Temazepam Addiction

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Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Temazepam addiction is a dangerous condition that not only jeopardises a person’s physical health but also has profound implications on mental well-being and social stability. Recognising the signs of addiction early and understanding the pathways to seek help are essential steps toward recovery and regaining a balanced life.

What is temazepam?

Temazepam, a benzodiazepine medication, is primarily prescribed for short-term insomnia treatment. It enhances neurotransmitter activity in the brain, promoting calmness for easier sleep initiation and maintenance. Despite its effectiveness, temazepam carries a high risk of misuse and benzodiazepine addiction, posing serious threats to physical health and mental well-being.

Tragically, temazepam also has a history of being used for date rape crimes which contributed to the strict legal restrictions now placed on the drug in the UK and elsewhere.

What is temazepam addiction?

Temazepam addiction is the compulsive need to use temazepam despite the negative consequences. Addiction initially develops due to the drug’s ability to enhance GABA activity in the brain, leading to a state of relaxation and sedation which the user wants to repeat.

With this repeated use, tolerance then develops with the person taking higher doses than prescribed or using the medication for longer periods to achieve the desired effects. At this point, they then develop a physical dependence, where large doses of temazepam are needed constantly, alongside a psychological dependence, where the drug is needed to cope with everyday life.

It is these two dependencies together that form the basis of a full-blown temazepam addiction, with individuals losing control of their drug use and prioritising temazepam over all other aspects of their lives.

Am I addicted to temazepam?

Recognising an addiction to Temazepam requires a deep and honest look at your use of the medication and its impact on your life. To better understand if your relationship with temazepam has crossed the line, consider the following questions which may point to temazepam addiction symptoms:

Have I increased my dosage over time to experience its effects without a doctor’s advice?
Do I feel anxious or experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, cravings and insomnia when I haven’t taken temazepam?
Have I made unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control my use of temazepam?
Is obtaining, using or recovering from the effects of Temazepam consuming a significant portion of my day?
Have my personal or professional responsibilities suffered due to my temazepam use?
Do I continue to use temazepam despite knowing it is causing problems in my life?
Have I engaged in risky behaviours, like driving, while under the influence of temazepam?
Do I use temazepam to cope with emotional distress or as an escape from my problems?

Affirmative answers to these questions may suggest temazepam addiction symptoms and require professional assessment and support.

Why is temazepam addictive?

Beyond tolerance and the development of physical dependency, various personal and environmental factors can increase your risk of becoming addicted to temazepam. These include:

Genetic factors

Various scientific research has found that people with a genetic predisposition to substance abuse are more likely to develop a temazepam addiction. This susceptibility is often inherited, making those with a family history of addiction more vulnerable to the addictive properties of medications like temazepam.

Psychological factors

Temazepam may be used as a coping mechanism by those experiencing anxiety, depression or chronic stress, leading to reliance on its effects. This psychological dependence can escalate as users increasingly turn to temazepam to manage their mental health, heightening the risk of addiction.

Environmental influences

The likelihood of temazepam misuse can increase in environments where drug use is normalised or in life situations filled with significant stressors where drugs are used to cope or escape reality.

Personal history of substance abuse

A history of abusing substances, including alcohol or other drugs, can heighten the risk of becoming addicted to temazepam. This often indicates a pattern of using substances as a form of self-medication or escape, increasing susceptibility to addiction.

Social isolation

Individuals who experience social isolation or lack a supportive network may turn to temazepam to cope with feelings of loneliness or depression. While potentially providing short-term relief, the onset of temazepam addiction often exacerbates those feelings, driving more temazepam use.

Chronic pain or physical health issues

People dealing with chronic pain or ongoing health problems may be prescribed temazepam for relief, which can inadvertently lead to misuse and addiction. The physical discomfort can make the sedative and muscle-relaxant properties of temazepam appealing, potentially leading to dependency if not carefully managed.

Access and availability

Easy access to temazepam, whether through prescriptions, pharmacies, or the black market, significantly boosts its potential for misuse and addiction. When readily available, the risk of addiction rises, as individuals can obtain and use the drug without proper medical supervision.

These factors, combined with individual psychological and physiological characteristics, demonstrate the complex nature of temazepam addiction and the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment and recovery.

