Mogadon is also known by its generic name of nitrazepam.
It is a powerful benzodiazepine that is primarily used for severe insomnia issues and certain seizure disorders.
Although it can be very effective when it is used for a short period of time, under strict medical supervision, many people become addicted to Mogadon, especially when it is taken for longer periods of time than is recommended.
For many people, they are legitimately prescribed Mogadon to help them to sleep.
However, over time, a tolerance can develop, leading to a need for higher doses in order to achieve the same effect. This can quickly progress into a physical dependence and addiction, making it difficult to stop without professional help and treatment.
At OK Rehab, our team of rehab and recovery specialists regularly support individuals who are struggling with prescription drug addiction.
Whilst other addictive substances such as heroin, cocaine and cannabis often receive more attention in society, prescription medications such as Mogadon can be just as damaging when someone becomes addicted to them.
Understanding the risks associated with an addiction to Mogadon, as well as recognising the warning signs and how to seek treatment early can make a big difference when it comes to the individual’s long-term recovery.
What Is Mogadon?
Mogadon is the brand name for nitrazepam, which is a type of benzodiazepine medication that works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) [2].
This is a neurotransmitter that slows down activity in the brain and body’s nervous system.
Doctors tend to prescribe Mogadon for a range of health issues, including insomnia, sleep issues, epilepsy and anxiety-related sleep issues.
This type of medication creates a calming effect, which helps people to fall asleep more quickly and importantly, remain asleep throughout the night.
However, because Mogadon affects the body’s central nervous system, long term use can cause the brain to become dependent on the drug. When this happens, addiction and dependence can quickly develop.
Is Mogadon Addictive?
Yes. It is important to understand that Mogadon is highly addictive, especially when it is used for long periods of time [2].
Although benzodiazepines are generally intended for short term use, some individuals continue taking them for a number of weeks, months or even years.
During this time, the body adapts quickly to the presence of the medication and can become reliant on it.
Eventually, people tend to find that their usual dose no longer has the same effect that it once did, and that they need more tablets in order to sleep throughout the night.
Once they stop taking the medication, even if it’s just in between doses, they experience withdrawal symptoms meaning that they’re unable to function without taking the substance.
This leads to a cycle of addiction that can be incredibly difficult to break without professional help and support.
As with any type of addictive substance, the risk increases significantly when individuals take larger doses than what has been prescribed by doctors, or when they combine Mogadon with other addictive substances, such as alcohol or other drugs.
How Does a Mogadon Addiction Develop?
It is important to acknowledge and understand that a Mogadon addiction very rarely develops overnight.
In fact, most people start taking the medication exactly as prescribed by their doctors. Initially, it provides a welcomed relief from sleep issues including insomnia or anxiety-related sleep issues.
However, over time the brain becomes used to the increased levels of substance, meaning that your tolerance increases.
An increase in tolerance means that the original dose becomes less effective, which then encourages some individuals to increase their dosage, take extra tablets and continue to take the medication outside of medical advice [2].
As an individual’s tolerance increases, they become both physically and mentally dependent on the substance in order to cope. Once an addiction and dependence develop, stopping suddenly can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, which can lead to cravings and relapses.
Common Behavioural Signs of a Mogadon Addiction
Recognising the signs of addiction early on can prevent a severe addiction from forming.
There are a number of warning signs that someone has become addicted to prescription medication, including some of the most common warning signs included below:
1. Increasing Your Dose
One of the earliest signs that someone has become addicted to Mogadon is that they start taking larger doses in order to achieve the same sedative effect to help them to sleep.
2. Running Out of Medication Early
People with addiction issues frequently run out of their prescriptions early. They tend to go back to the same doctor time and time again, or they shop around by visiting lots of different doctors to try and cheat the system.
3. Doctor Shopping
Visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain extra prescriptions can indicate problematic use. This way, they can obtain a prescription that they shouldn’t have access to.
4. Increase in Cravings
People who are addicted to substances tend to think constantly about their next dose or start to feel anxious when their supplies are low.
5. Mood Swings
Mogadon abuse can contribute to mood swings, which can include being irritated, depressed, anxious or emotionally unstable on a frequent basis.
6. Social Withdrawal
People who are addicted to Mogadon or other addictive substances might start to avoid spending time with their family, friends or loved ones so that they can continue to take more of the medication.
7. Struggling at Work or School
People who struggle with addiction issues often suffer from problems at work, school, or home. This could include not keeping up with their workload, being late on a frequent basis or struggling to keep up with commitments at home, such as looking after loved ones or cooking or cleaning.
Common Physical Signs and Symptoms of a Mogadon Addiction
Long term addiction to Mogadon can produce a range of physical symptoms, including some of those listed below:
- Long term drowsiness
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Poor coordination
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Frequent dizziness
- Muscle issues
- Severe headaches
- Memory problems
Because Mogadon remains in the body for an extended period of time, some users experience their symptoms the day after they take the substance, especially when it comes to symptoms related to concentration and decision making.
Common Psychological Effects of a Mogadon Addiction
It is important to also look out for the psychological impact of a benzodiazepine addiction, as it can be significant although at times difficult to spot.
