Benzodiazepines, also referred to as benzos, are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They slow down your body’s functions and decrease your heart rate, blood pressure, and reaction time. Because benzos help you feel calm and relaxed, they have a high potential for abuse. If you or a loved one misuses benzodiazepines, you can eventually become dependent on these drugs.
Benzodiazepine addiction can be dangerous, so it is important to get help from a benzo rehab center. Washburn House offers quality benzo addiction treatment using the latest and most effective treatment modalities. To learn more about overcoming addiction at our benzo rehab program in Massachusetts, contact us at 855.298.3104.
Do You Need Help from a Benzo Rehab Center?
Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Some people also use benzos recreationally for the euphoric and sedative effects, which can be especially risky.
When you take a medication prescribed by your doctor, you may believe it is safe. Taking benzodiazepines as prescribed by your physician can be safe. However, you must understand that they are highly addictive. You may not even realize when you are starting to develop a dependence on them. Here are a few signs that you may need help from a benzo rehab program:
- You take your medication more often or in higher doses than advised.
- You struggle to keep up with your responsibilities at work or home because you are under the influence of benzos.
- You are having more difficulty focusing and remembering things.
- You are experiencing mood swings and worsening anxiety.
- You visit multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions for benzodiazepines, known as doctor shopping.
Another sign that you may be addicted to benzodiazepines is the development of withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking your medication. You may feel like you have the flu or experience hallucinations and delusions.
What Can You Expect from a Benzo Rehab Program?
So, you have identified a possible benzo addiction in yourself or someone you love. Next is finding the treatment. Stopping benzodiazepine abuse on your own can be challenging, so you should seek the help of professionals at a benzo rehab center.
Knowing what to expect from a benzo rehab program can make you feel more at ease. There will be several key components to your treatment:
Detox
Withdrawal symptoms will typically start within a few hours after your last dose of benzodiazepines. The staff at a benzo rehab center will administer medications that can alleviate your discomfort during this stage.
Therapy
There are usually many layers to addiction, so it will take more than detoxing to help you overcome benzo addiction for the long term. Therapy is another crucial component of a benzo rehab program. It can help address the root causes of addiction and develop coping skills for preventing relapse. Addiction therapy may include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
Many treatment facilities also offer holistic therapies to complement your treatment plan. Art, music, nutrition, yoga, and nature therapy can all contribute to your healing.
Medication
If you have a co-occurring condition like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), your care team will prescribe the appropriate medications to help manage your symptoms.
Aftercare and Alumni Program
Once you complete benzo rehab, you can continue to receive support through an aftercare or alums program. These are similar to addiction recovery support groups but are affiliated with your treatment center, so you will already be familiar with the staff. Meetings are usually less frequent, approximately once per month, although the program may also schedule special events such as volunteering and community involvement.
Promises Washburn House: A Trusted Benzo Rehab Program in Massachusetts
If you have found yourself dependent on your benzodiazepine prescription, there is no shame in seeking help. Washburn House delivers benzo addiction treatment in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Contact us online or by calling us at 855.298.3104 to schedule an intake assessment.
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as benzos, are medications often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or panic disorders. While they help many people manage these conditions, they have a high potential for abuse due to their calming, sedative effects. Trying to quit without professional support can be dangerous because benzo detox can cause seizures. A benzo rehab program can provide a monitored tapering schedule and medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Signs Someone May Need a Benzo Rehab Program
Taking benzos—like Valium or Xanax—helps many people manage health conditions, but prescriptions can be just as addictive as other drugs. If you’re wondering whether your loved one might be abusing their prescription, consider these common warning signs of addiction:
- Using a benzodiazepine medication more frequently or in higher doses than directed.
- Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or emotional distress like unexplained anxiety or mood swings.
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to benzo use.
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors (doctor shopping) or trying to get benzos from dealers.
- Experiencing withdrawals such as flu-like symptoms or hallucinations after stopping use.
Benzo rehab doesn’t just help manage withdrawal symptoms. It also provides a safe space where people can get to the root of their substance use. They may work with therapists to learn how to manage anxiety, get nutritional support, and connect with others who are also experiencing addiction.
