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Your doctor prescribes medication every day to patients just like yourself. You have been seeing him for years, and you trust his opinion and his diagnostic abilities. Just last year when you were feeling overly fatigued, he was able to pinpoint the cause and diagnose you with type II diabetes. So, you don’t doubt him when he prescribes benzodiazepines for your recent troubles with insomnia.
Listening to his instructions, it sounds pretty simple – take the medication until it runs out. He asks you if you have ever had any complications with medications, alcohol, or any illicit substances. Surprised, you are honest and tell him you liked to drink in your younger years but have since given it up entirely. You leave with the script.
After a week or so of taking this medicine, you realize it helps with way more than your sleeping habits. You feel relaxed, calm, and like any anxieties from the day are washed away. You decide to try taking it before work to help with the looming pressures your new boss has been putting on your shoulders. Before you know it, you are taking more and more of your medication, and when the doctor’s script runs out, you manage to find more through coworkers.
In 2018, over 400 Texans died of a benzodiazepine overdose. The good news is over 800 Texas residents were enrolled in treatment for Xanax dependence. In Houston, it is common to mix a benzo such as Xanax and hydrocodone to make what is called the “Houston cocktail.” In other words, Houston is no stranger to benzos, and knowing where to find treatment can help save a life.
At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we understand that substance misuse does not always start off as an intentional act. Our staff of dedicated professionals recognize the many paths to addiction, and offer even more paths to recovery.
At SUN Houston, our compassionate and licensed staff are fully committed to each individual patient’s recovery. We provide a full assessment at the time of intake, and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your goals and needs. There are no stipulations on how long each treatment should last, and therapists and medical professionals will always be involved in determining your length of care.
Detoxing helps the body readjust to no longer having benzos in the system. At SUN Houston, our detox program is medically supervised, and our staff is also trained in medication management to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. While in detox, the main focus is physical wellness. There are some therapies that take place such as group, however; the main focus is on medically clearing the mind and body of substances in order to focus on recovery.
Inpatient treatment refers to those that stay on-site at SUN Houston 24/7. This treatment consists of daily therapy and mental health assessments to find out the root causes of benzo use disorder.
Our primary focus is on different types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral, group, and recreational. The program also has a wellness component that teaches stress management and mindfulness techniques. The length of stay can vary from patient to patient.
Recovery is a long-term process and detoxification is only the first step. To ensure success, the patient must stay in treatment for the timeline suggested by the care team.
Some patients choose partial hospitalization (PHP) after detox. This is a way to continue medical monitoring and enroll in therapy with a different schedule. Therapies provided are usually in a group setting and consist of cognitive behavioral therapy, coping skills training, and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). WRAP is an evidence-based system to help people understand wellness techniques for relapse prevention. Our team of psychiatrists also provides comprehensive medication oversight management.
Intensive Outpatient, or IOP, is for anyone who may be stepping down from PHP. Similar to PHP, IOP follows the group therapy sessions in WRAP, cognitive behavioral, and coping skills training. Patients also can start attending support groups that utilize the 12-step method.
When thinking of rehab, many stereotypes come to mind. Am I going to be surrounded by “junkies,” rebellious teenagers, or homeless people that can’t speak a coherent sentence? We at SUN Houston can tell you that is far from the truth.
As we mentioned, no two addiction stories are the same, but there are many similarities that can be found among peers. That is why we utilize group therapy. You may think you don’t have a benzo use disorder and are only in rehab because of your wife, son, or parents. Hearing the story of the bank manager who happens to live in the neighborhood adjacent to yours can help to open your mind and really understand how benzos have taken hold of your life. Not only can you expect round-the-clock care medically and emotionally, but you can also expect to hear life stories that resonate with you.
When thinking of rehab, many stereotypes come to mind. Am I going to be surrounded by “junkies,” rebellious teenagers, or homeless people that can’t speak a coherent sentence? We at SUN Houston can tell you that is far from the truth.
As we mentioned, no two addiction stories are the same, but there are many similarities that can be found among peers. That is why we utilize group therapy. You may think you don’t have a benzo use disorder and are only in rehab because of your wife, son, or parents. Hearing the story of the bank manager who happens to live in the neighborhood adjacent to yours can help to open your mind and really understand how benzos have taken hold of your life. Not only can you expect round-the-clock care medically and emotionally, but you can also expect to hear life stories that resonate with you.
When it comes to benzodiazepine use disorder, no two stories will be the same. The person who needs Xanax multiple times a day may not see their use as a disorder. Meanwhile, there is someone using the same medication far less, but they feel it is becoming a habit they don’t want to have. If you or someone you love feels that they need help to address their benzo use, it is time to seek treatment.
There are some signs that benzo use is becoming disordered. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these, it is time to start looking for treatment:
There is no true way to define a benzodiazepine use disorder. Some people do not use benzos every day but still feel they are dependent, while others may use more and not see their use as disordered. In order to be properly diagnosed with a benzo use disorder, a medical professional such as a psychiatrist will need to do a thorough assessment.
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They are typically taken for a short-term period and under a doctor’s orders. However, even when taken as prescribed, benzos pose a risk of dependency. They work in the brain by slowing the central nervous system, creating feelings of relaxation. Some side effects of benzo use include:
The effects of benzos are felt quickly, but dissipate just as fast. This causes the person to take more, and the brain and body become desensitized to the effects. They require more to achieve the same effects, leading to dependence. Some long-term effects of benzo use include:
Benzodiazepines work similarly to alcohol and can cause damage to the brain over time. Motor function, speech, and memory centers of the brain can become compromised. This damage can heal if treated early, but it can also cause lasting problems in those who continue to misuse benzos.
Therapy, skill-building, wellness, and coping skill development are all methods to treat benzodiazepine use disorder.
After taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged period of time, stopping abruptly will trigger withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, irritability, and trembling are common withdrawal symptoms. More severe symptoms include seizures and hallucinations. When stopping benzos, consult a medical professional to ensure safety and create a plan to taper off.
Benzodiazepines work in the brain similarly to alcohol, and prolonged use can cause damage to the brain that may be permanent if the person keeps misusing them.
If you or someone you love is managing a benzodiazepine use disorder, it is never too late to seek help. At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we provide everything you need to overcome benzo dependence and take back your life. Our staff not only provides evidence-based therapy but utilizes wellness and skill-building to promote healthy habits and coping skills. Call us today at 713-796-2273 to learn more about our program options.
7601 Fannin Street
Houston, TX, 77054
Open 24 hours
