Triazolam (brand name: Halcion) is considered among the most controversial benzodiazepines. The benzo drug has dangerous side effects and is highly addictive.
Because of that, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) counts Halcion as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Triazolam is also banned in certain countries for the same reasons, such as the United Kingdom and Brazil.
So what makes the most common sleeping pill in the world a stepping stone for substance abuse disorders? In this post, we explore what makes the use of Halcion harmful and how to recognize the early signs of Halcion addiction.
Stick around to learn how our team at Garden State Treatment Center can help you or a loved one through your Halcion recovery journey.
Table of Contents
Understanding Halcion (Triazolam)
Halcion is a prescription drug mainly used for treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia, over the short term. This prescription medication works similarly to how other benzos, like Xanax and Valium, affect your brain activity since they’re all central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
For starters, they bind to the neurotransmitter GABA and increase its potency. In return, the drug helps you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. That said, Halcion takes under 30 minutes to work and has a short half-life of around 2 hours.
That means that Halcion is a short-acting drug. Healthcare providers don’t prescribe the medicine for more than 2 weeks, depending on the patient’s case. Because the chance of developing a physical dependence is high, don’t take more Triazolam than prescribed.
The Physical Side Effects of Halcion
Halcion, whether for short or long-term use, can cause serious physical side effects, including:
- Memory problems (forgetfulness and losing chunks of time)
- Headaches
- Impaired motor coordination
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision or dilated pupils
- Shallow breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these side effects, you may decide to stop the medication. We don’t recommend doing so without medical advice. You’ll have rebound insomnia as a result and end up taking more Halcion.
Additionally, keep in mind that a compilation of these side effects can be a sign of Halcion abuse. Monitor loved ones closely in case you suspect them of substance abuse.
The Psychological Effects of Halcion Use
The effects of Halcion don’t stop at the physical; they also take a toll on your mental health. A Halcion long-term user might depict any of the following signs—some of which are life-threatening:
- Confusion
- Irritability and nervousness
- Elevated levels of anxiety
- Sadness and depression
- Abnormal thoughts and suicidal tendencies
Over a period of time, these symptoms will gradually get worse. They’re telltale signs of a Halcion addiction and should be addressed immediately.
Symptoms of Halcion Abuse
Speaking of drug abuse, let’s take a closer look at how you can identify a Halcion abuser:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Lacking interest in personal hobbies and activities
- Dissociating
- Hyperventilation or irregular heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Having strong cravings for the drug
- Not going anywhere without the drug
- Doctor shopping to get more of the drug
- Trying to quit but failing each time
- Prioritizing taking and obtaining the drug over personal responsibilities
To prevent a life-threatening Halcion overdose, this level of addiction needs to be dealt with by the hands of professional treatment providers.
Signs of Halcion Withdrawal
Drug use doesn’t come without intense withdrawal symptoms whenever you attempt to quit it—especially if you’ve been taking higher doses than prescribed. Specialists never recommend quitting a drug as dangerous as Halcion cold turkey without medical supervision.
That’s why it’s important to learn what Halcion withdrawal looks like. It should help you better help a loved one while they’re detoxing or going through addiction treatment care. Here’s what to know:
- Intense delusions or paranoia
- Heavy sweating and high fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Uncontrollable shaking and itching
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Insomnia
Mixing Halcion with other dangerous drugs, such as opioids or alcohol, will intensify these withdrawal symptoms further. If the person suffering from Halcion addiction also has a family history of substance abuse, withdrawal would be even harder for them.
Treatment Options for Halcion Addiction
Luckily, a Halcion addiction doesn’t have to go untreated. There are many treatment options available to help you or a loved one through this difficult time.
At Garden State Treatment Center, for instance, healthcare providers walk you through a suitable treatment plan. It will depend on how often you’ve used Halcion and how big a tolerance you’ve built up to high doses.
Normally, Halcion addiction treatment is made up of the following steps:
1. Medical Detox
Detoxification is a strenuous withdrawal process where your body faces a hard time expelling the drug out of its system. With Halcion abuse, treatment specialists usually adopt the tapering-down method where they give the patient less-potent benzos to ease them off Halcion.
These long-acting benzos can include Klonopin or Valium. They should help the patient handle withdrawal symptoms better while subduing their craving for Halcion. And with medical professionals present at all times, the patient feels safer.
2. Inpatient Program
Inpatient treatment programs are excellent for severe cases of Halcion addiction. A drug abuser would benefit greatly from being in a controlled, residential environment where they could safely detox and stay clear from drug use.
Additionally, patients get to stay with other people suffering from drug addiction and share their experiences of drug abuse with them. Patients with serious traumas or ailments will also learn the proper coping mechanisms to deal with the triggers of substance abuse.
3. Outpatient Program
Outpatient programs are typically recommended for those with mild Halcion addiction or who’ve just finished inpatient treatment. With outpatient plans, patients get to learn how to balance their new sober life while continuing to attend therapy sessions.
These sessions help patients stay in check with their emotions. It’s a safe place for them to talk about their daily stressors or any triggers they may have faced. With the support of their counselors and other sober friends, they develop the sense of community needed to stay on the wagon.
4. Addiction Treatment Therapies
As established, addiction treatment therapy is a big part of a recovery plan. Without it, the risk of relapsing increases. Some therapies you can explore include:
Individual Therapy
In one-on-one therapy, a patient learns to identify the triggers behind their substance use and consequently, the necessary coping strategies to handle them without resorting to drug abuse.
These therapies vary according to each patient. A specialist might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing (MI).
Group Therapy
It bears repeating but establishing a sense of community is pretty important for those battling addiction. Here’s where group therapy comes in. In it, patients see that they’re not alone in their journey—that there are others who find themselves close to using again but are finding ways not to, for example.
Family Therapy
Addiction doesn’t just affect the abuser. It also takes a toll on the patient’s friends and family.
With family therapy, family and friend members affected negatively by the patient’s actions get the chance to talk about it in a safe space. The patient also gets the opportunity to apologize for these mistakes.
Recovery at the Garden State Treatment Center
Our medical knowledgeable staff at the Garden State Treatment Center is here to help you regain your life. Our treatment programs are highly personalized to our patients as we take the time to learn your needs and what you’re expecting from addiction therapy.
If you know a loved one is suffering from a Halcion addiction, don’t hesitate to call us at our confidential line. You can also contact us by filling out this form and writing out any questions or concerns you may have.
