Sleep problems and anxiety are among the most common health issues that Americans face. Americans struggle to get the recommended amount of sleep they need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about a third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. This is often caused by issues like insomnia or anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental illness in the country, with around 40 million adults affected each year. Sleep and anxiety issues have been a significant problem for a long time, and doctors and researchers have introduced several prescription medications to help deal with them, including benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that are primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but they can also be used to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. They are central nervous system depressants, similar to alcohol and barbiturates. They were first introduced in the 1960s, and they quickly replaced barbiturates for common uses in treating sleep and anxiety issues. By the 1970s, they were the most commonly used prescription drug in the world. Today benzodiazepine brands remain top sellers in the United States.
Benzodiazepines replaced barbiturates because they had a safer side effects profile. However, they can cause several significant side effects, including dependence and addiction.
Benzodiazepines are not usually prescribed for long-term use. They are usually prescribed for a few days or weeks. This is because some benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and chemical dependence after just a few weeks of consistent use. In other cases, it’s recommended that they only be taken as needed and not every day.
Substance use disorders are even more likely when benzodiazepines are abused as recreational substances. Since benzodiazepines are depressants, they can cause some effects that are similar to alcohol. They may be used to achieve a relaxing, euphoric high or to enhance socialization. However, benzo abuse can be dangerous, and it can even increase your risk of a dangerous overdose.
Benzodiazepine addiction is a chronic disease, but it can be treated with the right care for your needs. Learn more about your benzodiazepine detox and treatment options in Newburyport, MA.
Benzodiazepine Addiction in Newburyport, MA
For more than a decade, addiction and overdose rates have been on the rise in the United States. In 2020, the numbers reached an all-time
high. According to estimates from the CDC, more than 100,000 people died of overdose deaths in 2020. The overdose crisis has much to do with the increase in prescription and illicit opioid use in the country. Opioids were involved in more than 70,000 overdose deaths in 2020.
However, other substances like alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamines were also involved. Benzodiazepines are less likely to cause a fatal overdose on their own than other drugs like substances like opioids or cocaine. However, they are often used alongside other substances, which can be dangerous. Benzodiazepines can make opioids and alcohol even more dangerous when mixed together.
Massachusetts, along with much of the northeastern U.S., has seen significant consequences caused by the addiction crisis. As with most of the country, most overdose deaths in the state have involved opioids. In the first nine months of 2021, there were 1,211 confirmed opioid overdose deaths in the state. In and around Newburyport in Essex County, there were 253 opioid-related overdose deaths. Many of these deaths involved polydrug use, which means that the opioids were mixed with other substances like benzodiazepines, alcohol, or stimulants.
Serenity at Summit Drug Rehab in Newburyport
Addiction is a complicated disease that can affect multiple areas of your life. It may also be rooted in psychological or social problems that need to be addressed. Benzodiazepine addiction treatment needs to be a complex process that addresses multiple areas of need. Treatment is usually separated into several levels of care, which is called the continuum of care model. Each level of care involves a different level of intensiveness. Higher levels of care are designated for people who need round-the-clock medical care. Lower levels are for people who are continuing treatment but no longer have acute needs.
Serenity at Summit provides high levels of care, including acute treatment services and clinical stabilization. Here’s a breakdown of each of those levels of care.
Acute Treatment Services
Acute treatment services represent the highest level of care in addiction treatment. It may involve medical detoxification for people who are dependent on a drug and will go through withdrawal. Detox is often necessary for people who are going through benzodiazepine treatment. Benzos can cause potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and heart-related complications. Detoxification can help avoid or treat these acute needs. However, acute treatment services can also involve clinical therapies to address the deeper causes of addiction in addition to medically managed treatment. Though your medical health is a top concern in acute treatment, addiction treatment is designed to be holistic in that it addresses medical, psychological, and social needs.
Clinical Stabilization Services
Clinical stabilization services (CSS) are the next highest level of care after acute treatment services. This level may involve medically monitored treatment or clinically managed care. As in detoxification, you’ll continue to live onsite at an addiction treatment facility or in housing managed and monitored by a treatment program. Medical supervision may be necessary for people who are coming off of depressants like benzodiazepines. In some cases, you could experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which involves potentially severe symptoms that occur after the acute withdrawal phase is over.
In clinical stabilization services, you can also address serious psychological or social needs through individual and group therapy sessions. You’ll go through a personalized treatment plan that will involve therapeutic approaches that are best for your needs.
Aftercare
Aftercare services are used to help people continue their recovery efforts after addiction treatment is complete. Aftercare will start by making a relapse prevention plan along with goals and objectives you will pursue after you leave a treatment program. This may involve community groups like 12-step recovery and practical goals related to your career, housing, and family. Aftercare will continue to check in with you and offer assistance in finding resources after you leave treatment.
Benzodiazepine Rehab in Newburyport, MA, FAQ
If you’re struggling with a benzodiazepine use disorder, it’s important to seek help quickly to address or avoid the serious consequences of addiction. But taking the first steps on your road to recovery can be intimidating. If you have questions about treatment at Serenity at Summit, call at any time to ask. Here are some commonly asked questions that may be helpful.
How Long Is Rehab?
Your stay in rehab will depend on your specific needs and the levels of care you will need to go through. Inpatient treatment usually lasts several weeks, and outpatient treatment can last for a few months. However, there is no time limit; it’s best to take the time you need to progress through treatment effectively. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), spending fewer than 90 days in treatment may not be effective in facilitating long-term sobriety. Your 90 days may start in higher levels of care but finish in low-intensity outpatient treatment. In some cases, longer treatment durations are necessary.
Does Serenity at Summit Provide Transportation?
Serenity at Summit can help with some of your travel needs, especially as you go through an inpatient program here. If you come from out of town, you may need to fly into the area. If so, you’ll need to get a flight for yourself. However, when you arrive, you won’t have to worry about transportation to the facility. We can pick you up from the airport. We can also get you to and from any off-campus appointments you may need, though most of your needs will be addressed on-site, and you may not have to travel through the treatment process.
Do I Have to Travel?
Serenity at Summit provides high-level inpatient treatment, and you will have to travel to attend treatment here. Plus, even if you are just driving across town, you will need to pack for inpatient care as if you are going on a trip. Traveling can be an inconvenience for many people, but others find it to be the fresh start they need to get out of a life of active addiction. Still, traveling long distances isn’t a necessary part of effective addiction treatment. If you don’t live in the Newburyport area and you can’t travel, you may be able to find some good options in your area.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
Drug rehab can cost up to several thousand dollars. It’s similar in cost to other inpatient healthcare programs. The cost of treatment can be a significant barrier to sobriety, but active addiction can also be extremely costly. Since addiction can take over multiple aspects of your life, including your health, finances, and your ability to maintain employment, treatment is often worth the cost.
What Insurance Carriers Does Serenity at Summit Take?
Insurance is one of the best ways to make addiction treatment more affordable. Many insurance companies offer coverage for addiction and mental health services, including inpatient rehab. Serenity at Summit will accept treatment from various insurance companies, including some in-network providers, including Lower Hudson Valley, Concern, Princeton Healthcare System, and more.
