Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and seizures. They depress the central nervous system and affect a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to calm the brain. While benzodiazepines have medicinal uses, they are only intended for short-term or occasional use because they risk dependence and addiction.
According to a study, out of the 30.6 million adults who use benzodiazepines, 5.3 million are abusing them.[1]
If you or a loved one suffers from benzo addiction, a substance abuse treatment program can help you recover. You will receive various services during these programs, including medical detox, behavioral therapies, mental health support, and relapse prevention planning.
What you will learn:
- What are the signs of benzodiazepine addiction?
- How is benzodiazepine addiction treated?
- How does each step of benzodiazepine rehab work?
What are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
When abused, benzodiazepines can cause side effects like feelings of euphoria and pleasure, dizziness, drowsiness, and more. It is easy to become addicted to them when you abuse benzodiazepines long-term.
The main signs of benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Taking benzodiazepines for longer or in higher doses than intended
- Running out of prescriptions early or going to multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription
- Wanting to quit using benzodiazepines but being unable to
- Experiencing strong urges or cravings to abuse them
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities or isolating from friends and loved ones
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of benzodiazepine misuse
- Using benzodiazepines in risky situations, such as while driving
- Taking larger doses of benzodiazepines to experience the desired effect (tolerance)
- Developing withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming benzodiazepines (physical dependence)
If you are suffering from an addiction to benzodiazepines, you should seek help from a drug rehab center. Addiction treatment programs provide you with medical supervision, support from medical professionals, access to support groups, and evidence-based treatments for substance abuse to ensure you achieve long-term recovery.
What to Expect During Benzodiazepine Rehab in Memphis
Having a substance use disorder is never easy. When you develop an addiction to benzodiazepines, you have to be extra careful. The withdrawal process can be life-threatening without medical care, making it vital that you seek help from a professional rehab center.
Addiction treatment programs for benzodiazepines in Memphis offer medical detox and so much more. Here is what you can expect during rehab for benzos:
Medical Detox
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to severe symptoms like seizures. You will have access to medical detox when you attend a rehab program. This process ensures you have the treatments and medications you need to avoid dangerous and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine detox usually involves tapering off of benzodiazepines slowly. By doing this, your doctor prevents you from dealing with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Instead, your body slowly adjusts to the absence of benzodiazepines naturally.
Evidence-Based Behavioral Therapies
Once you finish detox, you will begin focusing on the emotional and behavioral aspects of your addiction. Evidence-based behavioral therapies help you overcome the root causes of your benzodiazepine dependence.
Examples of therapies used during benzo rehab in Memphis include:[2]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Family behavior therapy
Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Oftentimes, people become addicted to benzodiazepines while they are attempting to treat an anxiety condition. If this is the case for you, you will receive care for your co-occurring anxiety disorder during rehab.
Your doctor will set you up with a therapy that is targeted at lessening your anxiety symptoms and teaching you how to cope naturally. If you need medication, you will be given a non-habit-forming alternative to benzodiazepines.
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction involves a process known as relapse prevention. Because the addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%, learning how to deal with triggers and use healthy coping mechanisms is vital.[3]
Your therapist will help you create a relapse prevention plan that includes a list of triggers that affect you and ways to overcome them without returning to substance abuse.
Your relapse prevention plan will also include aftercare, which involves services like:
- Continued therapy
- Medication management
- Access to an alumni support group
- Referrals to outpatient or sober living programs
- Recommendations on local support groups like 12-step meetings
- Case management services like vocational training or legal assistance
Find Help for Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from benzodiazepine addiction, it’s time to consider your treatment options. Addiction recovery programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety. While finding the right program for you can be difficult, PAX Memphis is here to make the process easier.
Contact PAX Memphis today for assistance in finding a benzodiazepine addiction treatment center near you. We can help you find the right program for your specific needs.
References:
- Psychiatry Online: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States
- Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery