Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressants that are used to treat insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and epilepsy. However, they may also be abused to seek a relaxing high. In New York City, popular benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, may be bought from illicit sources. Benzodiazepine misuse and using them for too long can cause chemical dependency and addiction. Though addiction is a chronic disease that can lead to serious consequences, it can be treated. Learn more about benzodiazepine treatment in New York City.
Drug Addiction in New York
New York City has a significant problem with substance use disorders, overdose, and public health issues related to addiction. The opioid crisis that increased the addiction and overdose rates in the United States over the past several years has hit the Northeastern U.S. hard. Plus, COVID-19 has complicated substance use issues and treatment all over the country. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can cause chemical dependence and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, especially when they’re used for too long or abused as a recreational drug. On their own, they aren’t likely to cause an accidental overdose, but they can cause a fatal overdose when mixed with other drugs like opioids and alcohol.
In 2019, New York City experienced 1,463 overdose deaths. However, the U.S. saw record overdose deaths in 2020 with more than 93,000 people dying due to overdoses. The number far exceeded the previous record of 72,000. In New York City, 2020 overdose numbers are still coming in, but there were around 1,446 overdose deaths in the city in just the first three quarters. The Bronx and Harlem are among the hardest-hit neighborhoods in the city.
The increase in overdose in the last few years is largely due to the influx of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which is much more powerful than heroin and other common opioids. Fentanyl can be mixed into heroin and other drugs without the user knowing. It can even be pressed into pills. Xanax is a popular benzodiazepine that’s used for recreational purposes. Drug dealers can also use their own pill presses to make pills that are indistinguishable from genuine Xanax. These fake pills may contain fentanyl, other drugs, and even other harmful chemicals.
Illicit drug use in New York City is inherently dangerous, even if you’re using common prescription drugs like benzodiazepines. If you have a substance use disorder, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Serenity at Summit Drug Rehab in New York
Serenity at Summit offers several levels of care in addiction treatment, including detox and residential treatment services. If you have a moderate to severe substance use disorder and you’re looking for treatment options in and around New York City, inpatient services offer the most intensive options. Both detox and inpatient treatment offer 24-7 care medical management, medical monitoring, and clinical management. If you have high-level medical, psychological, or social needs in addiction treatment, learn more about the services offered at Serenity at Summit below.
Detox
Medical detox is the first step in addiction treatment for many people. It’s the highest level of care on ASAM’s continuum of care model. In the continuum of care, detox is called medically managed intensive inpatient treatment. People that become chemically dependent on central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines can experience some dangerous and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. If you ask your doctor about addiction treatment or enter a treatment program, and you may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms, you will likely start with medical detox. Benzodiazepines have the potential to cause seizures during withdrawal, especially if you quit cold turkey.
Detox involves 24-hour care from medical professionals. The goal of detox is to get you through the withdrawal phase safely and as comfortable as possible. However, detox may also be important if you have medical needs that may be complicated by withdrawal symptoms. Detox typically lasts for five to ten days, but there is no cap on the maximum amount of time you should spend at this level of care, and it will depend on your specific needs. Through treatment, you may be treated with medications to address uncomfortable symptoms, but you may also be given a benzodiazepine medication to help taper you off of the drug safely.
Inpatient/Residential
Inpatient treatment is the second-highest level of care in addiction treatment. There are several sub-levels within inpatient treatment that you may go through if you need them. Inpatient and residential services are for people that are stable enough not to require medically managed care but still have needs that would make living on their own a threat to their health or sobriety.
Medically monitored intensive inpatient services are for people that have stabilized after acute withdrawal symptoms but still need medical monitoring. In some cases, depressants can cause seizures and other withdrawal symptoms after the acute withdrawal phase has ended. This may take place in a clinical or hospital-like setting with medical staff nearby at all times.
Residential services also fall under the inpatient category, but they may involve more apartment or dorm-like settings. In residential treatment, you’ll have access to clinical services at all times. These services include intensive therapy, with multiple hours of treatment each day.
Drug Rehab in New York FAQ
There are several barriers to addiction treatment. And there are common questions you may have when you’re seeking treatment in New York City. The cost of treatment and transportation issues are two common concerns. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions we get and Serenity at Summit.
How Long is Rehab?
Addiction treatment is a complex process that takes time. A severe substance use disorder will likely require the full continuum of care in addiction treatment. The length of time you spend in treatment will be determined by your needs and progress in treatment. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has reported that research shows 90 days is the ideal minimum treatment length. Treatment that’s less than 90 days may not be as effective. However, you likely won’t spend 90 days in one level of care. Each level of care may be a specific length of time, depending on your needs. Medical detox usually lasts for five to ten days, inpatient services can last for several weeks, and outpatient treatment can last for a month or more. Still, your timeline of treatment will depend on your unique treatment plan.
Does Serenity at Summit Provide Transportation?
Transportation can be a challenge and a barrier to addiction treatment. But Serenity at Summit can help with certain parts of the transportations process if you’re coming from out of town. If you plan to fly into the area, you will need to manage your flights on your own or with the help of a loved one. However, we can help you get to the facility by picking you up from the airport. Since Serenity at Summit offers inpatient treatment options, most of the services and appointments you attend will be at the facility. However, if you do need to see a specialist or doctor that’s off-campus, we can drive you to and from appointments.
Do I Have to Travel?
If you’d like to attend treatment at Serenity at Summit and you’re from out of town, you’ll need to travel. Serenity at Summit offers inpatient treatment services and in-person therapy options. If you’re from out of town, there are some benefits to attending treatment away from home, including the feeling of getting a fresh start. However, if you’re unable to travel for treatment or if you’d prefer to stay close to home, there may be some local treatment options available.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
The cost of drug rehab is another common concern for people that are seeking benzodiazepine treatment. Addiction treatment costs may vary depending on several factors. The length of time you spend in treatment, the levels of care you go through, the therapies you go through, and the medications you take are all significant factors. For that reason, the final cost of rehab may be anywhere from a few thousand to several thousand dollars. Like other healthcare procedures and treatments, addiction treatment can be expensive, but it’s usually worth the investment if you have a substance use disorder. Addiction can threaten your health and your ability to provide for yourself and your loved ones, which can be more costly in the long run. Still, many people are able to afford treatment with the help of insurance providers.
What Insurance Carriers Does Serenity at Summit Take?
Insurance companies are required by law to offer coverage for things like mental health and behavioral healthcare, including inpatient treatment for addiction. Serenity at Summit accepts most private insurance providers, though we don’t currently accept coverage from federal sources like Medicaid. Serenity at Summit is in-network with several providers, including Lower Hudson Valley and BCBS of New Jersey. However, you may still get coverage from your insurance company, even if they aren’t in-network with us.
