Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.AddictionThe following page includes discussions of addiction, including substance abuse. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic (SHA) Use Disorder** is a substance use disorder characterized by repeated use of substances including benzodiazepines, benzodiazepines-like drugs, carbamates, barbiturates, and barbiturate-like hypnotics despite significant problems associated with its use.

Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics may be prescribed for a number of physical and psychological medical conditions. This class of substances includes all prescription sleeping medications and almost all prescription anti-anxiety medications. Non-benzodiazepine anti-anxiety agents are not included in this class because they are not associated with significant misuse. Sedative-hypnotic drugs are also sometimes called "depressants".

## Signs & Symptoms

Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic intoxication symptoms may include:

* Sudden changes in mood.
* Impaired judgement.
* Inappropriate sexual or aggressive behavior.
* Slurred speech.
* Lack of coordination.
* Unsteady gait or walk.
* Repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements.
* Impaired attention and memory.
* Stupor or coma.

Memory problems are common following SHA intoxication. Individuals may not recall anything that happened while under the influence of the substance.

Individuals experiencing sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic withdrawal may experience:

* Sweating.
* Increased heart rate.
* Hand tremors.
* Insomnia.
* Nausea or vomiting.
* Visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations.
* Anxiety.
* Seizures.

### Diagnosis

To be clinically diagnosed with having sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, one must have at least two of the following symptoms within the previous 12-month period:

* Taking larger dosages and/or taking the drugs for a longer period of time than intended.
* Desiring to reduce or control sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drug use, or making unsuccessful attempts to do so.
* Spending large amounts of time procuring or using the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drug.
* An overwhelming desire or urge to use the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic.
* Frequent absence from job or school, or the inability to maintain obligations for one's job, school or home life due to sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drug use.
* Continued sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use even in situations where it is physical hazardous
* Use of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic drug continues even when the individual knows the physical and psychological risks.
* Tolerance, increase in the amount of the drug to achieve the desired effect or the same use of the drug no longer results in the desired effect.
* Withdrawal symptoms, use of the drug to relieve or avoid symptoms of withdrawal.

## Treatment

Treatment for SHA use disorder is complex and requires professional medical involvement, it may also include medications as well as behavioral therapies. Twelve-step programs offer additional support.

## References

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/sedative-hypnotic-and-anxiolytic-related-disorders

https://www.psychdb.com/addictions/sedative-hypnotics/1-use-disorder

https://www.health.harvard.edu/a\_to\_z/sedative-hypnotic-or-anxiolytic-drug-use-disorder-a-to-z

https://casatondemand.org/knowledge-base/resources-for-the-treatment-of-sedative-hypnotic-and-anxiolytic-use-disorder/