Prescription drug abuse and addiction are ongoing issues throughout the country, the state, and Lowell. Benzodiazepines are one the most often abused prescription medications people use. Medicines under this drug class include brand names Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. These drugs can be easily obtained through illicit dealers, the dark web, and medicine cabinets in homes.
The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics shares alarming data on the abuse of prescription drugs and sedatives, including benzodiazepines:
- Close to 6 million people over the age of 12 abuse sedatives and/or tranquilizers, 20.1% for the first time.
- People 18 to 25 years old abuse prescription benzos more than any other age group at a rate of 4.2%, followed by those over age 26.
More astonishing facts about prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are:
- The top five reasons teenagers misuse prescription drugs have to do with accessibility.
- 62% of teenagers say they choose to abuse prescription drugs because they’re easy to get from parents’ medicine cabinets.
- 35% say they use prescriptions because they believe prescriptions are “safer than illegal drugs.” This is a common misconception.
Not to be counted out, the 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that designer benzodiazepines were found in overdose cases and overdose deaths in 2019. One such designer benzo, flualprazolam, is a short-acting drug often sold suspiciously as an “alternative benzodiazepine.” Fake benzo pills sold are more often than not found with a fatal amount of fentanyl in them. It is never safe to buy a drug that is labeled as an “alternative” from any source other than a legitimate pharmacy.
Massachusetts and the city of Lowell are not immune to benzodiazepine abuse and addiction. In January 2019, there were 1,861 overdose deaths caused by fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics in Massachusetts.
The state Bureau of Substance Addiction Services provides data on the status of individuals from Lowell who were admitted for substance abuse:
- The other primary drugs individuals said they abused at admitting, which included benzos, was 1.2% for the years 2008-2017.
- 13.3% for other drugs, including benzos, reported by clients who named the drug as one that they used
Benzodiazepine addiction can begin within a few weeks of using the drugs. It is possible that tolerance to these medicines might occur, and you may feel the need to take a larger dose to experience the same effects. Tolerance is a condition where your body doesn’t seem to react to the medication as it initially did. Taking too many benzos can result in an overdose. Medications in this category are notoriously difficult to stop abusing cold turkey or at home. Drug rehab is your best option to safely end benzodiazepine abuse.
Serenity at Summit Drug Rehab in Lowell, MA
Drug overdoses continue to increase in the country, according to the CDC, with an estimated 100,306 during the 12-month time ending in April 2021. This is an increase of 28.5% over the year before. This shocking rise in drug-related fatalities is primarily due to illicit fentanyl lacing benzodiazepines and other illegally obtained prescription drugs. The DEA recently announced that in 2021 that it seized 20 million fake pills often laced with fentanyl. These included fake alprazolam (Xanax) and other counterfeit benzos.
If you are addicted to benzos, now is the time to seek and obtain substance abuse treatment. It is never too late to make a vow to yourself to kick your addiction out the door for good. Drug rehab at Serenity at Summit is the right place. Our welcoming and comfortable campus will make this journey as pleasant as possible.
Acute Treatment Services
Benzo withdrawal can be difficult and should not be attempted alone or at home. When you choose our facility for drug rehab, you will likely begin treatment with acute treatment services (ATS). This entails very intensive care for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on your specific needs. Our dedicated medical staff is available during your time in ATS to ensure you are medically stable and as comfortable as possible.
ATS is the first step in substance abuse treatment because your body needs to eliminate all the drugs and other toxins from it before you can move into the next level of treatment. You will be well taken care of at Serenity at Summit and allowed your dignity and given respect.
Clinical Stabilization Services
This is the next level of care in addiction treatment after ATS. Clinical stabilization services (CSS) begin with a complete evaluation of your most urgent needs. Our medical and clinical staff will speak with you to gain a better understanding of your current status in regard to your physical health, mental health, and any social or legal complications.
You will also discuss what your individual treatment plan will involve with a clinician. It’s essential to note that specific evidence-based and proven behavioral therapies will be a significant part of your plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical therapy, motivational interviewing, stress management, and other greatly beneficial therapies will be included in your treatment plan. In addition, you may also participate in holistic therapies and educational meetings about relapse prevention. The focus of CSS is to treat the whole you and not just the addiction. There are often underlying co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, that also need to be addressed in CSS.
Aftercare
We know it can be daunting to face the world when drug rehab is complete. This is why our aftercare program was developed. You are strongly encouraged to join the activities in aftercare and take advantage of any assistance that is offered. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet others in your same position, make new friends, and relax knowing that this is your personal support safety net. Aftercare is an important aspect of drug rehab. Some addiction treatment centers don’t offer it. Serenity at Summit does because we know that everyone who completes rehab needs continuing support.
Benzodiazepine Rehab in Lowell, MA FAQ
You probably have some questions that we haven’t answered on this page. Below are some of the most common ones we receive from people who are seeking benzodiazepine rehab. If other questions arise when you are finished reading these, we encourage you to contact us.
How Long Is Rehab?
Every person undergoing rehab has individual issues and needs. Your specific time in rehab is determined by what your level of addiction to benzos is and if you have any other underlying conditions that need to be addressed. Generally, the recommended amount of time in rehab is 90 days (three months) for addiction treatment to be truly effective. This includes time in ATS. You may or may not require the whole 90 days. That determination is made when you are admitted.
Does Serenity at Summit Provide Transportation?
Yes, we provide transportation to our campus day or night. If you are local, we can arrange a ride to our location. If you are coming from out of the area, please contact us to arrange a ride from your arrival location (airport, bus, or train station). Please know that you will need to pay for any travel expenses if you need to fly, take a bus, or a train into the area.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
The cost of drug rehab is one of the top three reasons why people who need treatment do not get it. They think they cannot afford it. Nineteen percent of the people who responded to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) cited that as a reason for not getting help. More than 14% said they couldn’t find a program that offered them the treatment they wanted. Serenity at Summit can help you determine the drug rehab cost and work with you to find payment options for the type of treatment you want and need.
Do I Have to Travel?
One way or the other, you will have to travel to reach our campus. If traveling to Haverhill is not convenient for you, there may be other substance abuse treatment places closer to where you live.
What Insurance Carriers Does Serenity at Summit Take?
We accept most of the major insurance plans available and are in-network with a few. Unfortunately, we don’t accept Medicare or Medicaid. This page will give you a good idea of what to ask your insurance company regarding substance use disorder and mental health disorder treatment coverage. It is a good idea to review your plan to learn what it covers and does not if you or someone you care about needs drug rehab.
