But the question is, who is at fault?
Many of them seek help, but 95% of them would relapse back into their old damaging habits. Some got themselves checked into rehab centres, some seek help from psychiatrist, some turn to God, but unfortunately to no avail, the temptation of the drug is simply overwhelming.
Older drugs like Dormicum(Midazolam) is one of the most abused drugs today.
Dormicum comes in 15mg and 7.5mg strength.
I've seen patients taking 50 of such tablets per day. Another drug which is gaining popularity and increasing abuse and addiction is Stilnox(Zolpidem) that originally produced my Sanofi Adventis.
While Sanofi claimed they had produced a non addictive sleeping pill, but today, we know it's not true. The addiction and abuse on this "non addictive" drug is increasing as time passes by. I've personally know people who took 80-100 tablets per day, some take it even during the day just to function normally as they would go into withdrawal symptoms(agitation, withdrawal seizures, mood swings, tremors,etc.) if their body system is devoid of such medication.Of course if compared to heroin, which is the most addictive among all drugs, however, sudden withdrawal from heroin does not pose danger to the patient. As a matter of fact, such drugs which are taken orally, they would definitely get a seizure if they run out of supply. One would know the danger of seizure. Repeated seizure would damage the brain to a certain extent, and while a person gets a fit for say 5 minutes, during the episode, the person would not be breathing for 5 minutes. The moment the brain devoid of oxygen for 3 minutes, brain damage occurs.
Despite their claimed that it does not produce addiction, but ANYTHING, ANY SUBSTANCE that gives instant relieve to a troubled mind, or stress, would eventually become dependent upon it, and as time goes by, addiction occurs.
Now, most drug addiction expert or psychiatrist would treat the addiction by two methods, either by slowly tapering the dosage, or by drug replacement therapy.
While these two methods MAY proved successful in stopping the drug intake, unfortunately, 95% of them are only temporary. Majority of them even with the correct and genuine determination, would relapse. Why?
If you walk into any private hospital in KL, I DARE TO BET the patients would be given a limited period of time, heavily charged for the doctor's "invaluable" help, before calling the next patient. What is more disheartening is that as a psychiatrist, some of the doctors do not even look at the patients. No eye contact. Yes!
All their methods are all wrong. Instead of being doctor, psychiatrist who treats patient for addiction should talk to their patient as friends, get to know them better, understand them, understand their problem, then only would they be able to treat the problem.
The issue is not about drug replacement. The aim of the treatment is not only to get the patient to stop taking these drugs, but to stop taking these drugs permanently and change their lifestyle around for the better. Then only would it ensure a successful treatment.
Ever thought why a person start taking drug, alcohol, gambling, etc... in the first place? Ok, for drug addicts, they are sent to rehab centre, alcoholics and gamblers to AA centres(alcoholic anonymous), but how long would they refrain themselves before relapsing back to their old ways?
Now, since I am writing a post regarding drug abuse, let's just concentrate on it.
It takes a good, understanding psychologist, and not a psychiatrist to treat drug addiction. A psychiatrist may not necessarily be a good psychologist. But a good psychologist is a good psychiatrist.
Psychiatrist today, just like anyone else, pay less attention to the patient, not trying hard enough to understand what the patient is going through, not realizing that every patient has their unique set of problems. They have become rather mechanical in their management. Drug addiction, hence either lowering the dose, or drug replacement therapy.
The right way of treating patient would be to identify the REASON for the patient that made them start taking the medication in the first place. Even after rehab, but assuming the underlying problem persisted, its just a matter of time before they fall back onto the same problem. Stress, poor coping mechanism, seeking instant relieve from daily stress, peer pressure, financial problems, basically any problems that drove the patient to lose themselves, to forget about the main issue, to escape from the problems the troubles them, would need to be openly discussed and taken into account.
This of course goes hand in hand with the CORRECT drug replacement therapy.
What I am trying to convey is that there is a solution to every problem. For those who is thinking of leaving your partner because of his seemingly incurable addiction, there is a way, it's just that you have not met the right doctor/person to help. ALWAYS REMEMBER, THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERY PROBLEM.
As every problem is individualistic, I beg you to please trust me. Please don't jump into conclusions and making decision without exploring further options. If you have not found a solution, it doesn't mean there is no solution, it doesn't mean that your partner has gone to the point of no return, it's simply because you have not found the solution.
I personally know ex heroin addicts whom today has become important member of society, some became medical and psychological counselors, some motivational speakers, some successful millionaires. If they can beat the addiction from heroin addiction, there is no reason why they can't beat benzodiazepines addiction. Please write to me at drwan76@yahoo.com.
The information and respond that I provide are free since these individuals are troubled, disturbed, rather than being a menace.
Please view them as people who has lost their way in life, who couldn't find a solution, instead of merely an "addict.".
PLEASE WRITE TO ME....
Thank you.