Short-term temazepam addiction side effects

Short-term temazepam addiction side-effects can manifest quickly, impacting both physical and mental health. Key effects which can help identify when professional help is needed include:

Drowsiness and confusion: Temazepam can cause significant drowsiness and confusion even at prescribed doses. These are worsened by ongoing misuse, affecting daily functioning and safety.
Impaired coordination: Chronic temazepam users may experience difficulty with motor skills and balance, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Memory issues: Short-term memory can also be affected by temazepam addiction, leading to forgetfulness and difficulties with recall, impacting personal and professional life.
Mood changes: Rapid mood swings and unexplained irritability or aggression can strain relationships and social lives.
Increased anxiety or depression: Misuse of temazepam can ironically lead to heightened feelings of anxiety or depression, counteracting the medication’s intended use.

Recognising these temazepam addiction side effects can be a major step to seeking professional help before more serious consequences emerge.

Long-term temazepam addiction effects

Long-term temazepam addiction effects can lead to profound and enduring impacts on a person’s physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life. Some of the most significant effects include:

Persistent cognitive impairments: Extended temazepam misuse can result in long-lasting cognitive issues. These can include memory loss, decreased concentration and impaired learning abilities, which may take a long time to recover even after stopping the drug.
Chronic fatigue and sleep problems: Despite being used to treat insomnia, long-term temazepam addiction can exacerbate sleep issues, leading to chronic insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
Mental health deterioration: Prolonged use is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and, in some cases, the emergence of suicidal thoughts. These can all significantly impact mental health, which perpetuates the cycle of temazepam abuse.
Physical dependence and withdrawal difficulties: Long-term users may find it extremely challenging to quit temazepam due to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, tremors and intense anxiety.
Social and relationship issues: Temazepam addiction can strain relationships with family and friends, lead to social isolation and negatively affect professional life. These can all compound the difficulties in recovery as temazepam can become the only source of comfort.
Legal issues: In the UK, temazepam is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Unauthorised possession can result in up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Supplying or producing temazepam without proper authorisation can lead to up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Addressing these long-term temazepam addiction effects requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including medical, psychological and social support, to facilitate recovery and restore health.

Temazepam addiction treatment

Temazepam addiction treatment involves a comprehensive approach that starts with a medically supervised benzodiazepine detox. This is designed to end the physical dependence while safely managing withdrawal symptoms. Following detox, individuals are then recommended to engage in benzodiazepine rehab, which provides counselling and therapy to address the underlying causes of temazepam addiction. Once rehab is complete, it is then essential for those in recovery to have access to ongoing support and relapse prevention strategies, which increase the chances of long-term sobriety.

Get help for temazepam addiction today

If you are battling temazepam addiction, Sanctuary Lodge provides a safe and secure environment for healing and recovery. With expert care and a comprehensive treatment approach, we are equipped to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction and help you build a solid foundation for sobriety. Take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free future by contacting Sanctuary Lodge today.

FAQ’s

What are other names for temazepam?

Temazepam is marketed under several brand names, including Restoril, Normison, Euhypnos and Temaze. These various names are used in different regions and countries, but all refer to the same benzodiazepine medication. All should be taken only as prescribed as every temazepam medication carries the same potential for misuse, abuse and addiction.

How long does it take to get addicted to temazepam?

The threshold for developing a dependency on temazepam varies significantly between individuals, depending on factors like genetics, dosage and overall health. Typically, prolonged use, especially at doses higher than those recommended by a healthcare provider, greatly increases the risk of addiction, but some people may become addicted to temazepam very quickly. It is crucial to follow medical advice closely and to be aware of any changes in your response to the medication.

(Click here to see works cited)

NHS. “How and when to take temazepam.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/temazepam/how-and-when-to-take-temazepam/. Accessed 29 March 2024.
UK-Rehab. “Sleeping Pills – Restoril Addiction Information.” UK-Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/sleeping-pills-addiction/restoril/. Accessed 29 March 2024.
WebMD. “Temazepam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8715/temazepam-oral/details. Accessed 29 March 2024.
Gautam, Lata et al. “Drug facilitated sexual assault: detection and stability of benzodiazepines in spiked drinks using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.” PloS one vol. 9,2 e89031. 19 Feb. 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0089031