OUR AIMS To help those who are addicted to benzodiazepines and Z - - PDF document

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Dec 12, 2022 206 likes •320 views

OUR AIMS To help those who are addicted to benzodiazepines and Z drugs and who wish to withdraw from them to do so as comfortably as possible and to help them to make the changes necessary in life after withdrawal. To educate and inform

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OUR AIMS

To help those who are addicted to benzodiazepines and Z

drugs and who wish to withdraw from them to do so as comfortably as possible and to help them to make the changes necessary in life after withdrawal.

To educate and inform all those who may come across the

problem of benzodiazepine addiction either personally or professionally towards an understanding of the difficulties caused by the drugs' action and the compounding of these difficulties in withdrawal.

To influence services in their prescribing, managing and

supporting of clients who take/want to withdraw from benzodiazepines and similar drugs.

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WHAT AND WHY

They enhance GABA activity in the brain resulting in

anxiolytic, sedative, relaxant, amnesic and anticonvulsant effect.

Some reasons for taking them are complex and vary but

may include:

To feel normal or able to cope. To treat anxiety or low mood. To improve confidence. To treat insomnia. To potentiate the euphoric effects of opioids.

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DOWN - REGULATION

Chronic use can make physiological changes and

tolerance occurs.

Physical and psychological dependence. Emotional suppression. Reduces use of coping skills.

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TOLERANCE & WITHDRAWAL

Tolerance can build quickly and more benzos are

required for initial effect.

Withdrawal can begin while still taking the drug. Confusing symptoms of withdrawal for other

problems.

Although withdrawal symptoms can last for a long

time they are always temporary.

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Start taking benzos Become physically addicted Down regulation & tolerance Physical & Psychological withdrawal Increasing or withdrawing

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PSYCHOMOTOR & EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENT

Motor inco-ordination. Poor memory. Poor concentration. Poor retention of information. Mental confusion. Unpredictable mood swings. Emotional anaesthesia.

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WHAT WE DO

Psychological support (groups & one2one). Accurate information & encouragement. Listen & understand. Believe there is a life worth living after benzos.

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WITHDRAWING THE BENZOS

FAST – enter the twilight zone. SLOW – adapt, cope and move through it. Return of thoughts, feelings, insecurities and more. Emotional and mental rollercoaster. Withdrawal symptoms and weakened coping skills.

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REDUCING

If using benzodiazepines other than diazepam we

suggest to convert to and stabilise on diazepam

Reduce slowly and no sooner than every third week For some people reductions should be 5 – 10% of their

dose (30mg = cut of 3mg & 20mg means cut of 2mg etc).

Regular reviews.

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HOW TO REFER

Phone 0117 969 0303 or 0117 966 3629. Email support@bataid.org . Agency, professional or self refer.

National support line 0844 826 9317.