Benzodiazepine Treatment And Rehab

By Edmund Murphy

Last updated: 27 March 2024 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon

Treating benzodiazepine addiction

An addiction to benzodiazepines can happen to anyone, even those who begin taking the drug in a recommended dose to treat anxiety disorders or panic attacks. As the substance affects brain chemical levels and the reward system associated with pleasurable feelings, abusing benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence forming and eventual addiction. This type of addiction can affect anyone and can be associated with other types of dependence which can be particularly challenging.

Thankfully, more people are recognizing the dangers of benzodiazepine abuse and are seeking treatment in dedicated rehab facilities across the country. These treatment centers, be they inpatient or outpatient programs, can offer a medically supervised detox to ensure the addict is safely removing the drug from their system without the worst part of withdrawal symptoms. 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include grand mal seizures in severe cases, which can be fatal. Quitting benzodiazepine abuse should never be done alone and anyone attempting should seek medical advice first. 

From there, they can offer a range of therapies and treatments aimed at locating the route of the addiction, developing coping mechanisms, and changing mindsets around benzodiazepine abuse, and can treat co-occurring disorders such as mental health issues and other addictions.  

Attending a benzodiazepine addiction treatment center greatly increases the chances of a successful recovery and ensures that all treatment is carried out safely and to the highest standard. 

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction

When choosing a treatment center, someone suffering from benzodiazepine addiction should consider seeking input from a licensed professional who specializes in addiction. This way, they can receive clinical guidance about what options are available to them, which treatment might best meet their needs, and construct a personalized treatment plan. There are numerous treatment programs ready to help those struggling with addiction including those listed below.

Inpatient benzodiazepine rehab

Some people benefit from inpatient rehab programs when they are first working to overcome a benzodiazepine addiction. Residential treatment centers eliminate external factors, like environmental and social triggers, and help with the detox process, making it easier to get through initial benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. 

Along with medical detox treatment, inpatient programs offer individual therapy, group support, and other activities to help shift focus from substance abuse as part of an individualized treatment plan. Each rehab is different and may offer specialties that others don’t. For example, some offer specialized treatments using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), equine therapy, or art therapy, and some facilities even offer high-end luxury accommodation. Stays at inpatient treatment centers often last between 30 and 90 days, though some will be longer. 

Related: A typical day in rehab

Some of the most important factors in someone attending an inpatient program versus outpatient treatment include:

• Abstinence from the drug

• A more structured environment

• Being held accountable both by the staff and others with the same problems

• Redirection of addictive behavior patterns to more positive ones

• Restructuring support and family systems

• Helping with co-occurring disorders, such as mental health conditions

Outpatient benzodiazepine rehab

Outpatient treatment is recommended for those who have completed inpatient rehab to continue treatment and prevent relapse, or for those with mild to moderate benzodiazepine addiction. Research shows that staying in treatment for 6 months or more helps greatly improve the rates of long-term sobriety. ^[1] There are many forms of outpatient treatment that are recommended for different stages of recovery from benzodiazepine addiction, such as:

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)

IOPs require patients to attend treatment for three hours a day, often for five days a week but declining as recovery improves. Most IOP programs offer a mix of psychiatric medication (if needed), urine drug tests, recovery skills groups, and individual counseling or case management.

Standard outpatient treatment

Standard outpatient treatment usually only requires attendance one to two times a week and often involves individual counseling, group counseling, family therapy, or some blend of these. Those with less severe addictions or who have already established their sobriety may find this level of treatment meets their needs.

Ongoing benzodiazepine recovery

In order to successfully overcome a benzodiazepine addiction, the addict needs to maintain a committed approach to recovery after the initial period of rehab is complete. When a treatment program is organized at a treatment center they will always include a recovery plan for ongoing treatment. This may include a course of therapy such as CBT and will normally recommend that the recovering addict attend support groups. 

Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can provide a safe space to meet peers who have also struggled with addiction and share experiences and advice. These groups will often employ the 12-Step model or other recovery aid to ensure that long-term sobriety is upheld. Benzodiazepines can have lasting psychological effects and post-acute withdrawal symptoms can last for years. Many of the best support groups encourage those in recovery to have sponsors, someone who can both hold them accountable and provide them with needed individual support when needed most to help maintain a sober life.

Get help with benzodiazepine addiction today

Deciding to get help for benzodiazepine addiction is the first and arguably hardest step to getting clean. Once you or a loved one has decided to get help, contacting a dedicated addiction treatment facility can help give a clear idea of the treatment options available and what payment methods are on offer. Get in contact with a treatment provider today.