Drug Detox - Benzodiazepines and Nicotine Detoxification

Benzodiazepines and Nicotine Detoxification

Benzodiazepines Detoxification

Diazepam and related drugs belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They are used as sedatives and to control anxiety. These drugs if taken continuously for months cause dependence. Quite often, people abuse these drugs taking a larger than required quantity and even when it has not been prescribed to them. Sudden stoppage leads to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, cramps, sleep disturbances and even seizures and delirium.

Benzodiazepines are usually abused along with other drugs. Detoxification is quite complex in such cases. Long acting drugs like diazepam, chlorazepate or phenobarbital may be used to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Associated illness like depression should be treated. Counseling is important to prevent relapse.

Nicotine Detoxification

Nicotine is the substance present in cigarettes that urges cigarette smokers to continue smoking. Cigarettes contain tobacco that is responsible for lung diseases including cancer. Stopping smoking makes the patient irritable, restless, anxious and even depressed.

Nicotine withdrawal is treated using substitutes containing nicotine.  This ensures that the patient does not experience withdrawal symptoms and at the same time does not crave for cigarettes that contain tobacco. Nicotine replacement is available as inhaler, nasal spray, chewing gum and patch to be applied on the skin. The dose of the replacement treatment is slowly reduced and finally stopped. An antidepressant bupropion helps the patients to continue their abstinence.