Treatment for Addiction to Benzodiazepines
At Recovery Ways it is not just about getting away from the stressors of life and stopping the use of benzos. It is about learning to take control and responsibility for life, finding a Higher Power and opening up to others. The treatment process at Recovery Ways focuses on the whole person, not just the physical addiction. Recovery is supported by caring and highly-qualified staff members who will guide you through the healing process while you gain hope, serenity and self knowledge…. a new way of looking at each aspect of your life; the mind, body, and spirit. All treatment programs at Recovery Ways include individualized care and personalized treatment plans, multiple weekly group and individual therapy based on the 12 steps, and a family program.
If you or someone you love has a problem with prescription medication, Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders. For more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
Information about the Disease of Drug Addiction to Benzodiazepines
One of the growing health related problems is drug addiction, which is a multidimensional illness affecting the brain, Central Nervous System (CNS) and behavior. In 2007, deaths resulting from drug overdose ranked second as the leading cause of deaths in the US and on a monthly basis, about 20 million Americans use illicit drugs with the 18 to 21 age group being the highest users.
As one of the main drugs, which are abused, depressants help to slow down the functioning of the CNS. Two major types of depressants are barbiturates and benzodiazepines, which are prescriptive drugs. Barbiturates, such as Amytal and Nembutal are sedatives often used for sleep disorders, tensions and anxiety, while benzodiazepines are tranquilizers or sleeping pills such as Valium or Xanax.
However, drug abuse occurs when prescriptive medications are taken over the given dosage or for other reasons than to treat the illness or by someone else other than the patient. Continuous abuse of these drugs often leads to addiction and serious health risks. If taken with other medications and substances such as alcohol, CNS depressants may result in a decrease in one’s heart rate and respiratory functions and ultimately death. As one of the most prescribed depressants, Valium and other tranquilizers are the ones frequently abused.
In the US, out of about 23 million people who are over 21 years and who take illicit drugs, as many as 21 million do not get treated. However, getting treatment for addiction to depressants is of paramount importance if addicts are to be drug-free and to be able to function properly at home, work and in society. Treatment should begin with medically supervised detoxification to gradually decrease the dosages. This should be followed up with other treatment methods, which should also address other substances, which the addict may have taken. Some treatment techniques, which may be used, include individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and multidimensional family therapy.
Since treatment for addiction to depressants may require repeated sessions or long-term management to help in proper recovery, outpatient and residential treatment programs may be required. They may include hospitals, mental health centers and alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers. In addition, for treatment to be effective, it should be comprehensive to include all aspects of the patient’s life such as medical and mental needs as well as legal, social and support systems.
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders. For more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
