The Effects Of Dependence On High Dosages Of Benzodiazepines

As the Rolling Stones called them in their hit song, â€Å"Mother’s Little Helper†, â€Å"Mother needs something today to calm her down, and though she s not really ill, there s a little yellow pill, she goes running for the shelter of a mother s little helper, and it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day†, benzodiazepines were and extremely common medication in the 70s and 80s and many households had their bottle of Valium. The dependence on high dosages of benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium are a major clinical concern. According to Michael Liebrenz of the University of Bern, â€Å"This form of dependence is not confined to users who exceed a set amount of diazepam equivalents, but is typically found in patients who have a high-dose, long-term and/or otherwise problematic use, such as mixing BZDs, escalating dosage, using BZDs for recreational purposes, obtaining them by illegal means, and/or experiencing negative social consequences† (Liebrenz, 2016, p. 1). So the problem is not only found in patients who take large dosages, but in patients who also abuse the drug, combine multiple types of benzodiazepines and other drugs, and purchase them illegally in order to be under the influence of a benzodiazepine. This is why, for the last decade, less and less prescriptions of benzodiazepines have been dispensed in the United States. However, â€Å"over the last 20 years the quantity of benzodiazepines on each prescription has increased† (Brett, 2015, p. 152). BenzodiazepinesShow MoreRelatedThe Drug And Therapy During The U.s. Withdrawal Treatment2024 Words   |  9 PagesHigh dosages of benzodiazepines creates a massive clinical concern as patients can be easily dependent. Benzodiazepines are an incredibly abused drug in the U.S. Withdrawal treatment is recommended; however, it is sometimes unsuccessful for a large portion of patients. 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