Etizolam Use, Addiction & Recovery – Questions and Answers

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What is etizolam and what is etizolam powder?

Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analogue from a class of drugs known as thienodiazepines and, like most drugs similar to benzodiazepines, it has amnesic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. It’s most closely related to the benzodiazepine triazolam. Etizolam is mainly used for its anxiolytic and sedative properties, a medicine in Japan, Italy and India, but it’s also used or as an intoxicant. Etizolam does not currently have an accepted medical use in the United States.

It’s sometimes sold on the internet crypto markets as a research chemical or as a substitute for pharmaceutical benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. Etizolam sold online often ships to customers as bulk etizolam powder or pressed into tablets.

What does etizolam do and what does it feel like?

Etizolam is a very potent thienodiazepine. With effects closely resembling those of benzodiazepines, it can be six to ten times stronger than diazepam. Etizolam has a very pronounced sedative effect approaching that of zolpidem (Ambien). Users report feelings of significantly reduced anxiety, loss of inhibition, relaxation, sedation and euphoria.

How is etizolam used?

Users often consume etizolam as a pill, blotter paper or as a powder. Due to etizolams speed of absorption the two most common routes of administration are oral and sublingual. A 1 milligram dose of etizolam corresponds to approximately 0.5 mg of alprazolam (Xanax) or 10 mg of diazepam (Valium). Typical doses range from 0.5 mg to 4 mg. In countries where etizolam is marketed for medal use (Japan, Italy, India) it typically comes in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg tablets.

How long for etizolam to kick in and how long does it last?

Etizolam is very well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it quickly floods the brain and reaches peak levels anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours after ingestion. It has a plasma half-life of 3.5 hours, while its active metabolite alpha-hydroxyetizolam has a half-life of over 8 hours. The half-life is an important indicator of duration of action. The effects of etizolam reach their peak at around 3 to 4 hours and can last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours total.

Where is etizolam illegal and what states schedule etizolam?

At this time, due to it having no acceptable medical use in the US, etizolam is not controlled on a federal level in the United States. It is legal to use for research purposes. However, as of 2019 it is classified as a controlled substance in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, South Carolina and Virginia.

What are the side effects of etizolam?

Etizolam can increase blood prolactin levels and potentially result in a condition known as hyperprolactinaemia. This condition may result in spontaneous production of breast milk, infertility, and disruptions of the menstrual cycle in women; and hypogonadism, infertility and erectile dysfunction in men. Long term use of etizolam can cause blepharospasm, which is a condition categorized by abnormal contractions or twitches of one or both eyelids. In very rare cases etizolam has been noted to cause skin lesions. Etizolam’s combination with alcohol or other CNS-active substances can have catastrophic side effects leading to overdose and serious medical issues such as death or coma. Etizolam, like all benzodiazepine-class drugs, has a high potential for addiction and can cause severe physical withdrawal symptoms with prolonged usage.

How long does it take to get addicted to etizolam and how much of it does it take to form physical dependence?

Withdrawal symptoms can manifest after sudden discontinuation of etizolam following just two weeks of daily dosing. Any dose of etizolam with noticeable effects taken on a long enough timeline can form a mental and physical dependence on the drug. Reports range from two weeks of daily use to a full month for first signs of physical addiction. Individual biological differences and history of prior addiction both play a significant role. Some individuals develop mental and physical addiction more quickly than others.

What is etizolam withdrawal?

Etizolam withdrawal is known to be difficult and in certain cases even life threatening for those using large or moderate amounts for a prolonged period of time. One of the dangers with etizolam discontinuation is the risk of seizures. Additional withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, dysphoria, and tremors. Like most of the benzodiazepines, many of the clinical symptoms initially treated by etizolam use in other countries, such as anxiety and insomnia, come back with increased potency during the period of withdrawal.

How long does Etizolam withdrawal last?

Physical and psychological etizolam withdrawal symptoms begin within 24-48 hours following the last use and can last anywhere from a few days to several months depending on how long etizolam was used for and at what dosage. Users typically report withdrawal symptoms that last anywhere from several weeks to several months. Protracted withdrawal symptoms lasting more than 2 months are generally related to mood such as irritability and increased tension or could be a resurgence of the symptoms the person was taking the Etizolam for such as anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbance, etc.

How to taper off Etizolam? How can Recovery Centers of America help with Etizolam addiction and withdrawal?

Due to etizolam’s chemical structure (closely related to benzodiazepines), and its potentially life-threatening withdrawal period, it is essential that etizolam withdrawal be treated by qualified medical professionals.  Recovery Centers of America can provide the necessary medically supervised environment to undertake a safe and successful etizolam detox as well as providing continuing care once acute medical withdrawal is completed.

At RCA we take a slow and controlled approach to tapering benzodiazepine type drugs. This approach is widely accepted as the safest available and results in the least discomfort. Additional medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, and others may be used for treating the symptoms during withdrawal.

As with any disorder, we believe that it’s very important to involve significant others during addiction treatment.  During the initial assessment and intake processes, RCA identifies family members or significant others who will support the patient and their treatment goals and get them involved immediately.

After medical detoxification, treatment may include continuing small group therapy sessions, individual sessions, educational seminars, and workshops. For patients struggling with etizolam or other benzodiazepine-like substances, or difficulties with anxiety or panic, additional services to assist with calming the body and the mind such as mindful meditation, yoga, progressive relaxation, and other therapeutic techniques will be offered.

RCA believes strongly in the benefits of helping patients develop coping mechanisms, including those that help patients deal with cravings for the instant relief that etizolam may have originally provided. Through various medical and therapeutic therapies, wellness and life skills workshops, RCA helps patients develop a balanced lifestyle that includes restoring healthy eating and sleeping habits, developing exercise routines and recreational activities if desired, as well as building healthy support structures to get them started on the road to long-term recovery.