Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment

Benzodiazepine addiction is a physical dependence on any of the prescription drugs in this class of depressants. Benzodiazepines are habit-forming, and addiction can occur in someone using the drug as directed, although this is uncommon. More common is addiction in people who misuse benzodiazepines, by using them when not prescribed or taking larger doses and more doses than is recommended.

Dependence on benzodiazepines causes symptoms and general life impairment, but it can also be dangerous and life-threatening. An overdose can be deadly, especially when benzodiazepines are combined with other depressants like alcohol. Addiction can be successfully treated and managed, beginning with controlled detox, residential treatment, therapy, support, and ongoing treatment and self-care.

Benzodiazepine Facts and Statistics

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that are depressants, meaning they decrease the activity of the central nervous system and cause sedation, sleepiness, and relaxation. They are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorders, as muscle relaxants, and prevent seizures. These drugs are habit-forming, and people may abuse them to get a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and to self-medicate to get relief from anxiety.

• Examples of commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
• Benzodiazepines are Schedule IV controlled substances.
• Benzodiazepine use increases with age and is more prevalent in women.
• Combining opioids with benzodiazepines is extremely dangerous. About one-third of opioid overdoses have occurred in people who were also using benzodiazepines.
• In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that doctors do not prescribe patients both opioids and benzodiazepines at the same time.
• Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is a benzodiazepine known commonly as “roofies” and that has gained notoriety for being used for sexual assault or as a date rape drug.
• Benzodiazepine addiction statistics show that overdose deaths involving these drugs have been increasing since 2002. Most of these were combinations with opioids.
• Xanax is the most commonly abused benzodiazepine by teens. In recent years, abuse of these drugs has decreased among eighth-graders but has increased slightly among tenth and twelfth graders.

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction at Alta Mira begins with detox, where our world-class clinical staff provides 24/7 medically-supervised care during the difficult withdrawal process from Benzodiazepines.

In addition to one-on-one behavioral therapies, patients can benefit from group and family therapy, support groups, and alternative therapies and relaxation techniques, like art therapy, yoga, and meditation. Also important in treatment is learning how to prevent relapses. Relapse is common in addiction, but taking steps to prevent them can minimize the damage.

The outlook is generally good for someone seeking treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. The chances of success can be increased by learning and using good relapse prevention strategies, such as recognizing and avoiding triggers, avoiding drug-using friends, finding alternative ways to regulate emotions, and finding and relying on a strong social support network. When all of these are put in place along with good residential treatment, a patient addicted to benzodiazepines can make positive changes and learn how to remain sober and happy.

Symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include those that are characteristic of other types of addiction. Someone with benzodiazepine dependence will use the drug often and in increasingly larger doses as they develop a tolerance. They may try to stop using or limit their use of the drug but without success. They will always be thinking about and trying to get the next dose. This addiction also causes withdrawal when a person tries to stop using it.

There are also noticeable signs of abuse of benzodiazepines, including drowsiness, confusion, impaired thinking, lethargy, poor coordination, and slurred speech. As depressants, these drugs cause effects similar to alcohol. Someone abusing benzodiazepines may seem intoxicated: more outwardly gregarious and cheerful, but then stumbling, slurring their words, and confused with higher doses. Signs of using higher doses of benzos and long term effects of this abuse include:

• Impaired reflexes
• Slowed breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Mood swings
• Irrational and angry outbursts
• Euphoria
• Difficulty remembering things
• Impaired judgment
• Disorientation

Benzodiazepine dependence is caused by abuse of one or more of these drugs, although it is possible to become dependent even with prescribed use. The longer the drug is used or abused and the greater the dosage used, the more likely a person is to become addicted. Abusing a benzodiazepine puts a person at a greater risk for addiction than someone who is using it as directed. Short-acting benzodiazepines are more likely to cause dependence, because they trigger more withdrawal, which in turn can lead to greater abuse of the drug to get relief from those symptoms.

While use and abuse of benzodiazepines are the potential causes of addiction, there are also several risk factors for both abusing these drugs and becoming dependent on them. Family history and a genetic propensity for addiction can be a contributing factor, for example. Being a woman is an important risk factor too, as women are by far more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines. Other risk factors include having other substance abuse problems or addictions, having a mental illness, lower socioeconomic status, being around other people who abuse benzodiazepines, being unemployed, engaging in risky and impulsive behaviors, and experiencing trauma or abuse when younger.

Residential treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is the best option for you or your loved one. Our luxury benzo rehab is designed for a safe detox and successful recovery from addiction. During treatment, we’ll provide you with an array of tools to guide your benzo recovery, such as a personalized treatment plan, holistic and alternative therapies, group therapy, family therapy, life skills training, and help with exercise and nutrition. During your stay at Alta Mira, you’ll have an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This will include comprehensive services for any co-occurring conditions that might be complicating or supporting your benzo addiction.