What Is Triazolam (Halcion)?

Triazolam is the generic name of the brand name drug, Halcion. It is a sedative and benzodiazepine that is used to treat insomnia. Triazolam works by slowing brain activity and providing the user with a deeper sleep experience.

Triazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine, so effects can be felt right away. The effects last anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours but remain in the body for two to four hours.

The most important thing to note about Triazolam is that it’s a temporary solution for sleep problems. It’s designed to be taken on a short-term basis and most doctors will only prescribe it for seven to 10 days, at maximum. Using Triazolam for even just two or three weeks can cause dependence and addiction.

Despite the risks, people often abuse Triazolam for the mild euphoria and calming effects it provides. Benzodiazepines like Triazolam are also often abused with alcohol and other drugs, which can increase the drug’s effects and the user’s risk of overdose.

The DEA has classified Triazolam as a Schedule IV substance, meaning it has a relatively low potential for abuse and addiction when compared to other controlled substances. However, it is still addictive and dangerous when it is used recreationally.

Slang for Triazolam

The following terms are street names or slang for Triazolam:

• Up Johns
• A-
• Zombie pills

How Common Is Triazolam Addiction and Abuse?

According to SAMHSA’s most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (SDUH), an estimated 6.4 million people ages 12 or older misused prescription stimulants or sedatives like Triazolam in the past year. That’s 2.4 percent of the population. Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a big problem in the U.S. and the most recent preliminary estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than 72,000 Americans were killed by drug overdoses in 2017. This number includes overdoses caused by prescription drug misuse.

What Are the Side Effects of Triazolam Abuse?

Abusing Triazolam can cause harmful physical and mental side effects.

Short-term effects of Triazolam abuse may include:

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Problems concentrating
• Slow breathing
• Memory problems
• Dizziness
• Unstable walking

Long-term effects of Triazolam abuse may include:

• Impaired cognitive functioning
• Overall decline in mental and physical health
• Problems concentrating
• Mood swings
• Memory problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression

Am I Addicted to Triazolam? Signs and Symptoms of Triazolam Addiction

Addiction to benzodiazepines like Triazolam is common. If you think you might be addicted, here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of Triazolam addiction:

• Having frequent cravings for Triazolam.
• Taking larger or more frequent doses of Triazolam that originally prescribed or intended.
• Trying to control Triazolam use but being unable.
• Feeling withdrawal symptoms when the effects of Triazolam wear off.
• Spending a large amount of time trying to get Triazolam, using it, or recovering from use.
• Using Triazolam with alcohol or other drugs.
• Continuing to use Triazolam even though it’s causing problems at home, school, work, or in your personal life.
• Not being able to sleep without Triazolam.
• Giving up other activities or hobbies you enjoy to use Triazolam.
• Developing a tolerance (needing more Triazolam to achieve the same effects).
• Lying to friends and family about your Triazolam use.

The signs and symptoms listed above are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. If you think that you or a loved one is addicted to Triazolam, talk to a doctor right away.

What Are Common Signs of Triazolam Overdose?

The way Triazolam interacts with the brain makes it highly addictive, therefore, overdose is a real risk. Signs and symptoms of Triazolam overdose may include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Extreme drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Coma
• Death

If you suspect a loved one is overdosing on Triazolam, you should contact Poison Control right away.

How Long Does Triazolam Last?

The effects of Triazolam can be felt almost immediately and they typically last about 90 minutes to three hours in most people. This is a short amount of time, as the effects of some other benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium can last anywhere from 12 to 70 hours.

What Are Triazolam Withdrawal Symptoms?

If you are addicted to Triazolam, you’ll probably feel some withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using it. These physical symptoms can be very uncomfortable and are a clear sign of physical dependence. Common Triazolam withdrawal symptoms include:

• Triazolam cravings
• Rebound insomnia and anxiety
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Chills
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fever
• Sweating
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat

Triazolam Detox

Most addicts abuse Triazolam with other drugs, and as a result, withdrawal can be very dangerous. Even without the additional risks of polydrug detox, withdrawal from benzodiazepines like Triazolam can result in potentially fatal seizures, especially if detox is done at home without medical supervision.

Triazolam detox is safest in a medically-monitored environment like a detox center because clients are monitored regularly and slowly tapered off the drug. This also provides a more comfortable detox experience that is guaranteed to be safe.

Clients who detox in a medical facility also have a reduced risk of relapse, because they have more support and are housed in a sober environment throughout the course of detox. People who try to detox on their own are much more likely to relapse to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal.

