Millions of people use benzodiazepines (benzos) as prescribed by their doctors. However, benzos unfortunately carry a high risk of misuse and addiction. For people who want to quit using benzos, it can seem challenging and even overwhelming. Most people need help to stop using benzos and choose to seek help from a substance abuse treatment program. Benzo rehab can offer patients the tools they need to stop abuse of benzos and regain control of their lives. Learning more about benzo addiction treatment is a good way to make informed decisions about recovery care for yourself or a loved one.
Facts About Benzos That You Should Know
Benzos are one of the most prescribed groups of medication, but they are addictive and can be abused. Here are some facts about benzos that you may not know:
- It can be dangerous to suddenly stop using benzos. It is safest (and best) to consult with a healthcare professional if you have been using benzos and want to stop.
- “Benzos” refers to a whole group of drugs, including Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and others.
- Using benzos can increase your tolerance for these kinds of drugs, making it difficult for doctors to anesthetize or sedate you in case of an emergency.
- Benzo use can lead to seizures and other serious medical issues.
What is Benzo Addiction Treatment Like?
It can be a bit frightening to face the fact that you or a loved one needs treatment for addiction to benzos, but seeking help is very important and very brave. It can reassure you to know some of the following steps:
- Detox – Since stopping benzos suddenly can be dangerous, during detox, patients are often tapered off or transitioned to different, safer benzos under the supervision of medical staff.
- Residential treatment – While staying at the treatment center full time, patients are able to participate in individual counseling, group therapy, and other therapeutic activities that help them to unpack and process addiction and its effects.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) – Patients still participate in intensive treatment each day, but are able to return to their homes each evening. This is often a transitional step for patients who have completed a residential program.
- Outpatient counseling and support groups – Patients who have “graduated” from the intensive portions of treatment often choose to continue with weekly counseling or attend support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. This can help people stay connected to strong, recovery-focused communities.
Benefits of Treatment for Benzo Addiction
Even though committing to a treatment program can seem like an overwhelming prospect, research has shown that people who complete a treatment program for addiction have the best chance of returning to the activities they once enjoyed, work, school, and family obligations. During treatment, families can also get involved, helping their loved one create a supportive environment for their recovery process. In fact, having strong support systems in place is one of the most important qualities of a successful recovery journey. Addiction is a complex condition that has physical, mental, and emotional components. Treatment addresses all of these.
Arkview Recovery: A Life Beyond Benzo Addiction
At our treatment center near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, our patients receive state of the art recovery care. Each patient is given an individualized treatment plan so that they get the care they need in a way that works best for them. If you or someone that you care about has been struggling with benzo abuse and needs rehab, it may feel like you are battling alone. However, with the right kind of support and care, recovery is possible. We encourage you to reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 717.744.0756.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.