Knoxville Benzodiazepine Treatment

Tranquilizer Addiction Rehab in Tennessee

Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs collectively known as tranquilizers. Often referred to as “benzos,” these drugs can include common prescription medications such as:

• Ambien®
• Ativan®
• Klonopin®
• Valium®
• Xanax®

Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive; people who were initially prescribed medications for valid reasons may soon find themselves struggling with dependency, misuse, and addiction.

At Tennessee Wellness Center, we provide a range of clinically proven treatments and therapies for those struggling with benzodiazepine abuse and addiction. We understand the connection between drug addiction and mental health, as well as the many ways addiction can affect individuals, loved ones, and entire families. Our caring and supportive team offers a whole-person approach to recovery, coupled with a strong focus on healing families and helping our clients achieve long-term sobriety.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call us at (865) 205-2770 to learn more about our Knoxville benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs. 

On This Page:

• The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Abuse
• Benzodiazepine Misuse: What It Is & How to Recognize It
• Effective Treatments for Benzodiazepine Addiction

The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Abuse

As previously mentioned, many people do not realize the dangers of benzodiazepine abuse due to the fact that these medications are widely prescribed in the U.S. An individual who takes a medication prescribed by a doctor (even if that prescription was for someone else) may wrongly assume that the medication is completely safe.

However, over time, benzodiazepine abuse can lead to a host of problems, including but not limited to:

• Reduced cognitive functioning
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired memory
• Lack of coordination
• Falls
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Poor judgment
• Relationship conflicts
• Legal and/or financial problems
• Slowed reaction times

In some cases, benzo abuse may even lead to a condition known as ataxia. Ataxia is a serious degenerative condition that affects the body’s nervous system, and which can lead to a range of additional complications.

While benzodiazepine abuse is dangerous on its own, ingesting other potentially harmful substances, including alcohol, while taking benzos can increase the negative effects.

Benzodiazepine Misuse: What It Is & How to Recognize It

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat a wide range of health conditions and concerns, from anxiety to insomnia. When used correctly, these medications can help those struggling with mental health disorders and related symptoms live normal, productive lives. However, because benzodiazepines produce a mild to moderate high—often described as a sensation of calm, well-being, and/or euphoria—they often have a high potential for abuse.

Benzodiazepine misuse or abuse occurs any time someone uses tranquilizers in a way not recommended or prescribed by a medical professional.

Examples of benzodiazepine misuse include:

• Taking someone else’s medication
• “Borrowing” or stealing another person’s medications
• Trying to/obtaining multiple prescriptions to stockpile a “back-up” supply
• Forging prescriptions
• Buying benzodiazepines from someone else who has a prescription
• Taking benzodiazepines more frequently than prescribed
• Taking higher doses than prescribed/recommended

Because benzodiazepines are so frequently prescribed in the United States, many people do not think of them as addictive substances. They may have a more cavalier attitude about taking or misusing benzos than they would about another substance, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines. However, benzo abuse can and does lead to increased tolerance, dependency, and full-blown addiction in millions of Americans.

Warning signs that you or someone you care about may have a problem with misusing or abusing benzodiazepines include:

• Spending a significant amount of time thinking about or actively working to obtain or take benzos
• Feeling a strong desire to use benzodiazepines despite negative consequences and/or without a medical reason
• Lying to others about one’s benzodiazepine use or dismissing others’ concerns as “not a big deal”
• Frequently feeling a need to hide one’s activities surrounding obtaining, taking, or recovering from benzos
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using benzodiazepines, such as intense anxiety, panic attacks, tension, and more
• Unexplained and uncontrolled mood swings and/or changes in behavior, including increased irritability and aggressiveness

These and other signs may indicate that a person’s benzodiazepine usage has spiraled out of control. Due to the high potential for relapse and, in severe cases, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, it is not recommended that a person stops all benzodiazepine use on their own. Rather, it is important to discontinue use and undergo detoxification with the support of professional supervision.

Tennessee Wellness Center can recommend a detox center if appropriate. We assess each client’s unique needs during the initial admissions and intake process and work with them and their loved ones to devise a recovery plan that is best suited to their long-term sobriety.

Effective Treatments for Benzodiazepine Addiction

At Tennessee Wellness Center, we know that benzo abuse and addiction often occur alongside other factors. Often, people who are prescribed or begin taking tranquilizing drugs are dealing with serious mental and/or physical health conditions that they are unable to manage on their own. Our approach is not to simply treat the addiction but also to address the underlying issues a person is experiencing in order to better promote long-term well-being. Our approach helps our clients learn to identify and manage triggers that prompt drug use, as well as ways to avoid relapse.

With both our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP), you get to continue sleeping in your own home while traveling to our Knoxville benzodiazepine treatment center several times a week (or daily, depending on your needs). We combine a range of clinically proven therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy, with other effective treatments to help our clients on the path to recovery. Our focus is on providing you with the life skills and tools you need to overcome addiction, heal your relationships, and move forward with your life.

Providing a United Front in Your Recovery

Having the support of your family and/or loved ones during your recovery is critical. At Tennessee Wellness Center, we see ourselves as more than just a treatment center; we are a family dedicated to you and your ongoing recovery. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a united front against addiction, from the moment you reach out for help and continuing even after you have completed treatment at our facility.

If you would like to learn more about our Knoxville benzodiazepine addiction treatment programs, please do not hesitate to call us at (865) 205-2770 or submit an online contact form.