How to Coach Yourself and Others Coaching and Counseling in Difficult Circumstances | Page 40

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Important notes about benzodiazepines General • They are commonly traded illicitly on the street and in prison. Ensure that the drug goes to, and is taken by, the person for whom it is prescribed. • If a patient misses a dose, do not give two or more doses together next time. • They add to the effect of alcohol. Advise patients who may be released that alcohol is best avoided. • Many people become addicted to benzodiazepines because of legal prescribing by their doctor. Withdrawal • Benzodiazepines should not be stopped suddenly if they have been taken regularly for more than 4–6 weeks. • Withdrawal should never take less than 6–8 weeks — and often much longer • Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, tension, panic attacks, poor concentration, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, trembling, palpitations, sweating, and pains and stiffness in the face, head and neck. • The risk of suicide and self-injury increases during withdrawal and the regular monitoring of the suicide risk is required. • During withdrawal (especially if it occurs quickly), the patient may behave unpredictably and pose a management problem. Advise officers that this may be part of the withdrawal syndrome. They should deal with the patient as calmly as they can. It may be possible to postpone adjudications until after the withdrawal is complete so that any improved behaviour can be taken into account. Individuals withdrawing from benzodiazepines may benefit from help with anxiety-coping skills. Help lines and organisations providing support for those wishing to withdraw from benzodiazepines is provided below. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 42