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Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Updated July 16, 2023
7 min. read
8 sections

This rewritten article explores the topic of Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment, providing information on benzodiazepines, signs of abuse, available treatments, and finding suitable facilities.

What you will learn:
  • Learn about benzodiazepines, their uses, and the risks of dependence and abuse with long-term use.
  • Discover the warning signs of benzodiazepine abuse and addiction.
  • Understand the various treatment options available, including detox, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and aftercare.

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are central nervous system depressants commonly prescribed to alleviate anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. While the potential for abuse among the general population is relatively low, long-term use of benzos carries a significant risk of dependence and misuse. The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 1.7% of Americans (equivalent to 4.8 million individuals) had misused prescription benzos within a year. Additionally, 0.4% (approximately 1.2 million people aged 12 and older) experienced problems related to the use of sedatives or tranquillizers.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with benzodiazepine abuse, it’s important to know that treatment options are available. This informative article aims to provide you with insights into benzodiazepines, the warning signs of abuse and addiction, and where to seek assistance.

Verifying Insurance Coverage for Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Recovering from benzodiazepine abuse and other substance use disorders is possible with the right support. Click here or fill out the form below to explore treatment facilities covered by your insurance. Rest assured that your personal information will be kept confidential.

Understanding Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines belong to a class of medications known for their sedative and relaxing effects, which reduce excitatory activity in the central nervous system and induce feelings of calmness and drowsiness. While they can be used to treat seizures or muscle spasms, benzodiazepines are primarily prescribed for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Some common prescription benzodiazepines include:

  1. Clonazepam (e.g., Klonopin)
  2. Alprazolam (e.g., Xanax)
  3. Lorazepam (e.g., Ativan)
  4. Temazepam (e.g., Restoril)
  5. Diazepam (e.g., Valium)

Teenagers and young adults are more prone to benzo misuse compared to adults, who may consume the substance orally or crush the pills for snorting, seeking a high.

Recognizing the Need for Benzo Addiction Treatment

In the short term, benzodiazepines can effectively alleviate symptoms of anxiety, mood disorders, and panic problems, inducing a sense of calm and drowsiness. However, with repeated use, the body can develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.

Prolonged use of benzodiazepines is associated with dependence, wherein discontinuing or significantly reducing usage leads to withdrawal symptoms. Although dependence doesn’t always indicate addiction, it is often present in individuals who use benzos obsessively despite the associated risks.

Studies have shown that benzodiazepine use frequently involves the concurrent use of other drugs, including alcohol and opioids, as well as other medications. This can be attributed to various factors, such as benzos enhancing the euphoric effects of other drugs, mitigating side effects like insomnia caused by stimulant use, and alleviating withdrawal symptoms from other substances.

The combination of benzodiazepines and opioids poses a heightened risk of overdose due to their mutual sedative and respiratory depressant effects. Mixing alcohol and benzodiazepines can have a synergistic impact, significantly impairing one’s ability to stay awake and hydrated while suppressing the central nervous system. A quarter of emergency room visits related to benzodiazepine use and one in every five deaths associated with the drug involve alcohol.

Regardless of how addiction symptoms manifest, ignoring them can exacerbate the situation. Addiction experiences are unique to each individual, and it is crucial to consult a medical professional to determine the best course of action if you suspect benzodiazepine use has resulted in tolerance, dependence, and/or addiction.

Evaluate Your Benzodiazepine Addiction with Our Self-Assessment

To determine the likelihood and severity of benzodiazepine use disorder, take our free 5-minute benzodiazepine addiction self-assessment. The evaluation consists of 11 yes/no questions and does not require any personal information. The results are confidential and provided free of charge.

Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?

Are you concerned about your own substance use or that of a loved one?

If you’ve observed that your drug usage is becoming unmanageable, or is adversely affecting your life, relationships, or health, you may be wondering if you’re struggling with a substance use disorder. If you’ve been consuming drugs and have doubts about potential addiction, honestly respond to the following 11 questions.

Disclaimer: Only a medical or clinical professional may diagnose a substance use disorder. This assessment may serve as an indicator of a potential addiction but should not replace a diagnosis from a professional treatment provider.

Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Given the individual nature of addiction, a wide range of treatment options are available to cater to diverse needs. A comprehensive evaluation conducted by a medical professional can help determine the appropriate level of care and the most suitable treatment setting.

Not all patients respond equally well to the same treatment modality. Factors such as the specific benzodiazepine, duration and dosage of use, medical history, and individual needs all influence the treatment plan. Once enrolled in a program, your care should follow a tailored plan to support your recovery goals. Mental health or behavioral therapy is commonly integrated into treatment. The treatment strategy may focus solely on benzodiazepine abuse or address co-occurring conditions, including mental illness or polysubstance abuse (using benzos alongside other substances, such as alcohol).

