A Journey to Wellness: Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment at Continuum

Learn more about the benefits of seeking benzodiazepine addiction treatment at Continuum Outpatient Center.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment: Introduction

Mental health and substance use disorder challenges are becoming increasingly prevalent. An alarming 10 percent of U.S. adults will have a drug use disorder at some point in their lives. Because of this, understanding and addressing benzodiazepine addiction has never been more crucial. 

At Continuum Outpatient Center, we specialize in benzodiazepine addiction treatment. We know that addiction is a disease, and we’re here to help you heal. 

Continuum stands as a testament to effective, compassionate care, blending evidence-based practices with holistic approaches to treating adults and adolescents. Join us in exploring how our unique values and comprehensive programs pave the way toward healing and recovery. 

What are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs primarily used in the treatment of various mental health conditions. They work by enhancing the impact of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. 

The effect is: 

  • Sedative
  • Hypnotic (sleep-inducing)
  • Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
  • Anticonvulsant
  • Muscle relaxant


Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam). 

Important Note About Benzodiazepines

While effective for short-term relief, benzodiazepines aren’t often recommended for long-term use. This is due to the high risk of developing tolerance, dependence, and, in some cases, addiction. When used as prescribed, they can be safe and effective. But, misuse can lead to a host of problems, including the potential for overdose.

The Rates of Benzodiazepine Addiction: National and Local Perspectives

Benzodiazepine addiction has emerged as a significant health concern across the United States. Nationally, studies indicate a steady increase in the prescription of benzodiazepines. This has been accompanied by a parallel rise in abuse and addiction cases.

National Data

Data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that the rate of benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased nearly sixfold between 2002 and 2021. Currently, benzodiazepine-related deaths are at an all-time high of above 12,499. 

This alarming trend underscores the danger of these medications when not used as prescribed or monitored closely. 

Texas Data

In Texas, the scenario reflects a similar pattern. The state has seen a growing number of cases involving benzodiazepine misuse, particularly in major urban areas. 

San Antonio, Texas, is not immune to this trend. Local health reports indicate an increase in benzodiazepine-related emergency room visits and treatment admissions. In 2018, there were over 480 deaths linked to benzodiazepine abuse.

These statistics highlight the gravity of benzodiazepine addiction. However, they also emphasize the critical need for local and specialized benzodiazepine addiction treatment facilities like Continuum. 

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment: Risk Factors for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Understanding the risk factors for benzodiazepine addiction is crucial in both prevention and treatment. 

These factors can vary widely, but some common ones include:

  • Duration and dosage: Prolonged use and higher doses of benzodiazepines increase the risk of developing addiction. The body can develop tolerance over time, needing higher doses to get the same effect.
  • History of substance abuse: People with a history of substance abuse are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to benzodiazepines.
  • Mental health conditions: People with mental health disorders may be more prone to benzodiazepine misuse. This is because these drugs are often prescribed for these conditions.
  • Genetic factors: Evidence suggests that genetics can play a role in addiction. This is true for addiction to substances like benzodiazepines.
  • Environmental and social factors: Stressful life events, peer pressure, and easy access to benzodiazepines can contribute to the initiation and continuation of their misuse.
  • Age and gender: Research indicates that specific demographics are often prescribed benzodiazepines more frequently. This includes older adults. The higher prescription trend can inadvertently increase their risk of addiction.


Recognizing these risk factors is a key step in identifying people who may be more susceptible to benzodiazepine addiction. This will, in turn, help provide them with the necessary support and care. 

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment: Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction symptoms can be both physical and psychological. It’s also worth mentioning that they often become more pronounced with prolonged misuse. 

Key symptoms include:

  • Tolerance: This is when a person needs increasingly higher doses of benzodiazepines to get the same effect.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: People with addiction often experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing use. Examples include anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and even seizures.
  • Loss of control: This involves difficulty in controlling the amount and frequency of benzodiazepine use.
  • Preoccupation with the drug: If someone spends a significant amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of benzodiazepines, they’re likely addicted.
  • Continued use despite consequences: People with benzodiazepine addiction continue using despite experiencing adverse effects on health, relationships, or daily functioning.
  • Neglect of activities and responsibilities: This refers to ignoring or neglecting professional, social, or personal obligations due to drug use.
  • Risky behavior: Benzodiazepine addiction is also marked by engagement in hazardous activities, like driving or operating machinery while under the influence.


It’s important to note that benzodiazepine addiction can develop even in people who start using the drug for legitimate medical reasons. 

Break Free From Substance Use Disorder!

Call Continuum Outpatient Center today for an individualized treatment plan designed to fit your needs.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatments at Continuum Outpatient Center

Continuum Outpatient Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective treatment for people dealing with benzodiazepine addiction. 

We recognize that recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is a multifaceted process. As such, it needs a blend of evidence-based and comprehensive approaches to achieve lasting change. Our system is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring a personalized path to recovery.  

Some of the key treatment options we offer for benzodiazepine addiction treatment include: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a cornerstone of our treatment approach. It helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s especially effective in addressing the psychological aspects of benzodiazepine addiction.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

This therapy focuses on building skills like mindfulness and emotional regulation. It also helps develop interpersonal effectiveness. All of these skills are vital for clients grappling with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps clients process any traumatic experiences that may underlie their addiction. Therapists target a specific event, and through eye movement, help the patient work through their feelings about the event.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT can be an essential component of benzodiazepine addiction treatment. It plays a vital role in managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings safely and effectively.

