Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in New Mexico

If someone told you they used benzodiazepines, you might not know what that is off the top of your head. If that same person told you they used Xanax when they flew, because it helped with their anxiety, however, you would probably know what they were talking about. 

Benzodiazepines, or “Benzos,” were a scientific breakthrough when they were first discovered in the 1960s and quickly started to become the primary replacement to use for sedatives, hypnotics, and anesthetics. Now, however, doctors are more aware of some of the downsides that can occur with misuse or overuse of this particular substance and they tend to be only prescribed for a short period of time. Benzodiazepine misuse is a problem in New Mexico and benzodiazepine addiction treatment is necessary for certain levels of use and addiction. The New Mexico Department of Health reported that 18% of all overdoses in the state in 2018 had use of benzodiazepine as a contributing factor

What Is Benzodiazepine Use Disorder?

A variety of benzodiazepines are considered to be fairly commonplace in today’s age. From Xanax to Valium, you’ve probably met more than one person who has taken one of these medications before. As of 2016, the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health concluded that 12.5% of adults in the U.S. used benzodiazepines, which is equivalent to over 30 million people. However, only 2.1% of adults in the U.S. had misused them at least once. So when does use turn into a benzodiazepine use disorder? 

The use of benzodiazepine becomes a use disorder when they become overused, are used for off label purposes, or used in combination with other substances.

What Are the Causes of Benzo Addiction?

Benzodiazepine-based medication can be prescribed to people to help with many things, the most common of them being: 

• Anxiety 
• Seizures
• Insomnia  

Doctors are more aware of some of the downsides that can occur with misuse or overuse of this particular substance and they tend to be only prescribed for a short period of time. Most prescriptions act as an aid for an instance, as opposed to a long-term “fix” for a problem. Unfortunately, miscommunication and misunderstanding can lead to a person misusing benzos either recreationally, or for longer than they should, which can lead to dependence. Benzo overdoses on their own are rarely fatal, but when they’re combined with other drugs such as opioids or alcohol, the combination can be deadly. 

Signs You Might Need Treatment for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

It is possible to become physically and mentally reliant on benzos. If you are finding it difficult to stop using the substance on your own or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it might be time to consider benzodiazepine addiction treatment options. With continued misuse, it is possible to sustain brain damage. 

When a person takes benzos for an extended period of time or misuses the medication, there are serious side effects that can occur. Side effects such as:

• Hostility
• Irritability
• Difficulty Breathing
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Amnesia
• Nightmares
• Slurred Speech

Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Withdrawal symptoms are both uncomfortable and painful. If you were using benzos as a help for anxiety, the withdrawal period can consist of the worsening of your initial symptoms to levels potentially worse than before you had taken the Benzos to help. 

This is where treatment and rehab centers like Shadow Mountain can help. 

Benzo Detoxification

When it comes to detoxing from benzos, medical detox tends to be the most effective and preferred method that is currently available. The most preferred treatment is inpatient IV therapy, which is offered right here at Shadow Mountain Recovery. We will start things off by examining your health – social, physical, and psychological – in order to better treat you and keep you safe throughout your stay with us.  

Our benzo detox facilities are located in Rio Rancho and Santa Fe, offering 24-hr medical support on-site. Once the detox has been completed, most people will need inpatient or residential treatment. Your medical assessment will help determine the appropriate level of care for you. 

Residential or Inpatient Rehab Services, Which Is Best for You? 

We offer two different residential treatment facility options for your continued rehab journey. Our Taos location is only for men, and our Santa Fe location is women only. There are lots of tools for people in recovery and we want to make the journey about you. We’ve run facilities here in New Mexico for many years and are proud of the services we provide for the local community. From holistic and spiritual approaches to rehab, to spa treatments and acupuncture, our goal is to see you or your loved one reach a successful recovery. 

At Shadow Mountain, we believe that no matter how enticing or cool a treatment facility seems, all that matters are the outcomes for clients. Do they improve their lives and manage to meet their recovery goals? This is why we track outcomes. We are proud of our 90% completion rate and proven reduction in depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges for clients who attend our programs. Read more about our outcome studies here. 

Outpatient Rehab Services

Our facility in Albuquerque offers intensive outpatient treatment. This option works well for folks with a busier schedule, or who perhaps feel they would be best suited to continue living with family and other loved ones while still getting the care they need. This program is flexible as it can both be a transitory phase for people finishing with inpatient treatment, or our clients can admit directly into intensive outpatient if they feel this would be their best option after a medical assessment. 

What to Expect in a Benzodiazepine Rehab Center

At any of our Shadow Mountain facilities, you can expect to be treated with the dignity and respect that all people deserve. We offer individualized treatment plans that are driven by evidence-based, authentic care. Our facilities boast a 1:6 staff-to-client ratio, while surrounded by the beauty of the Southwest, giving you the space you need to detach yourself from things that used to tempt you. 

We have four treatment facilities: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Taos.

In Taos we offer daily group sessions with master level clinicians, in addition to twice-weekly private therapy. We offer alternatives to the 12-step program, all inclusive spiritual approaches centered in the spirituality that truly helps define the beautiful Southwest. Our treatment here is gender specific for men, with many unique activities, such as scenic hiking near the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, equine therapy, and many different ways to keep active, from basketball courts to gyms. 

At our Santa Fe location we have qualified doctors on staff with the goal of addressing both addiction and other medical and mental health needs to help get our clients back on track. Only 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, we have 11 acres of land which include space for yoga and walking trails which are great for meditation. We have an on-site chef who provides you or your loved one with healthy and nutritious meals. We offer both serenity in the outdoor spaces while still being near the cultural abundance within the Santa Fe community.  

Get Help for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Today

If you recognize signs of benzo addiction in yourself or a loved one, Shadow Mountain Recovery is here and ready to help. We have trained and caring staff on hand who want to help you find the right, individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your recovery goals. We offer evidence-based therapeutic approaches that consider the needs of the whole person. Please call us at 800-203-8249 if you’re ready to learn more about what options will work best for you.