Various settings and services offer treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Here are a few examples:

  1. Detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal, known as detox, is often recommended for individuals with long-term benzo use. Medical monitoring can help manage the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms, which can range from a few days to several weeks. Detox can take place in a hospital, clinic, or outpatient facility.
  2. Inpatient Rehabilitation: Hospitals, clinics, and residential facilities provide inpatient benzodiazepine treatment. The duration of residential treatment can range from one month to a year, depending on the program and individual needs. Inpatient programs commonly incorporate behavioral therapy, which has shown effectiveness in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Some rehabilitation centers also offer job placement services, educational opportunities, and secure living arrangements to address the psychological and social consequences of substance abuse.
  3. Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient benzodiazepine programs are suitable for individuals who prefer to live at home while receiving treatment. Different levels of care are available:
    • Partial hospitalization involves three to four months of therapy, typically five days a week for four to eight hours per day.
    • Intensive outpatient programs require attendance three to five days a week, with therapy sessions lasting four to six hours per day. The duration of the program can range from two months to one year.
    • Standard outpatient programs typically involve once-a-week treatment sessions lasting three hours each.
    • Most individuals opting for outpatient therapy demonstrate motivation to actively participate in group and individual sessions, and they have a strong support system at home. Other logistical considerations, such as stable housing and access to transportation, can also contribute to the success of outpatient programs.
  4. Aftercare: Aftercare, also referred to as continuous care, is an essential component of benzodiazepine addiction treatment. Studies have shown that continuing care enhances long-term recovery outcomes by helping patients maintain and improve the skills and techniques learned during treatment.

Assisting a Loved One in Seeking Benzo Rehabilitation

Acknowledging the need for benzodiazepine addiction treatment can be challenging for some individuals in denial about the extent of their drug use problems. Forcing or coercing a loved one into seeking help may be counterproductive. Instead, setting boundaries and providing support can be more effective. Teachers, healthcare practitioners, parents, and other family members play vital roles in preventing and treating substance use disorders by offering education, support, and outreach to those under their

 care.

Finding a Suitable Facility for Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

We can connect you with a medical expert who will assess your treatment needs, including benzodiazepine addiction and any co-occurring disorders. Finding the right treatment program can be overwhelming, but our admissions navigators are here to help. Call us or send a text to ensure you have insurance coverage, and we can guide you in choosing the best plan for your needs.

Addiction Treatment Centers

Facilities that specialize in benzo addiction treatment

Mohave Mental Health Clinic Inc.

3505 Western Ave A Kingman AZ 86409

3.1
Mental health clinic
BES Group & Associates/Solutions Plus

4625 North Fwy #127 Houston TX 77022

4
Counselor
Alcoholism treatment program
Gallus Medical Detox Centers

5920 S Estes St Suite 150 Littleton CO 80123

4.8
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Counselor
Health counselor
Yellow Wood Recovery

12646 Thornberg Way Rancho Cordova CA 95742

5
Addiction treatment center
Bridge Back To Life

1688 Victory Blvd Staten Island NY 10314

3.7
Addiction treatment center
Rehabilitation center
Social worker
William Bill Kling VA Clinic

9800 W Commercial Blvd Sunrise FL 33351

3.8
Medical clinic
Veterans hospital
L E Phillips Libertas Center

2301 Co Hwy I Chippewa Falls WI 54729

4.3
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Mental health clinic
Rehabilitation center
Lauren Moody

6240 Greenwood Rd Shreveport LA 711198413

No rating to display
Counselor
Medmark Treatment Centers Timonium

2 W Aylesbury Rd Timonium MD 21093

2.3
Addiction treatment center
Embracia Health

503 W 41st St Austin TX 78751

4.2
Addiction treatment center
Home health care service
Mental health service
Psychiatrist
American Habitare Counseling

687 Frelinghuysen Ave #2 Newark NJ 07114

3.6
Addiction treatment center
Recovery Keys

6100 Greenland Rd Suite 201 Jacksonville FL 32258

4.7
Addiction treatment center
Biofeedback therapist
Mental health clinic
Mental health service
Flushing Hospital Medical Center

146-01 45th Ave #310 Flushing NY 11355

3
Mental health clinic
Adolescent Substance Abuse Program Phoenix

3839 E Shea Blvd Phoenix AZ 85028

5
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Rehabilitation center
Changing Habits LLC

1115 S Glendale St Ste 204 Wichita KS 67218

5
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Domestic abuse treatment center
Princeton Detox & Recovery Center

4287 US-1 Monmouth Junction NJ 08852

4.5
Addiction treatment center
Harbor House

1979 E Alcy Rd Memphis TN 38114

4
Addiction treatment center
Family counselor
Rehabilitation center
Pacific Grove Hospital

5900 Brockton Ave Riverside CA 92506

2.4
Psychiatric hospital
Addiction treatment center
Mental health clinic
Mental health service
Luminis Health Pathways

2620 Riva Rd Annapolis MD 21401

3.4
Addiction treatment center
Ambrosia Treatment Center West Palm Beach

222 Picadilly St West Palm Beach FL 33407

4.5
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Counselor
Mental health clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for benzodiazepine addiction?

Benzodiazepine addiction is treatable, but the most effective method varies for each person. Inpatient and outpatient programs offer different durations and treatment structures. Following an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs is the key to successful recovery.

How long does benzodiazepine addiction treatment take?

The duration of treatment depends on the program format. Inpatient benzodiazepine therapy can last from one month to one year, while outpatient programs typically range from two months to one year.

How much does a benzodiazepine program cost?

Remember, you can recover. Successful treatment for drug addiction involves personalized care and remaining in treatment for the recommended duration. Relapse is not a failure but rather a step toward recovery. Several therapeutic phases may be necessary before sustained abstinence is achieved. Let us help you start your journey to recovery.

Check to see if your insurance is in-network at any of our Addiction Centers

  • We will conduct an immediate verification of the coverage provided by your insurance provider.
  • As a result, you may be eligible for treatment at one of our facilities with a discounted rate.
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About The Contributor
Author's Avatar
Pernell Baisden
Contributor
With over three decades in recovery advocacy, this counselor advises county leaders, trains law enforcement, and crafts innovative rehabilitation techniques, epitomizing resilience and hope in the addiction recovery sphere.
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