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Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a type of prescription drug that act as a calming or tranquilizing agent. Because of the powerfully calming effect they have on individuals, they’re commonly abused. In the DSM-5 (a reference for mental health disorders), the American Psychiatric Association defines a benzo addiction as a hypnotic, sedative, or anxiolytic use disorder.
Like any form of substance abuse, benzo addiction must be treated in a caring and nonjudgmental way. Our addiction treatment staff at Washburn House, a benzo addiction treatment center, can help you understand your addiction and learn to live without it in a new and healthy way.
Which drugs are classified as benzos?
Benzos are considered “downers,” so those who struggle to relax are particularly vulnerable to benzo addiction. There are different types of benzos for different purposes, but all have the potential to lead to addiction.
Types of benzodiazepine prescription drugs include:
- Xanax®
- Ativan
- Ambien®
- Halcion®
- Valium®
- Klonopin®
Benzos can be used to treat a mental health disorder, especially those that are anxiety-related.
How do I know if it’s time for a benzo rehab center?
Commonly prescribed for panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures, benzo use becomes a concern when people use the substance in higher amounts than intended. People can also become addicted if the substance is sold to them by an outside source. Another major warning sign of addiction is needing more of the drug to feel the same effects. When your body gets used to the substance and develops a tolerance, you’ll begin to need more of it over time in order to get the same high.
If you find yourself unable to quit, a benzo recovery program like ours is your next step.
Signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include:
- Memory problems
- Weakness
- Poor judgment or thinking
- “Doctor shopping” (going from one doctor to another for benzo prescriptions)
- Tremors
- Hostility or violence
If you’ve noticed these signs in yourself or a loved one has mentioned them to you, it’s time to get help.
How is benzo addiction treated at Washburn House?
It can be deadly to try to quit benzos without any support. Taking the drug, especially if you’ve built up a tolerance to it, changes the chemistry of the brain. Your brain and body physically need it, that’s why withdrawal symptoms are sometimes severe enough that they’re lethal.
At Washburn House, our medically monitored detox program in Worcester, Massachusetts, guides you through the detox process safely. You’ll be under the care of our doctors and nurses, 24/7.
After detox, you’ll transition into our benzo rehab program. Your treatment plan and level of care will be determined based on the severity of your addiction.
What is benzo detox like?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Extreme anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Vomiting and dry heaving
- Burning sensation in the brain
- “Benzo belly” (gastrointestinal issues)
How intense these symptoms are and how long they last depend on how heavy your use of benzos was. The acute, or most intense, phase of withdrawal typically lasts from 7 to 10 days. Other symptoms can linger, but be less severe, sometimes lasting up to two years. Washburn House provides a variety of medical treatments to get you through benzo withdrawal, including potentially weaning you off the drug in decreasing amounts over time.
It’s important to understand that your brain chemistry has changed dramatically during your benzo use, and it takes time for your brain to heal. During withdrawal, individuals are vulnerable to relapsing, which is why you’ll be participating in a therapy-intensive treatment program. Your time with us will help you learn to manage temptations as well as any remaining withdrawal symptoms.
Once you complete detox at Washburn House, our knowledgeable and experienced clinicians will help you decide on the next right step of your recovery journey.
Levels of care at Washburn House
During your admissions process at Washburn House, our highly-trained clinical and medical staff will get to know you and your individual needs by conducting a pre-screening evaluation. This will help determine the level of care you’ll need and help us create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Inpatient program
Our inpatient rehab center offers 24-hour structure and support. You will receive group and individual therapy, case management, and medication management if needed. This level of care is what we recommend for people whose addiction is severe. It allows you to focus on getting healthy without distraction.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Our partial hospitalization program gives you structure and supervision for a portion of the day with intensive programming, including therapy and skills training. You’ll go home at the end of each day. PHP is a lower level of care than inpatient rehab and best for those who have completed inpatient recovery and/or who have supportive, sober environments at home.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient rehab center includes three hours of group therapy at least three days per week. You’ll live at home but will also have an assigned therapist and case manager to help you transition back into daily life after detox.
How long does recovery from a benzo addiction take?
Recovery from the physical and psychological effects of benzo addiction can take up to two years. But, as with other forms of substance use, there is no point at which you should consider yourself no longer at risk of relapse. You’ll always remember what the high was like, and you’ll need to cope with relapse triggers by using the tools you learn in recovery. Recovery is a lifelong process, but it’s one that can make you proud of the hard work you put in day in and day out.
Finding the right substance use treatment in Worcester, Massachusetts, will help you feel up to the challenge.
What happens when I leave Washburn House’s benzo addiction treatment center?
Your assigned therapist and case manager will help you build a comprehensive relapse prevention plan, which will prepare you for the temptations you may face down the road. You’ll also build an aftercare plan, including resources like therapy and support groups.
Support is vitally important when you’re recovering, no matter how long you’ve been sober. We’ll help make sure you have a safety net of support to have your back when things get tough!
What if I’m still struggling with the condition for which the benzo was prescribed?
We understand that the condition for which you were prescribed benzos was severe enough to impact your daily life. Our goal is to help you manage these conditions effectively while limiting your possibility for relapse. To stand the best chance at maintaining sobriety, you should not resume taking any form of benzos. The risk of misusing them again is too great.
Our clinicians will carefully evaluate your physical and mental health symptoms and create an alternative plan for treating your condition. This may include medications without addiction potential, such as SSRIs for anxiety disorders, or lifestyle and behavioral changes. Whatever the solution, you can be confident we have taken your condition seriously and will help you manage it well.
Begin our benzo recovery program today
Washburn House is ready to help you move into a future of sobriety and leave prescription drug misuse behind. The tools you learn here will support you through recovery at our benzo addiction treatment center in Worcester, Massachusetts, and your life beyond! Call 855.298.3104 today to get started. Or, submit our online contact form.
FAQs
How do you treat benzodiazepine addiction?
At Washburn House, benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction treatment begins with medically monitored detox to ensure your safety during withdrawal. After detox, you transition into a personalized rehab program that may include inpatient, partial hospitalization (PHP), or intensive outpatient (IOP) care. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness are used to address the underlying causes of addiction and support long-term recovery.
What are the approaches to benzo withdrawal treatment?
Some approaches involve a slow tapering process under medical supervision, paired with supportive therapies. At Washburn House, clients may also receive medications to ease severe symptoms.
Which medications are benzos?
Common benzodiazepines include Xanax® (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Ambien® (zolpidem), Halcion® (triazolam), Valium® (diazepam), Klonopin® (clonazepam)
These medications are typically prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or panic disorders, but carry a high risk of dependence when misused.
How do I know it’s time to go to benzo rehab?
If you need higher doses to feel the same effects, can’t stop taking benzos, or experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit, it is likely time to seek treatment. Other warning signs include memory issues, poor judgment, and doctor shopping. Washburn House can help you take the next step with judgment-free care.
What happens after I leave benzo rehab at Washburn House?
Before discharge, your care team will develop a comprehensive aftercare plan for you, including relapse prevention strategies, therapy, and community support. Our goal is to ensure you leave with the tools and resources needed to maintain sobriety and continue healing long after treatment ends.