Rohypnol addiction

Benzodiazepines were first developed and marketed in the 1960s and touted as safer alternatives to barbiturates. They also were thought to be less addictive than barbiturates. Of all controlled substances for which prescriptions are written, benzodiazepines account for about 30%. One of the main uses of prescription Rohypnol is to reduce anxiety and insomnia and induce sleep. As a sedative, Rohypnol is reportedly about 10 times more powerful than Valium. 

Some heroin addicts use Rohypnol to intensify the heroin high. Officials say this may be particularly true of users of low-quality heroin. Cocaine addicts may use Rohypnol to mellow cocaine s high and to ease themselves down from a crack or cocaine binge. Some drug abusers call Rohypnol landing gear, when it is used in this manner. 

Even when taken at recommended dosages, Rohypnol can cause dependence and addiction among frequent users. Some people addicted to Rohypnol experience seizures when they attempt withdrawal from the drug. The U.S. Department of Justice says such seizures may occur among chronic users after as little as one week without Rohypnol. 

People who have become physically addicted to Rohypnol should not try to stop taking the drug on then-own. Rather, they need qualified medical help to wean themselves from the drug. 

Since many abusers of Rohypnol take the drug with alcohol, there may be two addictions present, and therefore, the addicted person should be referred for treatment for both the drug and alcohol dependence. In these patients, additional drugs must be given to alleviate alcohol withdrawal, which can include rising pulse and blood pressure, tremors, and profuse sweating. 

Approximately 50% of all people entering treatment for cocaine abuse or addiction to painkillers also report abusing a benzodiazepine. As with Rohypnol users with a simultaneous alcohol addiction, those with an addiction to other drugs in addition to Rohypnol must undergo a more complex withdrawal treatment than those who are addicted to Rohypnol alone. 

Although some sedative-hypnotics such as the nonbarbiturates glutethimide (Doriden) and methaqualone (Quaalude) were once legally prescribed drugs, these substances were banned from use in the United States because of their potential for addiction and abuse. Some sedative-hypnotics such as flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) are illegal in the United States but are legal in Europe and Latin America. 

As with other sedative-hypnotics, repeated use of Rohypnol may result in addiction and physical dependence. Abrupt cessation of the drug can lead to withdrawal symptoms such... 

There are more than 30 million people who take benzodiazepine drugs regularly each year more than 4 million are addicted. As with other benzodiazepines, treatment for Rohypnol dependence must be gradual, with use tapering off. 

Do You Know... Rohypnol,"Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. December 2006. Available online. URL http //www.camh.net/About Addiction Mental Health/ Drug and Addiction lnformation/rohypnol dyk.html. 

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