Benzodiazepine Addiction Detox, Treatment, Rehab & Long-Term Recovery

How Long Are Benzodiazepine Detox & Addiction Treatment Programs?

The length of detox and addiction treatment programs varies according to the individual’s needs. Detox programs typically last as long as needed to ensure that acute withdrawal symptoms are under control and the person is not expected to experience severe complications. 

Addiction treatment programs can vary significantly in length, but residential inpatient treatment commonly requires 28–90 days or longer of participation. Some programs can last longer, from six months to one year. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are generally 4–12 weeks in duration, and outpatient treatment can last for several weeks or several months.

Rehab Options & Treatment Programs for Benzodiazepine Addiction Include:

Inpatient Rehab

Also known as a residential program, inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care and support in a safe, controlled environment. It typically begins with medical detox and also includes a full continuum of care with essential interventions such as therapy, medication management, support groups, and aftercare planning. 

One of the primary functions of this type of program is to allow individuals to concentrate on their recovery without distractions or temptations that exist in the outside world. Inpatient rehab essentially prevents relapse due to round-the-clock professional supervision, and is suitable for those with severe dependencies or co-occurring psychiatric issues.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

PHP is similar to inpatient programs in terms of the services they offer. However, instead of receiving 24/7 treatment and support, they are provided with various therapeutic methodologies but are allowed to return to their private residences overnight. This option is most beneficial for those who have completed an inpatient level of care and/or require more intensive treatment than outpatient programs offer.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

In IOP, individuals usually attend treatment sessions for a few hours per day, several days per week. As the name implies, IOP is more intensive than regular outpatient and is often considered an excellent step-down level of care from inpatient programs, or PHP. This option is relatively flexible but still requires some level of accountability while the person transitions from a higher level of care into their normal daily lives. It usually consists of ongoing therapy and support, similar to more intensive programs. 

Outpatient Rehab (OP)

Outpatient treatment is a very flexible option in which individuals are allowed to live at home while participating in regular therapy sessions and receiving support. These programs are most appropriate for those with less severe addictions who have access to a stable living situation and support system. They offer ongoing therapy and counseling and are often used as step-down treatment options for those who have completed higher levels of intensity.

Virtual & Online Treatment & Counseling

Virtual treatment, also known as telehealth care, allows individuals to receive therapy, counseling, and other support services at home using various communication technologies, such as Skype. These options eliminate the need for travel in many cases and can be very beneficial for those who have disabilities or live in remote areas.

What Therapies & Treatment Strategies Are Used in Addiction Treatment?

Numerous strategies and therapies are used in the treatment of addiction, with the goal of developing a holistic approach that addresses substance misuse from multiple angles. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, group support, dual diagnosis treatment, and several others.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most popular, widely-used form of psychotherapy that concentrates on addressing the ways in which thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. The overarching goal of this strategy is to help individuals identify and transform unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that trigger emotional distress. CBT is designed to address many mental health conditions and substance use disorders, as this approach has been found to be consistently effective for the treatment of co-occurring disorders.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a strategy devised to help individuals resolve their ambivalence toward enacting healthy changes in their lives, especially those related to problematic habits and behaviors. One of the key aspects of MI is for therapists to provide a non-judgmental, supportive environment where they can offer understanding and empathy for the person’s values, perspectives, and experiences. However, instead of fighting against their clients’ resistance to change, therapists use techniques intended to reduce their defensiveness and consider other points of view.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that consists of focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. The primary goal is to cultivate awareness and a non-biased observation of thoughts, feelings, and the surrounding environment. The individual sits or lies in a comfortable, quiet space where they pay close attention to their breathing, body sensations, and a chosen point of focus. Benefits of this technique include reducing anxiety and stress, and improving attention, concentration, and self-awareness.

Group Support

Support groups are commonly—but not always—associated with 12-step programs in which participants who share similar challenges and experiences gather to share and support each other. In the context of treatment programs, support groups are often facilitated by mental health professionals or other individuals who have undergone training. These groups are designed to provide a safe and supportive space for peers to connect, gain insights, and receive encouragement and accountability.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to address co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders simultaneously. Because individuals suffering from addiction often have underlying psychiatric issues, treating both conditions under one umbrella approach leads to more effective and long-lasting outcomes. To facilitate this treatment, a multidisciplined team of professionals collaborates to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both disorders. The idea is to intervene in the vicious cycle individuals experience when one condition perpetuates or worsens the other.

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning is a process in which healthcare and addiction professionals design a personalized treatment plan that includes ongoing therapy, other treatments, and support for the sustainment of recovery after an individual has completed a formal treatment program. 

In addition to therapies, aftercare planning typically involves relapse prevention strategies, support group participation, medication management, and sober living arrangements, if desired. (5) It is considered to be an ongoing, and possibly lifelong process that may require adjustments over time to ensure its relevance as the individual progresses in their recovery.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention is equally important as standard inpatient and outpatient treatment, because recovery doesn’t end when formal treatment is completed. When individuals begin transitioning back to their everyday lives, they often routinely experience triggers and drug cravings that contribute to relapses. While relapse is considered a normal part of the recovery process, it necessitates prompt intervention. Instead of viewing relapse as a catastrophic failure, individuals are urged to treat these as mere setbacks that require modification of their current treatment plan.

The goal of relapse prevention is to provide individuals with the support they need to maintain sobriety when they are exposed to triggers such as former friends who enable drug-using behaviors. These strategies usually consist of ongoing therapy and support groups, which can reinforce and build upon healthy coping mechanisms that have already been provided at various points during formal treatment.