Triazolam Withdrawal Timeline

The effects and duration of Triazolam withdrawal will vary based on the following factors:

• How long you’ve been abusing Triazolam
• The typical dose you took
• How frequently you took Triazolam
• If you abused Triazolam with alcohol or other drugs
• Your mental health and medical history
• The method of Triazolam detox you use (quitting cold turkey vs. tapering off of it gradually)

The timeline below will give you an idea of what you may experience during Triazolam withdrawal.

6-8 hours after the last dose:	A few hours into Triazolam detox, early withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear.
48 hours after the last dose:	Physical Triazolam withdrawal symptoms will often peak around this time, and users may feel the most uncomfortable during this stage, as the symptoms will be the most intense.
4-5 days after the last dose:	The user may begin to feel relief as the Triazolam withdrawal symptoms gradually fade away.

Triazolam Addiction Treatment Options

Once you have completed a detox program, you may decide to continue your Triazolam treatment with long-term rehab. Studies show addiction treatment of 90 days or longer provides the best opportunity for lasting sobriety. Although many treatment centers only offer programs that last 30 or 60 days, 90-day rehab provides the most time to work on lasting behavioral changes.

While the primary purpose of Triazolam detox is to overcome physical dependence on the drug, rehab is designed to help clients overcome the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction.

Throughout the duration of Triazolam rehab, clients will work with addiction treatment professionals to:

• Learn more about addiction and how it affects the brain and the body
• Dive into the 12 steps and the philosophy behind them
• Gain knowledge regarding high-risk situations, triggers, and relapse prevention
• Gain important life skills
• Make positive behavioral changes to combat addictive behaviors
• Work through personal issues and trauma
• Connect with other peers in recovery

When choosing a rehab program for Triazolam addiction, it’s important to consider the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab, as well as your own needs, budget, and limitations.

Inpatient Drug Rehab

In an inpatient rehab program, clients live onsite for the duration of their Triazolam treatment program. They adhere to a set of community rules and live in group housing with other residents who are completing rehab alongside them. Each day consists of a structured schedule that includes meal times, individual and group therapy, meditation, a guided fitness program, and personal time. Interaction with the outside world is limited, but visits with family and friends can be coordinated.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

In an outpatient rehab program, clients can live at home while attending group rehab sessions locally. Outpatient Triazolam rehab consists of a series of group meetings in which clients meet with their peers and staff for educational lectures, 12-Step Program work, and relapse prevention discussions.

The cost of an inpatient or outpatient rehab program will vary depending on the amenities offered, the location, and the type of Triazolam treatment program and services that are provided. Rehab clients have several payment options, such as utilizing health insurance benefits, third-party financed loans, or Employee Assistance Programs.

Continued Care Options for Triazolam Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease and studies show relapse rates for substance abuse are between 40 and 60 percent. To reduce the risk of relapse, continued participation in treatment is often recommended after Triazolam rehab is completed. Options for continued treatment include sober living programs and aftercare.

Sober Living Programs

A sober living home (also referred to as a ¾ house, halfway house, or transitional living home) is designed to help people gradually assimilate into a life of sobriety after completing Triazolam rehab. Residents must agree to abide by a set of household rules, engage in their recovery program, and maintain their sobriety while living in the home. These rules are designed to protect the safety and sobriety of all sober living residents.

Recovery support services offered at sober living homes often include:

• Personal monitoring programs
• Phased recovery programs
• Employment and volunteer support
• Education assistance
• Random drug and alcohol testing

The cost of a sober living program will vary, depending on several different factors like the type of recovery residence, recovery support services offered, and the location of the home. Residents make payments on a monthly basis, like rent.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is a program that is specifically for alumni of rehab programs who are seeking extra support in their sobriety journey. People who struggle with chronic relapse may also choose to enroll in an aftercare program to stay accountable to their sobriety and receive continued support.

Aftercare programs consist of a series of weekly group meetings that are facilitated by treatment staff. During these meetings, clients are encouraged to share personal challenges associated with their sobriety, provide encouragement to their peers, and discuss other topics related to sobriety and relapse prevention.

Although Triazolam addiction is a chronic disease that will take time to overcome, it is possible to get sober and stay that way. If you need help overcoming Triazolam addiction, call Nova Recovery Center today for more information on our detox, rehab, and sober living programs for adults. We offer varying levels of individualized Triazolam treatment programs and recovery support to meet your needs.

References:

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/topics/data_outcomes_quality/nsduh-ppt-09-2017.pdf
2. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf
3. https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
4. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000798.htm
5. https://www.prescriptiondrugabuse.org/Triazolam-Street-Names.htm
6. https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/triazolam
7. https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
8. https://www.samhsa.gov/
9. https://www.withdrawal.net/learn/benzodiazepine-symptoms-timeline-effects/

Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.

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