Portal:National Institute on Drug Abuse

“ Alcohol People drink to socialize, celebrate, and relax. Alcohol often has a strong effect on people—and throughout history, people have struggled to understand and manage alcohol’s power. Why does alcohol cause people to act and feel differently? How much is too much? Why do some people become addicted while others do not? The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is researching the answers to these and many other questions about alcohol. ”

“ Alcohol Further slows heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death. Withdrawal
Symptoms Must be discussed with a health care provider; barbiturate withdrawal can cause a serious abstinence syndrome that may even include seizures. Treatment Options Medications There are no FDA-approved medications to treat addiction to prescription sedatives; lowering the dose over time must be done with the help of a health care provider. Behavioral Therapies More research is needed to find out if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to prescription sedatives. ”