Some of the most common psychological signs and symptoms are listed below for you:
1. Memory Issues
Many individuals who are struggling with an addiction to Mogadon suffer from short-term memory loss and concentration issues. This is often easier to stop at work or at school.
2. Increased Anxiety
Ironically, even though Mogadon is prescribed for anxiety, it can often worsen your symptoms.
3. Increased Depression
Long term Mogadon use is often associated with low mood and depression.
4. Cognitive Difficulties
Unfortunately, people who suffer from an addiction to medication such as Mogadon often suffer from cognitive issues. This includes difficulties when it comes to thinking clearly and making decisions.
The Dangers of Mixing Mogadon with Alcohol
One of the most dangerous aspects of a Mogadon addiction is when people start to combine the drug with other addictive substances, especially alcohol. This is because both substances suppress the body’s central nervous system.
When taken together, they can dramatically increase the risk of breathing issues, accidents, falls, or a fatal overdose.
Unfortunately, lots of people end up in A&E after mixing benzodiazepine with alcohol, often suffering from potentially life-threatening symptoms.
What are the Long Term Health Risks of a Mogadon Addiction?
There are a number of long term health risks associated with an untreated addiction to Mogadon, as extended use can lead to serious health complications.
Some of these are listed below for you:
1. Mental Health Problems
Unfortunately, long term and chronic use of addictive substances have been proven to worsen existing mental health conditions or contribute to new ones, such as anxiety or depression.
2. Progressive Cognitive Decline
Extended abuse of Mogadon or any other benzodiazepine has been linked to a number of issues and difficulties when it comes to the likes of your memory, your learning and your concentration.
3. Breakdown in Relationships
It is well known that people suffering from addiction issues often struggle to maintain healthy relationships with loved ones. This is because addiction often places a huge amount of strain and stress on family and friends.
4. Employment Issues
The side effects of a drug addiction include the likes of poor concentration and reduced cognitive decline. This means that people tend to struggle at work, and either struggle to hold down their job or struggle to attend work on a regular basis.
5. Financial Issues
It is also well known that drugs and alcohol are expensive, especially if you suffer from an addiction and spend a significant portion of your income on them.
Likewise, obtaining prescription medication illegally is increasingly expensive, meaning that lots of people struggling with addiction issues also suffer from financial problems which stay with them for years, even after they recover from their addiction.
6. Increased Risk of Accidents
This is a less well-known long term health risk of an addiction. However, people’s impaired coordination and judgement can result in an increase in falls, road traffic accidents and even workplace injuries.
This can result in both long and short term health issues, which can then lead to employment and financial problems.
Mogadon Withdrawal Symptoms
As with most types of addictive substances, withdrawal from Mogadon can be challenging and in some cases, it can be life-threatening if it is not managed properly.
This is why a professional detox is strongly recommended for anyone suffering from a mild, moderate or severe addiction.
During this time, you will receive a range of withdrawal symptoms, the severity of which will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your addiction.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include some of those listed below for you:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent panic attacks
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea and sickness
- Stomach aches
- Insomnia and sleep issues
- Irritability
- An increased heartrate
Some people might suffer from severe, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are combining Mogadon with other addictive substances or suffer from other health issues.
Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, psychosis, seizures and delirium.
Due to these risks, attempting to stop Mogadon suddenly without medical supervision is not recommended.
Inpatient Rehab Vs Outpatient Rehab
People seeking help for a Mogadon addiction often wonder which treatment option is best for them. There are two main types of rehab treatment centres across the UK, including inpatient and outpatient rehab.
Inpatient rehab involves living within a treatment facility throughout your detox and therapy. You will be monitored around the clock, with a structured routine and schedule and frequent check-ups throughout the day.
Outpatient treatment works differently, in that it allows people to remain living in the comfort of their own home whilst visiting the rehab facility on a regular basis to receive their treatment.
This might be suitable for those with a mild addiction, a calm home environment and people to look after, such as children or parents.
It is important to understand that outpatient rehab is not suitable for those with a severe addiction or an unsteady home environment.
What Treatment will I Receive at Rehab?
During your time at rehab, you will undergo your detox before attending therapy.
Your therapy will consist of a range of therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, one to one therapy, group therapy, family therapy and even holistic therapy.
These therapy techniques will aim to get to the bottom of why you became addicted to Mogadon in the first place, so that you can address the root causes of your addiction and work to overcome it.
This could include unresolved mental health issues and trauma that might have triggered your use of addictive substances.
Conclusion
As discussed above, living with a Mogadon addiction can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when withdrawal symptoms might seem frightening at first.
However, it is important to remember that recovery is achievable with the right help, treatment and support.
A professional detox allows individuals to withdraw safely from the addictive substance, whilst therapy addresses the underlying causes of their addiction and provides individuals with the tools they need in order to stay sober.
At OK Rehab, our team of specialists understand how challenging a Mogadon addiction can be. Through medical detox, therapy programmes, and ongoing support, recovery can’t be achieved.
Taking the first step towards treatment today could be the beginning of a healthier life and future for both you and your loved ones.