What Happens During a Benzo Rehab Program?
Rehab isn’t just a few weeks in a hospital. Many programs are hosted in residential or outpatient centers. Regardless of setting, most rehab programs have a few distinct services.
Detox
The first step is detoxification, where the body gradually adjusts to life without benzodiazepines. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous without medical supervision.
Professional detox ensures that symptoms like nausea, insomnia, or anxiety are managed safely, and medications are often used to minimize discomfort. Licensed programs use tapering strategies, where benzo doses are decreased gradually over time to prevent severe withdrawal effects.
Therapy
After detox, therapy becomes the focus. Addiction is rarely just physical—it often ties to emotional or psychological struggles. Rehab programs include various types of therapy designed to address these complexities, such as:
- Individual counseling to work on personal challenges and identify triggers.
- Group therapy for connection and shared experiences with others on the same path.
- Family counseling to rebuild trust, improve communication, and set healthy boundaries.
Since benzos are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, some people quitting will have a hard time calming down. Mindfulness practices can also be used to complement therapy.
Medication and Dual Diagnosis Support
For people with co-existing conditions like anxiety or panic disorder, non-benzo medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. Treating all mental health issues together reduces the likelihood of relapse and supports long-term recovery.
Aftercare and Alumni Support
Recovery doesn’t end when the initial rehabilitation program does. Aftercare services such as alumni programs and support groups provide ongoing encouragement and accountability. These programs bolster recovery efforts and help individuals maintain sobriety.
Why Choose a Benzo Rehab Program?
Enrolling in a benzo rehab program offers numerous benefits that go beyond managing withdrawal. Here’s why it’s often the best option for long-term recovery:
- Professional supervision: Rehab centers provide 24/7 care to ensure safety, including access to life-saving interventions during detox and monitored tapering plans.
- Tailored treatment plans: Programs are customized to address the individual’s specific needs, including co-occurring conditions like anxiety or panic disorder.
- Elimination of triggers: A controlled environment reduces the risk of external influences—like people or places—that may trigger a relapse.
- Long-term tools for success: Counseling and therapy sessions teach coping mechanisms and resilience techniques to support recovery for years to come.
Rehab isn’t just a chance for your loved one to heal. It also empowers your family to move forward together.
How Long Does a Benzo Rehab Program Last?
Rehab programs last as long as needed. Some personal factors, such as the length and severity of their addiction or underlying medical conditions, influence how long treatment is recommended. However, most rehabilitation programs follow these general guidelines:
- Detox phase: May last one to two weeks for short-acting benzos or several weeks for longer-acting benzodiazepines.
- Therapy phase: Residential programs typically last between 30 and 180 days and may be followed by intensive outpatient care for six months or longer.
- Aftercare: Continuous support programs are recommended for at least one year, with many resources remaining available for life.
While it’s natural to want quick results, recovery is a process that takes time and effort—but the outcome can rebuild lives and relationships.
Don’t Do It Alone—Reach Out to Washburn House in Worcester
If you have found yourself dependent on your benzodiazepine prescription, there is no shame in seeking help. Washburn House delivers benzo addiction treatment in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Contact us online or by calling us at 855.298.3104 to schedule an intake assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzo Rehab Programs
A benzo rehab program is a structured treatment plan designed to help individuals safely manage withdrawal, recover from addiction, and develop skills for long-term sobriety. These programs typically include medically supervised detox, therapeutic interventions, and post-treatment support.
You can expect a three-stage process:
1. Detox to safely stop using benzos.
2. Therapy to address the root causes of addiction.
3. Aftercare to reinforce sobriety through ongoing support.
Programs vary but typically include:
- Detox lasting 1–8 weeks.
- Therapy lasting 1–6 months (residential or outpatient).
- Aftercare for 12 months or longer.
Professional guidance, medical oversight, tailored therapy plans, and tools for long-term success make rehab an invaluable resource for individuals and families navigating benzo addiction.
Take the first step by contacting a treatment center, like Washburn House, where compassionate professionals will guide you through the intake process and ensure that immediate support is available.