Over-the-counter sedatives: the hidden danger of self-medication

According to the World Health Organization, more than 65% of people suffering from alcohol dependence regularly use over-the-counter sedatives. In Ukraine, this figure is even higher – about 78%, according to the Ministry of Health for 2023.

“Patients often do not understand that sedatives are not a solution to the problem, but only a masking of symptoms, which can lead to the formation of a new addiction,” comments Alina Gruzina, a narcologist-psychiatrist at the TRANSFORMATION medical center.

Why do people choose self-medication?

According to research by the National Institute of Mental Health of Ukraine:

  • 47% are trying to cope with a hangover syndrome
  • 38% mask symptoms of anxiety
  • 29% use them to normalize sleep
  • 23% combine them with alcohol to enhance effect

Double addiction: a road to nowhere

“Over the past 5 years, we have observed an alarming trend: more than 40% of patients seeking help with alcohol addiction already have a concomitant addiction to sedatives,” notes Tatyana Gurenko, a narcologist at the TRANSFORMATION clinic.

Research shows that the combination of alcohol and sedatives increases the risk of death by 16 times. At the same time, 89% of people who use such combinations do not realize the real danger.

Popular drugs and their hidden threats

Drug type Purchase frequency Dependency risk Danger when combined with alcohol
Herbal sedatives 45% Average High
Combined sedatives 35% High Critical
“Pharmaceutical” sleeping pills 20% Very high Mortally dangerous

Signs of addiction

“Unfortunately, most patients seek help too late,” says Alexander Dzyaba, anesthesiologist-resuscitator. “The first signs of addiction can be noticed after 2-3 weeks of regular use of sedatives.”

Statistics of complications during self-medication (data from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for 2023):

  • 34% of cases require emergency hospitalization
  • 28% lead to the development of severe mental disorders
  • 22% end in a comma or death

Professional approach to solving the problem

The medical center “TRANSFORMATION” has developed a comprehensive program for the treatment of double addiction, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by many years of practice. According to the clinic’s statistics, 87% of patients who have completed the full course of treatment achieve stable remission.

Stages of professional treatment

“Treatment of double addiction requires a special approach,” explains the clinic’s chief physician. “You can’t just suddenly stop taking all your medications. This can lead to serious consequences.”

Our specialists have developed a safe treatment protocol:

Initial diagnostics:

  • Comprehensive examination
  • Analysis of the history of drug use
  • Assessment of the degree of dependence

According to the clinic, correct initial diagnostics increases the effectiveness of treatment by 64%.

Inpatient treatment

The TRANSFORMATION clinic has created all the conditions for comfortable treatment:

  • Modern medical equipment
  • 24-hour supervision by specialists
  • Individual and group sessions with a psychologist
  • Comfortable wards of different categories

“The peculiarity of our approach is its complexity,” emphasizes Alina Gruzina. “We don’t just treat addiction, we help a person return to a full life.”

Guarantees and results

Statistics of successful treatment at the TRANSFORMATION clinic:

  • 92% of patients successfully undergo detoxification
  • 87% achieve stable remission
  • 76% return to normal social life within 6 months

Take the first step towards freedom from addiction

Don’t let self-medication ruin your life. Professional help is a safe and effective way to recovery.

Sign up for a free consultation:

+38 (066) 103 05 05

📍 Dnipro, Dmitry Yavornytsky Avenue, 82

Our doors are open 24/7. We guarantee anonymity and confidentiality.

Expert opinion

“The main danger is the”treatment with sedatives is that a person does not notice the moment of addiction formation,” concludes Tatyana Gurenko. “When a patient finally seeks help, much longer and more complex treatment is often required than would have been the case with early treatment.”

Remember: timely seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a manifestation of concern for your health and future.

Our address

t. Dnipro, Dmytro Yavornytskyi Avenue, 82
Phone for consultations: (066) 103 05 05

Work schedule:
Mon.- Fri. from 10-00 to 19-00. Sat. – Sun. from 10-00 to 17-00 Record by phone: (066) 103 05 05

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