According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people.
Still, repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge addicted people’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.
One of the most prescribed drugs on the market is Benzodiazepines, a group of antidepressant drugs. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” uniquely impact the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors of the brain or GABA-A, causing unique mental and physical effects on those using the drug. Benzos are very helpful in treating many mental illnesses, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and sleep disorders, which is why they are so commonly prescribed and a common medication for substance abuse.
However, how these drugs impact brain chemistry can quickly cause dependence and addiction. This is especially true when they are used improperly or illegally. This is why the drug is prescribed for short-term use only. To know more about benzos, read further.
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How is Benzodiazepine Strength Measured?
Like all different kinds of prescription medications, benzodiazepine drugs are made for varying levels of efficacy and potency. The potency, or effectiveness, of the drug, is considered the strongest. For example, Ativan is one of the most potent drugs out there on the market, offering a maximum half-life of 24 hours, with only takes 30 minutes to be able to feel its effects.
The more potent a benzodiazepine, the faster you will feel its effects, and the more it will produce the sedative-like and calming results that these drugs are known for. How long these drugs will last before you need another dose is referred to as the drug’s half-life.
Most people who abuse benzos choose the higher potency ones and take a shorter time to feel the effects. A short-acting drug like Xanax is popular because of its rapid, intense buzz results. The popular, more potent benzodiazepines are also more addictive than low-potency drugs, but any of them could lead to addiction when abused.
For those who have a history of addiction or those who know they have addictive tendencies, understanding the available strengths and what the drug can do is essential, even before taking them as prescribed.
List Of Benzodiazepines From Strongest To Weakest
Benzodiazepines are all created with different levels of potency and efficacy, and their half-life, or how long they last. This will vary based on how they are made and their intended uses. Keep in mind, of course, that even the lowest-strength benzodiazepine medications can still be highly addictive.
Although most individuals who use benzos to get high prefer the more potent, shorter-acting drugs, all of them are rated as Schedule IV controlled substances and should be considered dangerous outside of a carefully monitored prescription use.
Here is a list of benzodiazepines in order from strongest to weakest.
Strongest Benzodiazepines:
- Long-Acting and High-potency Benzodiazepines:
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Nitrazepam (Alodorn)
- Flunitrazepam (Hypnodorm)
- High-potency, Short-acting Benzodiazepines:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Halcion (triazolam)
- Versed (midazolam)
- Medium-strength, Medium-acting Benzodiazepines:
- One (clobazam)
Weakest Benzodiazepines:
- Low-Potency, Short-acting Benzodiazepines:
- Serax (oxazepam)
- Restoril (temazepam)
- Low-Potency, Long-acting Benzodiazepines:
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- Tranxene (clorazepate)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Dalmane/Dalmadorm (flurazepam)
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Benzodiazepines Can Cause Addiction
No matter the strength, the potency, how long the benzodiazepine lasts, or how fast it takes effect, they are all capable of causing dependency and addiction, and this is where Allure Detox can help.
The health threat posed by withdrawal is one of the main reasons a benzo detox is necessary. Our team performs benzo detox on a medical basis, prescribing replacement drugs on a decreasing schedule until the withdrawal symptoms dissipate. It is challenging for long-term benzo users to stop on their own.
Benzos slows down the central nervous system (CNS) causing a sedative or euphoric effect which may be an addictive feeling for some. Benzos are prescription drugs used as an anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant. However, when the substance is abused, this can lead to addiction.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
The use of benzodiazepines slows down the central nervous system (CNS) causing a sedative or euphoric effect which may be an addictive feeling for some. Benzos are prescription drugs used as an anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant. However, when the substance is abused, this can lead to addiction.
So if you’re concerned of a loved one, or perhaps yourself getting hooked with benzos, seek addiction treatment right away. Treatment options are available here at Allure Detox. Allure’s Medical detox allows the benzo user to continue their life during the process. The patient leaves our program stabilized, in good health, and ready to start their lives again. Furthermore, benzodiazepine withdrawal won’t be a difficult experience. Contact us today!
Summary
TL;DR: Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are among the most potent benzodiazepines, but “strength” can vary based on dosage, individual reactions, and the specific effect in question.
Published on: 2020-09-04
Updated on: 2024-09-23
