Drug addiction - specialists and information

Drug addiction is a physical as well as psychological dependence on certain medications, which often develops gradually. Below you will find further information and selected specialists for drug addiction.

Which drugs can cause drug addiction?

The drugs that are most frequently addictive include benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium®, Tavor®, Tafil®), which are used as tranquilizers, and various painkillers (e.g. Thomapyrin ®, Spalt®, Vivimed®).

These drugs are often initially administered by doctors to treat anxiety symptoms, sleep disorders or pain, for example, and only later lead to drug dependency.

It is estimated that around 1.1 million people in Germany are dependent on benzodiazepine preparations @ luchschenF /AdobeStock

How does a drug addiction develop?

Patients are unable to get off the medication as it progresses because they either have to increase the number of tablets to achieve the desired effect, or withdrawal symptoms occur or anxiety symptoms or sleep disorders, for example, worsen again when they stop taking the medication.

It is therefore always important to only take these medications for a limited period of time (max. 6 weeks). Other non-addictive medications (e.g. antidepressants, neuroleptics, herbal substances) should also be used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders and depression wherever possible.

Drug dependence on benzodiazepines

In Germany, it is estimated that around 1.2 million people are dependent on benzodiazepines. If there is a drug addiction to benzodiazepines, psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms can occur upon discontinuation, which can vary in severity from person to person.

Benzodiazepines inhibit nerve cells in the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes emotions such as anxiety @ joshya /AdobeStock

Symptoms of withdrawal from benzodiazepines

• Psychological withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, insomnia and depressed mood. Severe withdrawal symptoms can also lead to delirium with confusion and psychotic experiences (e.g. delusions and hallucinations).
• Physical symptoms: Increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, tremors and sweating, headaches and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. In severe withdrawal syndromes, epileptic seizures may also occur.

Delirium is a state of acute confusion that develops within hours or days @ New Africa /AdobeStock

Treatment of drug dependence on benzodiazepines

It is therefore important to always discontinue benzodiazepines gradually, i.e. slowly over a period of weeks, in close consultation with a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms or at least make them more bearable. Inpatient treatment is often necessary for the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence.