse of Etizolam
Spending time with new peer groups who encourage substance use
Stealing from loved ones or committing crimes to fund your addiction.
The presence of any of the signs and symptoms listed above means you or your loved one is addicted to Etizolam and urgently needs to see an addiction treatment specialist.
Etizolam Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from Etizolam is not an easy process and can be very dangerous, especially if an individual has been taking excessive amounts of it or using it over a prolonged period. The following are the common withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety and agitation
Rebound anxiety or anxiety with more severe symptoms than those being treated. - Physical symptoms
Shaking, sweating, muscle pain, nausea, headaches, and light and sound sensitivity. - Sleep disturbances
Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep disturbances. - Psychological symptoms
Panic attacks, mood swings, depression, panic attacks; in some very severe cases, hallucinations and or seizures.
The symptoms listed above can be very serious which is why withdrawal from Etizolam should be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
What Causes Addiction to Etizolam – Who is at Risk?
Studies indicate that Etizolam is 6 -10 times more potent than diazepam (Valium) making it potentially addictive. There are several factors that can increase the risk of an individual becoming addicted to Etizolam and these include:
- Genetics
There are people who are genetically predisposed to developing an addiction. If you have a family member who has or had struggled with addiction, you have a strong tendency to develop a similar problem yourself. This means that you should be especially cautious in your use of highly potent substances such as Etizolam. - Environmental factors
A person without a family history of addiction but lives in an environment where access to drugs is easy and drug use is a normal part of life, is also at risk. Children are particularly vulnerable. If you like going to hot spots for drug abuse such as clubs and events, it will be very easy for you to pick up the drug habit. - Peer pressure
Among the different age groups, it’s the youth that are most affected by peer pressure. If you love hanging around with people who love getting high and drunk, you will most likely adopt the lifestyle yourself. Among young people, the desire for acceptance often prevails over having good sense and when the substance involved is Etizolam, the risk of becoming addicted is higher. - Mental health disorders
The use of substances such as drugs and alcohol is quite common among people with mental health disorders. It is their way of alleviating the symptoms of their condition. However, this can lead to a vicious cycle as addiction may develop. When this happens addiction becomes a co-occuring disorder, complicating the situation even more. A powerful drug like Etizolam can exacerbate mental health conditions as the body can easily develop a dependence on it. Moreover, withdrawal symptoms of drug addiction can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. - Previous substance addictions
Those who have a history of substance misuse have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted to Etizolam once they try it. People who have used prescription drugs or benzodiazepines and other similar substances are particularly vulnerable. If you have used substances in the past, you should practice caution when using new substances. The chances of you becoming addicted to it is greater compared to those with no previous experience with substance use. - Trauma
There are people who have traumatic experiences from as far back as their childhood which still affect them up to the present time. In order to forget the experiences or deal with the difficult feelings associated with them, these people use substances. Whilst Etizolam may provide some temporary relief, it can create a bigger problem in the long run as the drug can worsen anxiety, depression and other conditions which are related to the trauma.
People with one or more of the risk factors discussed above, have a very strong tendency to develop a dependence on Etizolam. If you or someone you love is at risk for addiction, it is crucial to learn as much as you can about Etizolam abuse so you can do something to prevent it from happening.
How is Etizolam Drug Addiction Treated?
Treating Etizolam addiction involves two crucial steps in order to facilitate healing: detoxification, therapy, and aftercare.
PCP Drug Detox
Etizolam detoxification is done through a drug taper which involves gradually reducing the dosage to minimise withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision is required to make sure that tapering is done safely and appropriate care can be given should problems arise. Sometimes alternative medications are given to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.
Therapies for Etizolam addiction treatment
Addiction treatment includes treating the physical and psychological effects of addiction. After flushing Etizolam out of the system, psychological therapy comes next. The following are four of the commonly used therapeutic approaches:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the thinking that behaviour is the product of one’s thoughts and ways of thinking. Thus, CBT therapy involves helping individuals identify negative ideas, beliefs, and thinking patterns that led to their addiction and replacing them with positive ones. Therapy also includes developing healthy coping mechanisms to help manage anxiety and stress without the use of medication.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
This approach focuses on helping those who are unsure about wanting to quit their drug habit resolve their ambivalence. Therapists guide them into finding innate reasons to want to make positive changes in their lives and use these as their motivation to work towards recovery.
Group therapy and support groups
Group therapy gives individuals a chance to interact with peers in similar situations by exchanging experiences and advice. Members also support and encourage one another and this becomes a source of motivation for each individual in the group.
Holistic therapies
Dealing with the temptation to turn to drugs can cause stress and anxiety. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, as well as physical exercise are effective in helping manage stress and promote overall health which are vital for continuous recovery.