Individual and Group Therapy

These allow clients to explore personal issues related to addiction. Clients will also be able to learn from the experiences of others in a supportive, communal setting.

Family Therapy

Continuum also understands the impact of addiction on family dynamics. This is why our center includes family therapy as a part of the treatment process. Our family system approach to recovery fosters healing and understanding among family members in an effort to mend relationships.

Holistic Therapies

These holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These therapies complement traditional treatments by promoting well-being and mindfulness. These holistic treatment modalities help individuals to establish healthy coping mechanisms which can be sustained even after treatment.

Each of these therapies and treatments is delivered by our master-level clinicians. Thus, we can ensure the highest standard of care for our clients. 

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Programs at Continuum Outpatient Center

At Continuum Outpatient Center, we understand that benzodiazepine addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Our range of programs is designed to cater to the unique needs of our clients at various stages of their recovery journey. 

Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs include the following: 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Our PHP offers a rigorous yet nurturing approach to benzodiazepine addiction treatment. It’s perfect for clients who need a structured therapy environment without full hospitalization. Here, clients engage in a daily schedule of therapeutic activities, including individual counseling and group therapy. 

They also have psychoeducational sessions, often for several hours a day, five to six days a week. This high-intensity program is particularly beneficial for clients who need a deep dive into their addiction issues while maintaining some degree of autonomy. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The IOP at Continuum is perfect for clients who need ongoing support but can manage more independence. This program is flexible yet structured, involving therapy sessions and group meetings for a few hours multiple days a week. 

It’s ideal for those who are stepping down from a PHP. It’s also perfect for those with daily commitments, thus needing a less intensive treatment schedule. 

Our IOP focuses on:

  • Relapse prevention
  • Building coping strategies
  • Integrating recovery principles into everyday life 

Outpatient Drug Program

This program supports clients who’ve progressed through more intensive levels of care and are ready to take the next step in their recovery. It emphasizes sustaining the progress made in treatment and managing triggers. It also focuses on continuing to build a supportive network for long-term sobriety.

Outpatient generally offers a balance of independence and support. This makes it suitable for clients to integrate back into their everyday lives while maintaining their commitment to recovery. 

Sober Living (Future Plan)

Continuum recognizes the importance of a stable, substance-free living environment in recovery, so there are currently ongoing plans to offer a Sober Living option in the future. 

This will provide a supportive community environment where individuals can:

  • Practice the skills learned in treatment
  • Foster healthy habits 
  • Build a network of peer support 

Drug Rehab Aftercare - Alumni Program

Our commitment to our clients extends beyond completing their formal treatment program. The alumni program offers a weekly platform for clients to:

  • Stay connected
  • Share their experiences 
  • Receive ongoing support

These meetings are available both virtually and in person. They play a crucial role in preventing relapse and promoting a healthy lifestyle post-treatment.

Each program at Continuum is underpinned by our commitment to providing personalized, comprehensive treatment. Our diverse range of programs reflects our dedication to meeting clients where they are in their journey to wellness. 

The Distinctive Healing Ethos at Continuum Outpatient Center

At Continuum, our deeply ingrained values shape a unique healing experience for our clients. These guiding principles define our approach. They also resonate through every aspect of our client’s recovery journey. 

They include: 

Accountability

We believe in empowering our clients by fostering a sense of accountability. This approach encourages clients to actively take part in their recovery. This, in turn, builds resilience and a sense of self-efficacy essential for overcoming addiction.

Quality Care

Our unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in our individualized care approach. This comprehensive approach addresses not just the addiction but the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.

Teamwork

We understand that recovery is a journey that benefits from a collaborative approach. Our team, comprising diverse specialists, works in concert to provide multifaceted care. This synergy ensures we address all aspects of our client’s health and well-being.

Integrity

At Continuum, integrity is paramount. We maintain ethical transparency in all our interactions. This helps us create a therapeutic environment built on trust. This honesty is crucial in forming solid therapeutic relationships, making it a cornerstone of effective benzodiazepine addiction treatment.

Continuous Improvement

We continuously evolve in our pursuit of providing the best care. By embracing new research and methodologies in addiction treatment, we ensure that our clients benefit from the most effective and innovative care practices available.

Our programs are designed to nurture sobriety and mental, emotional, and physical health. In essence, the values at Continuum Outpatient Center create a distinctive healing environment. 

Here, clients aren’t just treated; they’re understood, supported, and equipped with the tools to build a new, fulfilling life free from the constraints of addiction. 

Begin Your Journey to Recovery Today at Continuum Outpatient Center

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a journey of transformation and hope. At Continuum Outpatient Center, we’re committed to guiding you every step of the way with compassion, expertise, and a comprehensive treatment approach. 

Our tailored programs are grounded in proven practices and holistic care. As such, they’re designed to support you in reclaiming your life and health.

Whether you’re taking the first step toward recovery or seeking continued support in your journey, Continuum Outpatient Center is here to help. Our dedicated professionals are ready to provide you with the care and tools necessary for lasting recovery and wellness. We understand the courage it takes to seek help, and we’re committed to standing with you as you embark on this life-changing path. 

Contact Continuum Outpatient Center Today

Don’t let benzodiazepine addiction dictate your life’s story. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment options and how we can tailor them to your unique needs. Take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future with Continuum.

Contact Us Today to Get Started Toward Wellness

If you’re ready to address your mental health or substance use disorder, we’re ready to help. Our mental health professionals are standing by. If you or a loved one is in need of treatment for addiction and in need of flexibility to fit your schedule, Continuum Outpatient Center is ready to help. We are prepared to take your call now!

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