Tranquilizing drugs are not a solution to the problems of daily life

2023-09-29 11:48:27

The Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs of Andalusia has an interesting campaign on benzodiazepine drugs. With it they emphasize that these are not a long-term solution to daily life problems. It is important to know its risks and opt for healthy alternatives that allow us to live without tranquilizers.

And they have prepared a report together with consumer and health professional associations entitled Living without tranquilizers is possible. Long-term use of tranquilizers (the most commonly used are lorazepam, alprazolam, lormetazepam, bromazepam or zolpidem) is not safe.

It is often not realized that poor physical and mental health may be related to its use.

With prolonged consumption you have:
• 5 times more risk of suffering from memory and concentration problems.
• 4 times greater risk of fatigue during the day.
• 2 times greater risk of falls and fractures (hip, wrist).
• 2 times more risk of having an accident while driving.
• Risk of leaking urine.
Prolonged use often worsens the health problems for which it was first used.

Some people who take tranquilizer medications believe that it continues to relieve their pain. anxiety or the insomnia but, really, what improves them is the abstinence syndrome (mono) caused by dependence that occurs after 2 or 4 weeks of treatment and this makes it difficult to stop using them.

You may notice that you are dependent on tranquilizers if you feel bad when you don’t take them.
taking (withdrawal syndrome), or if you need more doses over time (known as tolerance).

These medications are useful in some cases initially because they have a sedative or calming effect. They are taken to relax when you have anxiety or improve sleep when you suffer from insomnia and other sleep-related problems. stress very serious.

But there are studies that suggest that the body can get used to these medications, no longer being useful and creating long-term damage. Not recommended for use for more than 2-4 weeks.

Why is it good to stop taking them? There are many good reasons. In general, you will feel more energetic so you will be more alert, more aware, more concentrated, with a more restful sleep.

And also less depressed, less irritable, less sleepy during the day and less likely to have accidents or falls.

Which are the alternatives to the use of tranquilizers? Relaxation, breathing and self-control techniques, changes in habits, exercise, self-help groups and techniques to better cope with life are useful.

Las psychological therapies They teach us to think realistically about difficulties, they help us change the way we think, the way we behave and feel in certain situations.

Something important is to reduce the waiting lists Well, if a person needs to consult with a specialist and has to wait months, sometimes they will see relief in tranquilizers. And also that there is more psychologists in public health.

In any case, as they explain in this #Benzostopjuntos campaign, pills are not the solution.

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