Benzodiazepines or “benzos” are a drug that acts as a depressant. Common benzos include Valium®, Xanax®, Halcion®, Ativan®, and Klonopin® but can include their generic counterparts as well. These drugs are typically found as prescription substances, but can also be made on the streets – often mixed with other drugs.
Facts & Figures on Benzo Addiction
A recent study showed that 30.6 million adults reported benzo use in the past year – 5.3 million of those adults reported misuse of the drug. The other users took the drug as directed with a valid prescription. Adults aged 18-25 reported the highest rate of misuse and those aged 65 and older had the lowest rate of misuse. Of those who reported misuse, most did not have a prescription for the drug and instead got the drugs from friends or family members.
In 2019, 9,711 people died due to benzo-related overdose. Additionally 16% of opioid overdose deaths in 2019 also involved benzodiazepines. Comparatively, in 2022 there were 11,011 benzo overdose deaths reported. This shows a rapid increase in the commonality of benzo addiction and misuse.
The 2019 study also showed that 35% of people who took benzos for four weeks or more became dependent on the drug to operate in day to day life. This is complicated because there are some cases where people medically need to be taking benzos for an extended period of time such as extreme cases of anxiety and after surgery or injury.
Treatment for Benzo Addiction
As benzo addiction becomes more common, the need for medically supervised detox and addiction treatment is rising. The first step in benzo addiction recovery is the detox process. This can be quite uncomfortable, and medical supervision allows doctors to prescribe different medications to make clients feel better and ease pain. Common benzo detox symptoms include:
- Anxiety or panic
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms & tension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Blurred vision
- Mood swings
- Decreased appetite
Doctors typically prescribe anticonvulsants, GABA receptor agonists, and low-dose alternative benzodiazepines during the detox process to ease pain and guide a safe detox.
Once detox is complete, clients will move to residential rehab treatment where they will live in the facility and get all of their treatment around the clock. Residential treatment will include group and individual therapy, medication management, and other programs aimed at laying the foundation for successful sober coping mechanisms.
After residential rehab treatment has been finished, clients will move into an intensive outpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program. In both of these addiction treatment programs, clients live at home or in accommodations of their choice.The goal of these treatment programs is to help clients continue their benzo recovery while building community and adding onto what they learned in detox and residential treatment.
Recover in Sunny Southern California
Rise Above Treatment centers are located in the warm, sunny climate of Southern California – giving the advantage of bright weather and Vitamin D exposure. These are excellent conditions to recover from benzo addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with benzo addiction and could benefit from medically supervised detox and recovery, connect with our admissions team. We’re ready to welcome you to sobriety with open arms and a helping hand.
About Rise Above Treatment
Rise Above Treatment is a Murrieta, California based addiction treatment center that is committed to helping people recover from drug, alcohol, and other mental health concerns that are holding them back. We offer a range of services, including medical detox, residential rehab, addiction PHP, sober living options, and intensive outpatient programs. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, visit us at riseabovetreatment.com or give us a call at (855) 948-6325 and begin your journey to recovery.
