Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Misuse of these medications can result in addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Treatment options for benzodiazepine addiction depend on the severity of the addiction, the individual’s tolerance to medications, and other personal factors.
Treatment may involve a combination of detox, medication-assisted therapies, counseling, and aftercare support.
Benzo addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans. Zinnia Health can help. We offer comprehensive benzodiazepine addiction treatment inpatient and outpatient programs. Call us today at (855) 430-9439.
Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence, which can be very difficult to manage because of the severe withdrawal symptoms that occur.
Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction typically involves a combination of medical and mental health interventions, including medical detoxification, behavioral health therapies and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Types Of Treatments For Benzodiazepine Addiction
To understand the types of treatment available for benzodiazepine addiction, we first need to look at how people use benzos.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), benzodiazepines like diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and clonazepam are used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, social phobia, and panic disorder. They are also prescribed as premedication prior to certain medical treatments.
Popular brands of benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, include Valium, Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) states that misusing benzodiazepines, either by using them in larger quantities or without a prescription, can result in an addiction that affects both the body and mind.
When one abruptly stops using these medications or lessens their dose size, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms may emerge. Long-term use can cause serious side effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that, in 2017, there were 11,537 overdose fatalities involving benzodiazepine. Therefore, there is an urgent public health need for benzodiazepine addiction treatment.
Benzodiazepine addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available for those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction.
Types of treatment options include:
1. Detox
Benzodiazepine detox is an important first step in treating benzodiazepine addiction and may help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms experienced by patients. Medical professionals can also monitor vital signs, as well as physiological and psychological changes during this process.
Many people ask about the difference between benzo withdrawal and benzo detox.
Benzo withdrawal is the process of reducing or ceasing benzodiazepine use. Benzo detox is a more structured program typically administered by a healthcare provider that helps to manage symptoms of withdrawal.
2. Medications
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat benzodiazepine addiction. However, clinicians may choose to prescribe medications that can help to reduce the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia.
3. Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapy sessions can help to address underlying causes of benzodiazepine addiction, as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders that may be contributing to the substance use disorder.
These therapies can come in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT helps patients to recognize and change unhealthy thought patterns that can trigger drug cravings and relapse.
For example, if a person is feeling anxious, they can use CBT to identify the source of their anxiety and develop methods of coping with it without resorting to benzo use.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT focuses on building skills related to emotional regulation, communication, mindfulness, and interpersonal relationships. It is designed to help improve a person’s emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, distress tolerance, and problem-solving skills.
Through this type of therapy, patients can learn how to better manage triggers that could lead to life-threatening benzodiazepine misuse.
4. Aftercare
Once a patient has completed the treatment program, they should have access to aftercare support, including case management and peer recovery support. This can help patients to stay focused on their long-term goals of sobriety and prevent relapse.
Aftercare support can also provide additional mental and substance use disorder services as needed, and acts as a safety net for those who are facing their addiction.
It can be hard to break free from benzodiazepine addiction without the help of experts. Fortunately, Zinnia Health offers tailored benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs. If you or a loved one is struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction, then call us today at (855) 430-9439 and find out how we can help start your journey to recovery.
When To Seek Treatment
If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to serious health complications, such as overdose or death. Treatment centers specialize in helping people safely and successfully overcome their benzodiazepine use disorder and transition into a life of long-term recovery.
Treatment centers can provide the support, guidance, and resources needed to help individuals build a stronger foundation for their sobriety.
As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) asserts, addiction is a treatable disease. With the right treatment plan, support system, and commitment to recovery, it is possible to achieve lifelong recovery.
If you are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, do not hesitate to ask for help.
How to Find a Treatment Center
Finding a treatment center for benzodiazepine addiction can be overwhelming. It is essential to thoroughly research treatment centers before enrolling in one.
Look for a center that specializes in substance use disorder, offers comprehensive care and has proven success rates.
Additionally, it is important to find a facility with qualified professionals who understand your unique situation and can tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Many treatment centers also offer aftercare support, which can be essential for long-term recovery.
By taking the time to research and find a quality treatment center, you can increase your chances of achieving sobriety and lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about benzodiazepine dependence include:
1. Does Insurance Cover Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment?
Most insurance plans cover at least some of the cost of treatment for substance use disorder. It is important to contact your insurance provider to determine what type of coverage you have and which services are covered.
2. Are Medications Used in Benzodiazepine Treatment?
There isn’t a specific medicine to counter benzodiazepine addiction. However, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to your addiction.
3. Are Drug Treatment Programs Effective for Benzodiazepine Addiction?
There is no single treatment that works for everyone. However, drug treatment programs can be effective for benzodiazepine addiction.
Options include:
- Support groups
- Treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Tapering off from higher doses of drug use
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is common for people to have a substance use disorder and mental health problems. If you are or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, it’s important to remember that there are many treatment options to help, including medical detox and medications to behavioral therapies and aftercare support.
Struggling with addiction can be an incredibly lonely experience. If you are struggling with substance abuse treatment, then Zinnia Health can help you on your journey to recovery. Our experienced staff puts a special focus on healing the individual both mentally and physically to maximize long-term success. Call us at (855) 430-9439 to get started on the road to recovery today.
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