Etizolam is a thieonodiazepene, and in simple terms, it is a drug that is very similar to benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines, or benzos as they are commonly called, are a type of depressant drug that is generally prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as anxiety or insomnia.1
The most common and recognisable benzodiazepine is diazepam, or Valium as it is often known. Studies cited by the DrugBank database indicate that etizolam is between six and ten times more potent than Valium, making it a high-risk prescription drug for addiction.2
Etizolam was originally developed in Japan for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. It remains available as a prescription drug in Japan and a few other countries, and for a long time it was unregulated in the UK. However, following an amendment to the Misuse of Drugs Act in 2017, etizolam is now considered to be a Class C restricted drug.3
This means that users could face up to two years’ imprisonment for the possession of etizolam, and suppliers and producers of the drug could be sentenced to fourteen years’ imprisonment.
But what does the drug actually do? As you might expect for a drug initially designed to treat anxiety, etizolam, like other benzos, can relax the user and enhance the mood. It has sedative effects, which can lead to confusion and lethargy.
Undesirable side effects can include short term memory loss, nausea and headaches. More seriously, in some cases it can cause respiratory depression, a condition characterised by slow and ineffective breathing and prescription drug addiction. This can be very serious and dangerous, and could potentially lead to other health complications.
According to the Scottish Drugs Forum, etizolam is less likely to induce tolerance build-up and dependence as compared to other benzos such as Valium. However, that does not mean that etizolam is not addictive at all.
With consistent or heavy use, it is possible to develop an addiction to etizolam, and suddenly discontinuing the use of the drug could trigger unpleasant side withdrawal symptoms.4
The potential withdrawal symptoms associated with the abuse of etizolam include:
Withdrawal from etizolam can also seriously exacerbate anxiety and sleeping problems. If you have been taking etizolam at very high doses, it is possible that your withdrawal symptoms may be more serious.
In severe cases, sufferers of etizolam withdrawal have been known to suffer seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis.
As with most drug addictions, the most difficult aspect of overcoming dependency on etizolam is getting through the withdrawal period. The negative side effects associated with withdrawal can be too overwhelming for many people to cope with, and in some cases the process has the potential to be dangerous.
If you are addicted to etizolam, the most sensible option is to seek addiction treatment at a specialised drug rehabilitation centre.
Detoxification is an indispensable part of the recovery process. This is the period when your body flushes the etizolam out of your system, and it is during this time that you will experience withdrawal.
It will never be an easy or comfortable process, but it is a necessary one if you want to recover, and rehab offers the safest environment for you to work through your withdrawal phase.
At rehab, your access to etizolam will be tightly controlled and restricted, meaning that it is almost impossible to relapse in those crucial first days.
Medical and psychiatric professionals will be available to support you through this painful part of the process, and you can be sure that you will be in safe hands should you suffer a particularly bad reaction. The same cannot be said if you try to go it alone.
If you are seeking etizolam addiction treatment in Scotland, Nova Recovery may be the place for you. We are based in Largs on Scotland’s beautiful western coast, and we offer addiction treatment of the highest quality for a number of different substance dependencies.
Our treatment programmes begin with detox, but flushing the etizolam out of your system is only the first part of your recovery. Addiction is a psychological issue as well as a physical one, which is why we also offer a programme of therapy and counselling.
Nova Recovery offers tried and tested treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, a talking therapy that seeks to help you break out of self-destructive patterns and behaviours by recognising your unhealthy impulses and fostering more constructive coping mechanisms.
Counselling, on an individual, group and family basis can also help you to reach a point of self-understanding and acceptance. It is important that you foster a support network, and we are committed to helping you find and maintain that support.
Recovery is a long, often lifetime battle. It does not begin and end with detox. Once you have been a client with us, we will always be there to help ensure that you do not relapse.
Once you have left the clinic we will continue to hold weekly aftercare sessions, and should you have any questions, fears or doubts further down the line you will always be welcome to get back in touch with us.
Before therapy, before detox, the very first step on the road to recovery is reaching out for help. Admitting that you need help can be a daunting prospect, but rehab offers the surest path out of addiction.
If you are ready to get your life back on track, contact Nova Recovery today. All you have to do is ring us on 01475 303998, email info@novarecovery.co.uk, or fill out our contact form and we can begin the admissions process.
2 https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09166
3 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/634/article/5/made
4 https://www.nhsaaa.net/media/4654/etizolam_infosheet_sdf_drugwatch1_1-2.pdf
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: December 19, 2023
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Dr Luqman Khan
- Clinical Reviewer
- Last reviewed: November 27, 2023
Dr Luqman Khan (MBchB, FRCS, MRCPsych) is a highly experienced and well-qualified psychiatrist with over ten years of experience in general psychiatry and addiction services.
He is certified by the MRCPsych and is known for his innovative approach to treating a diverse range of clients with high morbidity related to alcohol, drugs, and mental health problems.
At Nova Recovery, Dr Khan will utilise his extensive knowledge and experience to provide patients with the highest level of care and support in their journey towards recovery. He will work closely with our addiction recovery team to develop individualised treatment plans for each patient, considering their specific needs and circumstances.
He is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their goals and objectives and is committed to working with patients to help them overcome their addiction dependency and improve their overall well-being. Utilising evidence-based practices and the latest research in addiction treatment, Dr Khan will help ensure that patients receive the most effective care possible.
As an adept communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, Dr Khan can connect with patients from all walks of life. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive and compassionate care from Dr Khan. With his expertise and guidance, they will be given the best chances of achieving long-term recovery.
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