If you’re struggling to control your benzodiazepine use or are worried about withdrawal from Xanax (alprazolam), or another benzo, a medical professional can assess what support you need.
Benzodiazepine treatment often includes a supervised taper or medical detox, therapy, and care for anxiety or sleep problems. Some people can taper with outpatient medical care, while others need closer supervision in a treatment facility.
White Light Behavioral Health, an addiction treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, offers medical detox and comprehensive treatment for benzodiazepine dependence or addiction, including Xanax use.
Take the First Step with White Light Behavioral Health
Recovery from addiction starts with a decision to seek help. At White Light Behavioral Health, we’re here to guide you through every step of that journey, offering a comprehensive treatment program that respects your individuality and addresses your specific needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we invite you to learn more about our detox and treatment options in Ohio. Let us be part of your journey to a healthier, sober life.
Signs You May Need Help With Benzodiazepine Use
Physical dependence on benzodiazepines can develop when you take them daily, or almost daily, even as prescribed. Withdrawal symptoms after a missed or reduced dose can indicate dependence. Taking extra doses or using someone else’s prescription raises separate concerns about misuse.
Signs worth discussing with an addiction professional include:
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Needing the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms between doses
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Cravings that lead you to take extra doses
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Using a friend’s or relative’s prescription
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Needing higher doses to get the same effect
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Running out early because you’re taking more than prescribed
A clinician can assess whether you can taper with outpatient medical support or need closer supervision. Learn more about the signs you may need medical detox before rehab.
Why Benzodiazepine Misuse Happens
Many people begin taking benzodiazepines with a prescription for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures. With continued use, tolerance to some effects can develop.
A person may then take more than prescribed to seek relief. Others misuse benzodiazepines obtained from friends or relatives. Anxiety or poor sleep that returns after cutting back can push people to take extra doses.
Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol or opioids raises the risk of life-threatening respiratory arrest (when you stop breathing). Benzodiazepines are controlled substances because they carry a risk of dependence and addiction, even when a doctor prescribes them.
Levels of Care for Benzodiazepine Treatment
You may begin treatment in detox, residential or outpatient care, depending on your withdrawal risk, health, and support at home. Your care team will recommend a different level of care as your needs change.
Medical Detox
The medical detox phase features 24/7 clinical support and observation. Your dose of benzodiazepine will be carefully tapered while your symptoms are monitored. The focus is on stabilization with an emphasis on safety and keeping you as comfortable as possible.
Residential Rehab
Residential rehab means you live onsite and receive 24/7 support. Each day follows a structured schedule of individual therapy, group sessions, and medical care.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) provides full day treatment (~6 hrs), five days a week. You live at home or in sober living accommodations. PHP may follow residential treatment or serve as a starting point for people who do not need overnight supervision.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides treatment for a few hours a day, several days a week. Depending on the schedule, clients may be able to continue working or attending school.
Before you finish a program, aftercare planning can help you arrange follow-up appointments, identify support contacts, and plan how to respond to cravings.
Addressing Co-Occurring Anxiety and Mental Health Conditions
Many people first take benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping. Anxiety and sleep problems may continue during treatment, so they need attention alongside concerns about benzodiazepine use.
When someone has both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, dual diagnosis care addresses both together. A psychiatric provider reviews your symptoms and discusses other ways to manage anxiety. Your therapist teaches coping skills for stress, panic, and sleep problems.
Therapies Used in Benzodiazepine Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you examine anxious thoughts and practice ways to respond to stress without taking extra medication.
A Cochrane review found that adding CBT to a gradual taper improved short-term success rates for stopping benzodiazepine use compared with tapering alone.
Individual therapy gives you private time to work through your history with the medication. Group therapy connects you with people who understand what you’re facing. Family therapy helps loved ones understand dependence and rebuild trust. Your care team adjusts the mix of therapies as you progress.
Take the Next Step with White Light
White Light Behavioral Health offers benzodiazepine treatment in Columbus, Ohio, including medical detox, residential care, and outpatient programs.
Reach out to our team to talk through your options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is benzodiazepine addiction treatable without detox first?
Some people can receive treatment while tapering with outpatient medical supervision, without entering a separate detox program. Others need a supervised facility because of withdrawal risks or other health concerns. A clinician should assess those needs before you reduce or stop the medication.
Does insurance cover benzodiazepine treatment?
Many insurance plans cover benzodiazepine treatment, but coverage depends on your plan. White Light works with many insurance providers. You can submit your insurance information online so the admissions team can help check your coverage.
How long does benzodiazepine treatment take?
Treatment length varies. A benzodiazepine taper may take months or longer, while the time spent in residential or outpatient programs depends on your needs. Your clinician can explain how the taper and other treatments will fit together.
