Common Symptoms and Dangers of Using Tranquilizers

When people hear the word tranquilizers, there is not much negative connotation associated with the simple term. Tranquilizers can be extremely beneficial for people who really need them and use them solely as prescribed. As with most other abused substances, tranquilizers are no different. Once a person begins abusing the drug, they will become dependent with long enough use and become completely addicted to the feelings the drug produces. To learn more about the dangers of using tranquilizers, let’s first go over some basic information.

What are Tranquilizers?

Also referred to as sleeping pills, sedatives, depressants, and downers, tranquilizers depress the central nervous system of the body. Drugs that can classify as tranquilizers are benzodiazepines, barbiturates, some anti psychotic, anti depressants, as well as other drugs. Tranquilizers can be used for numerous medical purposes in anesthesiology and psychiatry. A number of tranquilizers have a very high potential for drug abuse and are absolutely addictive. The dangers of using tranquilizers other than their intended use are many.

Symptoms of Tranquilizer Abuse

There are many symptoms of tranquilizer abuse. Knowing them can potentially help you save your own life or the life of someone you care about. Addiction will change a person. A person may begin to withdraw in an attempt to hide the truth; their drug use.

A person abusing tranquilizers will definitely appear much less anxious, however, they will look sleepy and their speech may be a bit slowed. Stumbling over one’s feet or dozing off is a normal occurrence with tranquilizer abuse, so bruises may be present. A person on these drugs will feel a sense of euphoria and an overwhelming sense of well being, even if completely unwarranted due to their current circumstance. Just like a person abusing other drugs or alcohol, they will find it difficult to concentrate or focus and dizziness will also occur. More specifically, with benzos or benzodiazepines, there can be a lowered sense of inhibitions and lapses in memory.

Noteable dangers of using tranquilizers are depressed breathing and slowed heart rate. If a person is on these drugs and goes to sleep at night, their breathing more than likely will be slowed– this is a possible cause of death, especially if the person has also consumed alcohol or any drug that may lower respiratory function.

Tranquilizers Side Effects

Take note of these tranquilizers side effects. If you can spot them, you can do something about it, or at least try. When a person is addicted to tranquilizers, some of the following side effects will be present:

  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Clumsiness
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Weakness
  • Slurred Speech
  • Nausea
  • Distant look
  • Changes in appearance
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia

And in severe cases coma can result from tranquilizer abuse, especially if combined with alcohol or other drugs. For this reason and the others mentioned, it is important to understand what you are dealing with.

Street Names for Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers are known by many names on the street, which people adopt into their vocabulary to throw people off the scent of drug talk. If you’re aware of other names this drug goes by, you will be privy to the lingo of an addict. Street names for tranquilizers include:

  • Tranx
  • Bennies
  • Benzos
  • Barbs
  • Barbara
  • Xani
  • Love boat
  • Bars
  • Sleepies

While this is not a full list you can see a trend on shortening certain drug names and so on. People will do whatever it takes to hide addiction. You can never be too cautious. Unfortunately, addiction completely takes over a person’s life and every thought. Their main concern in life becomes getting high and remaining high. Regardless of the dangers of using tranquilizers, addicts knowingly put their lives in danger. Again, there really is no rational thought going through an addict’s brain regarding their use.

Addiction can be Treated

The good news about addiction, is that it is treatable. A person first needs to admit they are completely powerless over a drug and they need help. If you do not know where to start and an addict is refusing all requests, interventions prove to be an effective method. White Sands Treatment Center in Fort Myers can help you from figuring out how to proceed with intervention, through detox, treatment, and aftercare plans for lasting recovery. It is worth getting help. Stop the suffering and get the help needed.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.