Why drugs don't always work

This can be attributable, to some extent in the way certain drugs have been prescribed as being the answer to symptoms of ennui, sloth and general lack of enthusiasm. Where is was not clear that stress was the main factor at large, drugs in the benzodiazepine group were prescribed as outwardly, the patients exhibited a “calmness” and reduced anxiety. What were not understood by prescribing these drugs were the possible consequences of prolonged usage. These included anxiety and panic attacks, worsening or a development of agoraphobia, depression and tiredness with a need for lots of sleep, memory retention issues and a general decline in overall physical health. Not only that, but serious withdrawal symptoms manifested themselves and in between doses or reduced dosage, symptoms such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, hypersensitivity and muscle and joints aches and pains were noticed. The answer to all of these was to continue with the drugs in the hope that they would cure these issues. For some, they exacerbated the situation. With conflicting evidence from studies of medical experts around the world, it is very difficult to establish exactly why these drugs may or may not work. Everyone is an individual and could therefore react very differently to the prescription. In the 1950’s benzodiazepines were hailed as efficacious minor tranquillisers that seemed devoid of unwanted side effects. They were introduced largely to replace barbiturates and similar drugs. It was 30 years before the phenomenon of low-dose dependence on benzodiazepines was recognised and this manifested itself not as euphoric or drug seeking behaviour but more as a marked withdrawal. The jury is still out on these matters.

The Medical Approach to Stress

This approach deals with the prescription of drugs such as benzodiazepines that included Valium, Halcion, Ativan and many others. Each has distinctive properties. For example, Valium and Ativan are used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate anxiety. They may also be used for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal. Halcion on the other hand is used as a short-term treatment for insomnia. The term benzodiazepine is another way of describing drugs that are hypnotic by their nature and there are many different kinds available.

The Non-Medical Approach to Stress

In general practice we are now seeing a trend towards the lowering of prescription drugs in favour of self-help and well-being activities. These activities are varied in their nature and include but are not limited to reflexology, massage, Reiki, acupuncture, colour therapy, aromatherapy and hypnotherapy. The list goes on. There are many centres where anyone can find a release for stress and tension without the need for drugs. By taking a holistic approach that looks at lifestyle, diet, stress and related physical problems, therapies that deal with these can be employed to reduce if not eliminate the symptoms. It is very much a tailored way of working where the individual makes the decision on how much or little that they want to be exposed to and so keep control over the symptoms they wish to address. The approach deals with the emotional side of life and attempts to address issues that at times, seem insurmountable, but can be dealt with without resorting to drugs.