Addiction To Halcion

Halcion, also known as Triazolam, is a potent Benzodiazepine that is prescribed to treat disorders including insomnia, anxiety, aggression, suicidal behavior, schizophrenia, psychosis, and Tourette’s. The strength of the medication means there is a significant risk of Halcion addiction and abuse.

Halcion is a controlled substance, and it is often abused because it may cause a “high” similar to alcohol intoxication. Physical addiction and dependence can develop as a result of Halcion use or abuse, and some people become addicted to it in as little as two weeks. Even people taking Halcion with a prescription have become dependent on the drug.

The presence of withdrawal symptoms when quitting Halcion is a major indicator of an addiction. People addicted to Halcion may also feel helpless and unable to function without the drug.

Because Halcion withdrawal can be deadly, people who take the drug should seek medically supervised detox if they plan to stop or reduce Halcion use.

Some signs of an addiction to Halcion may include:

  • Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit.
  • A lot of time spent recovering from Halcion’s effects.
  • Cravings for the drug.
  • Ignoring important obligations.
  • Needing more Halcion to feel its effects.

When taking Halcion for longer than the prescribed period, or at higher concentrations, the user’s body can rapidly develop a tolerance to the substance. Users have even become addicted while following a doctor’s recommended dose.

The zombie-like feeling that goes hand in hand with popping a pill eventually transitions into your personality, and it no longer becomes a euphoric rush but a necessity to survive, to even exist, to even be yourself. I felt dead on the inside.

- Former Benzo addict Ashley Zlatopolsky, Salon.com, 2015

The Difference Between Halcion Abuse, Dependency, And Addiction

Any time Halcion is used in any way other than its prescribed medical purpose, it is considered abuse. Halcion dependence is a physical state caused by long-term use that results in withdrawal symptoms when the user reduces or stops Halcion use. Halcion addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiological disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Halcion addiction and abuse can be characterized by:

  • Inability to control Halcion use.
  • Compulsive Halcion use.
  • Continuing to use Halcion despite negative consequences.
  • Craving Halcion.

Understanding Halcion (Triazolam)

Halcion is the brand name for Triazolam. The tablets are taken orally and are most commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, although it is also common to prescribe Halcion for a number of mental and mood disorders. Halcion takes effect faster than most other Benzos, slowing brain activity and making it easier to sleep. Some doctors may prescribe Halcion for anxiety before minor medical procedures.

Halcion is intended for short-term use, typically no more than 7 to 10 days.

Halcion targets neuroreceptors that regulate brain function. This slows hyperactive brain activity and promotes deeper sleep. The substance is sometimes referred to by the slang term “Up Johns.” Halcion has a much shorter half-life than other Benzodiazepines. Halcion’s half-life, or how long the drug remains active in the body, is only 1 to 2 hours. Other Benzos can last up to 70 hours.

How Long Do Benzos Stay In The Body?
Brands Halcion Xanax Valium
Length Of Action Short-acting Intermediate Long-acting
Time 2-4 hours 6-12 hours 20-100 hours

Doctors rarely prescribe Halcion for more than 10 days because of the drug’s potency and addictive potential. Halcion can stop working like it’s supposed to after a week. Halcion may not be as effective the longer it’s taken. After the first week, many people find that the drug doesn’t help them sleep like it used to. This can lead to users increasing their dose in an attempt to regain the drug’s effects.

Halcion Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with Halcion addiction, recovery is possible. Contact a treatment provider to get help finding treatment today.