Alprazolam: Recreational use

, like all , has the potential for abuse. Although it is not manufactured illegally, and its misuse and abuse is dwarfed by like flunitrazepam, , and , it is still often diverted to the black market, particularly in the United States where is the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine. The state of relaxation, , and induced by is the main reason for their illicit use.

Most abusers “are generally but not entirely limited to patients involved in a pattern”[41] In fact, according to an April 2004 report by the U.S. , “over three-quarters (78%) of benzodiazepine-related (emergency room) visits involved 2 or more drugs.”[42].

Injection of is considered especially dangerous by medical professionals[43] because, when crushed in water it will not fully dissolve (40µg/ml of H2O at pH 7, and 12 mg/mL at pH 1.2 per 1mg of [44]), potentially causing severe damage to arteries if not filtered properly. While it is somewhat soluble in alcohol, the combination of the two, particularly when injected, has the potential to cause a serious, and potentially fatal overdose. may also be insufflated; clinical testing indicates potent activity through insufflation yet some sources indicate sublingual activity is greater.[45]

is sometimes used with other to relieve the panic or distress of dysphoric reactions to psychedelics such as and also to promote sleep in the “come-down” period following use of with or properties (such as , cocaine, , DXM, and MDMA along with the related ). It is also often used in conjunction with marijuana or heroin to potentiate the relaxing effect. As with all drugs, taking it on an empty stomach ensures the most powerful effect. Some anti-drug sources[who?] provide disinformation by stating that is more potent when taken with cola–the acidic nature of colas actually decreases its absorption–acidity decreases the absorption of most orally taken pharmaceuticals.

[edit] Patients at a high risk for abuse and dependence

At a particularly high risk for misuse, abuse, and dependence are polydrug abusers (someone who already uses at least one substance in a recreational context). However, the following can also indicate potential problems in the future:

* Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse and/or dependence
* Patients with severe personality disorders or emotional instability
* Patients with chronic pain or other physical disorders

Patients from the aforementioned group should be monitored very closely during therapy for signs of abuse and development of dependence because it may cause addiction. Discontinue therapy if any of these signs are noted. Long-term therapy in these patients is not recommended, unless the net benefit to the patient outweighs the net risk.

A large scale nation wide USA government study conducted by found that in the USA are the most frequently abused pharmaceutical with 35% of drug related visits to the Emergency Department involved . are more commonly abused than opiate pharmaceuticals which accounted for 32% of visits to the emergency department. No other pharmaceutical is more commonly abused than . Males abuse as commonly as women. Of drugs used in attempted suicide are the most commonly used pharmaceutical drug with 26% of attempted suicides involving . The most commonly abused benzodiazepine is however, . Clonazepam is the 2nd most abused benzodiazepine. Lorazepam is the third most commonly abused benzodiazepine and diazepam the 4th most commonly abused benzodiazepine in the USA. is also commonly abused in combination with alcohol.

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June 4, 2008 | Filed Under Medication 

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