Doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines (benzos) for anxiety, sleep issues, or seizures, but these medications can quickly become habit-forming. What starts as a way to find relief can sometimes become something difficult to step away from physically and emotionally. If you or someone you care about is struggling with benzo dependence, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—it’s a tough road, but you don’t have to face it alone. At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to provide compassionate, customized benzo addiction treatment to help you through every step of your recovery journey.
As a Promises Behavioral Health company, ALANA Recovery offers personalized outpatient programs across Georgia to guide you through the challenges of benzo withdrawal, mental health concerns, and co-occurring conditions. If you’re ready to take your first step to a life after narcotics and alcohol (ALANA), reach out to our team online or call 770.759.7474 today.
What to know about benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines—like Xanax®, Valium®, and Ativan®—are medications commonly used to help with anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. They can be incredibly effective in the short term and under a doctor’s care. But it’s important to know they come with a high risk of dependence, especially if taken for long periods or without proper medical guidance.
In the United States, benzo use is increasing, and nearly one in five people who use them are misusing them. Most of the time, this happens when someone takes the medication without a prescription, often getting it from a friend or family member. For adults over 50, misuse is more likely to involve taking more than prescribed, usually to help with sleep struggles.1
That’s why it’s essential to understand the risks, recognize the signs of misuse, and get the right help when needed. Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be tough, and without the proper support, recovery can feel overwhelming.
What are the signs of benzo abuse?
Determining when someone misuses benzos can be difficult, especially since doctors often prescribe them for legitimate medical reasons. But there are some signs to watch out for, like:
- Taking more than the prescribed dose or using it more often than directed
- Visiting multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions or “doctor shopping”
- Mixing benzos with alcohol or other drugs
- Struggling with memory, feeling confused, or having trouble focusing
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or feeling overly sleepy
- Pulling away from friends, family, or responsibilities
It may be time to explore recovery options if these signs sound familiar—either for yourself or someone close to you. At ALANA Recovery, we understand the specifics of substance use disorders and can help you reclaim your life with empathy and expert care.
Why are benzo withdrawal symptoms dangerous?
Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be intense—and, in some cases, life-threatening. Benzo withdrawal isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become a serious medical emergency if not handled properly. That’s why it’s so important to avoid stopping benzo use suddenly or going “cold turkey” without the proper support.
Withdrawal can bring on a range of symptoms, including:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or constant restlessness
- Trouble sleeping or intense insomnia
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Heart palpitations or high blood pressure
- Seizures, hallucinations, or even suicidal thoughts
Perhaps the scariest part is how unpredictable withdrawal can be. Some people start feeling symptoms within hours, while others may take a few days. Either way, it can be overwhelming and frightening to face alone. That’s why getting help and support is so essential during this process.
Can benzo addiction co-occur with other mental health issues?
Yes—many people experiencing benzo addiction are also living with other mental health conditions. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder often overlap with substance abuse challenges, making recovery more complex but also more necessary.
ALANA Recovery specializes in addressing co-occurring conditions. We believe that treating benzo abuse without also exploring underlying emotional or psychological challenges can leave people vulnerable to relapse. Our team works to support the whole person—offering dual diagnosis treatment, mental health counseling, and relapse prevention planning in a safe and understanding environment.
How benzo addiction treatment can help
At ALANA Recovery, we understand that benzodiazepine addiction looks different for everyone, which is why we tailor our treatment to fit your unique needs. We design our highly-rated outpatient rehab programs in Georgia to provide flexible, effective care that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re transitioning from detox or reaching out for help for the first time, we’re here to meet you where you are.
Here’s how we can support you:
- One-on-one therapy: Work with compassionate, licensed therapists who use proven methods like CBT to help you manage cravings, navigate triggers, and cope with stress.
- Group support: Connect with others who understand recovery. Share your story, build community, and find accountability in a safe, supportive space.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): If needed, our clinicians may recommend MAT to ease withdrawal symptoms and help prevent relapse, giving you a smoother path forward.
- Dual diagnosis care: Struggling with both addiction and a mental health condition? Our team can address both challenges together to help you heal fully.
- Flexible options: Life doesn’t stop for recovery, so we offer intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs that let you continue working, going to school, or caring for your family while getting the support you need.
You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you achieve a healthier, more balanced life. You deserve compassionate care in a supportive setting, and that’s precisely what ALANA Recovery offers—personalized, outpatient treatment focused on long-term growth.
Connect with ALANA Recovery and get started with benzo addiction treatment today
Benzodiazepine withdrawal doesn’t have to control your life. With the proper support, you can move beyond just getting by and start truly living again. At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to help. We design our benzo addiction treatment programs to care for your body, mind, and emotions.
As part of the Promises Behavioral Health family, we’re proud to be one of Georgia’s top-rated outpatient rehab centers. We offer flexible, personalized care to help you or your loved one break free from addiction and build a healthier, happier future. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us online or call 770.759.7474. Let’s start this journey together.
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