What is sedative hypnotic and anxiolytic (SHA) dependence?
Through the ages individuals have been depending on chemical substances which relieve stress, anxiety, tension and helps withstand the feeling of discomfort. Sedatives are medications that slow the normal brain function and are commonly prescribed for the individuals suffering from excitement and tension. Hypnotics induce sleep and anxiolytics reduces or prevents anxiety. Sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics play an important role in management of both medical illnesses and psychiatric disorders. Medications such as benzodiazepine, carbamate and barbiturate are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, spasticity (acting in spasms or jerkiness), convulsions and they also to aid in treating alcohol/drug withdrawal symptoms. Occasionally individuals may develop dependence to these medications. Here, the individuals develop drug seeking behavior and consistently take excess medications. International data shows that almost 25% to 33% population of the Western European and some