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Etizolam Addiction Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Aftercare provides continuing treatment and support to individuals after they have completed the rehabilitation programme. It is designed to help them sustain their sobriety and avoid relapse. Aftercare includes the following:
Continued therapy and counselling
By attending regular therapy sessions, individuals can have access to assistance and support in addressing ongoing issues. This also helps reinforce the positive coping strategies learned during therapy.
Support networks
Support groups and counselling provide individuals with the emotional support they need as they go back into the real world. By continuing to participate, individuals stay connected to their source of support and at the same time remain accountable, both of which are essential to addiction recovery.
Lifestyle changes
People coming out of a life of addiction need a total lifestyle makeover. They are encouraged to make drastic changes in how they live their everyday lives not only to boost recovery and become healthy overall. This means eating healthy, practising proper stress management, and exercising regularly.
Relapse prevention planning
By developing a personalised relapse prevention plan, individuals will be ready to deal with triggers and be able to stand firm when they find themselves in situations where they may be tempted to fall into relapse.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
In-Patient vs. Out-Patient Rehab Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of your condition and your specific needs, you can be treated for Etizolam addiction on an out-patient or in-patient basis.
In-patient rehab treatment
In-patient treatment will require you to stay as a resident at the rehab facility where qualified professionals are available 24 hours a day to help you. The rehab programme includes detoxification, therapy, and the creation of a personalised relapse prevention plan. If your addiction is severe that it cannot be managed at home or if the kind of home environment you have will hinder your recovery, then this is the right option for you.
Out-patient rehab treatment
Out-patient treatment is more flexible as it allows you to live at home and attend to your other responsibilities and only go to the rehab facility for your scheduled therapy sessions. If your condition is not severe and you live in a home where your recovery will not be compromised, this option is open for you. It is also an ideal next step after completing in-patient care.
The advantages of in-patient rehab for Etizolam addiction
People recovering from addiction need order and structure in their lives and they are able to achieve these within the controlled and supportive environment of rehab centres. The specific advantages of rehab centre treatment for Etizolam addiction are as follows:
- Structured environment
At rehab centres, much effort is put into maintaining a space where triggers and distractions are kept at a minimum if not totally absent. In such an environment, you will be able to fully focus on your recovery.
- Comprehensive care
Because addiction is a complex condition, your treatment will not be limited to only one aspect of the problem. Rehab centres use an approach that heals the whole person. For this reason, aside from detoxification, the rehab programme also includes psychological therapy and aftercare planning.
- Peer support
A person recovering from addiction needs all the support and encouragement he or she can get. This is the reason why treatment at rehab centres includes group therapy. You will feel less isolated and be guided and motivated by others who are going through the same struggles as you. In like manner, the other people in the group will also be able to benefit from what you have to offer.
- Specialised programmes
In addition to the basic drug rehab programme, many rehab centres also offer specialised programmes customised according to the specific needs of individuals. If you have a co-occuring mental health disorder, you can be given a dual diagnosis treatment or if you prefer to enhance your overall wellbeing, you can choose any of the holistic therapies available.
- Aftercare planning
Lastly, this enables people to feel continuously supported in their post-rehab life through ongoing therapy, community support, and also assisted medication to help with cravings and possible relapse.
Your Next Steps
Addiction is a downward spiral and you need to take immediate action if you don’t want you or a loved one to be just another statistic. However, it is also treatable, and if you recognise the signs of PCP addiction in yourself or a loved one, you can take these steps in your recovery.
- Consult with a medical professional
Whether it is through your GP or an addiction specialist, it helps to get guidance from a medical professional so they can diagnose you and guide you through ideal treatment options and rehab centres near you.
- Explore treatment options
There are many kinds of treatment plans, and it’s important to identify the place that has the program you think you’d like to get.
- Contact a rehab centre
Once you have decided on a rehab centre, it’s best to contact them or learn more about their treatment programs either on the facility itself or their website. The best part is that many rehab centres offer free consultations and assessments as well.
- Seek support from loved ones
Going through addiction treatment can be terribly isolating. It’s important to seek the support of family and friends so they can be aware of your situation and also help you get back on your feet once you complete treatment.
- Prepare for detox and treatment
Lastly, it’s best to prepare for detox when you enter a rehab facility. This means that you’ll have to process your work leaves, ensuring your house and children are supported, and your other responsibilities are covered while you’re in treatment.
Addiction is a treatable condition. Countless people have turned their lives around after deciding that they’ve had enough of chemical pleasures. Now it’s your turn. The key is in getting the right support and appropriate treatment. Taking the first step towards the right direction is where it starts. Start your journey of recovery today!
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