Benzodiazepines were introduced in the 1950’s-60’s and many continued to be introduced thereafter. Benzodiazepines are similar to alcohol in that they work as a sedative when taken, but were also labeled for their hypnotics effect. This drug has a history of being used for purposes other than those recommended by the prescribing doctor. The use of this specific drug had a drastic increase during the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Although abuse and the misuse of the drug were recognized earlier, because of the low rate of prescription the problem was not considered of high importance (Wick, 2013).
Benzodiazepine-type drugs (benzodiazepines and the newer non-benzodiazepines) are similar to older sedative/hypnotic drugs, such as the barbiturates, in that they act at the GABAA receptors. Unfortunately, benzodiazepine-type drugs also retain the liability for abuse and dependence associated with the earlier anxiolytics. Action at GABAA receptors likely plays a key role in both the therapeutic as well as abuse-related effects of this important class of drugs (Licatta & Rowlett, 2008)
Benzodiazepines are the top prescribed drug for the treatment of anxiety disorders as well as for sedation and sleep. Because this drug reduces stress and sedates the host, they have become an ideal drug for not only anxiety, but disorders such as epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal. Benzodiazepines quickly became one of the more popular drugs used amongst psychotropics and most patients show preference towards this treatment.The risk of overdose is increased in patients with suicidal ideation. Accidental overdose can happen when the drug is combined with other depressants such as alcohol, opioids (O’Brien, 2005).
Succeeding the advances made in the 1950s, benzodiazepine have become extremely important and one of the major drugs used for the treatment of a number of medical disorders. They became the most common hypnotic/sedative used recreationally with the exception of alcohol (O’Brien, 2005).
The prevalence of the use of benzodiazepine varies depending on the sample population. About 10% of the older population in the United States uses benzodiazepine regularly, mostly, for sedative and anxiolytic purposes. For adults who receive mental health treatment associated with anxiety and depression this figure reaches 36%. The use of Benzodiazepines are higher in whites than other ethnicities and more prevalent in females than in males. Nonmedical use of this drug is the highest in people whose ages range from 18 to 25. The use of Benzodiazepines is very common in individuals who abuse alcohol and use both concurrently for self-medication. Most often the abusers of this drug are using multiple substances at a time. Although the use of this drug can potentially be harmful when not used as intended, the use of Benzodiazepines has become a preference amongst the older drugs (methaqualone, glutethimide, anxiolysis) because of its greater safety profile which includes a decreased risk of overdose. Although their safety has increased, overdoses are still common with this specific drug (Neutel, 2005).
Although they were previously thought to have no negative effects, Benzodiazepines have a very high risk of dependence, withdrawal, and negative side effects. Cognitive effects have become increasingly controversial and the long-term treatment has been said to cause impairments to cognitions (Stewart, 2005).
Studies done with neuroimaging of the brain found temporary changes in the brain after administration of benzodiazepines. Studies found no abnormalities in patients with long term treatment of benzodiazepines. Findings suggest that patients should have some knowledge of the potential of negative effects on cognition when undergoing long term treatment although the effects could be insignificant in the functioning of patients (Stewart, 2005).
Social work is a field that involves a constant need to educate and familiarize ourselves with the current trends that are emerging. Among those are different ways to use drugs, the availability of new drugs, and the ways that it has begun to impact society. It is our duty as social workers to maintain a clear idea of what the primary issues are especially with the use of drugs. Drug use has become very high among teens and older adults. Not only is this important for our clients to be aware of, but it is also important for our society in efforts to continue to strive towards betterment and a positive future. New drugs are making their way into society more often than we think and it is of relevance for social workers to understand the nature of specific drugs and how it can be affecting the populations we are working with.