Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, which helps to calm the nervous system. However, benzodiazepines can be addictive, and they can have serious withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped suddenly.
The causes of benzodiazepine addiction are complex, but they may include:
Needing higher doses of benzodiazepines to achieve the desired effects or experiencing reduced effectiveness of the medication over time.
Feeling a strong urge or compulsion to use benzodiazepines, even when they are no longer needed for medical purposes or against medical advice.
Neglecting personal or professional obligations due to drug use. This can include missing work, avoiding social interactions, or withdrawing from activities that were once enjoyable.
Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop using benzodiazepines. These symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli.
Experiencing difficulties in personal relationships due to the negative impact of benzodiazepine addiction. Loved ones may express concern about your well-being or express frustration and worry.
Constantly thinking about obtaining, using, or acquiring benzodiazepines, which may lead to engaging in deceptive or illegal behaviors.
Recognizing the signs of benzodiazepine addiction and seeking professional help is an essential step toward recovery and regaining control over your life.
Our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program begins with a thorough assessment to evaluate your specific needs, including the severity of addiction, physical health, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment helps inform the development of a personalized treatment plan.
Our outpatient program offers individual counseling sessions with experienced therapists who specialize in addiction treatment. These sessions provide a safe and confidential space to address the underlying causes of benzodiazepine addiction, develop coping strategies, and foster personal growth.
We incorporate evidence-based therapies, such as CBT, to help you identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with benzodiazepine addiction. CBT focuses on developing healthier coping mechanisms, managing triggers, and preventing relapse.
Participating in group therapy sessions allows you to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. These sessions provide a supportive environment where you can share insights, gain perspective
If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, our program addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment ensures comprehensive care and promotes lasting recovery.
Our program emphasizes the development of essential life skills that support long-term recovery. This includes stress management techniques, healthy communication skills, relapse prevention strategies, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is a lifelong journey. Our program provides aftercare support to help you maintain sobriety and navigate the challenges of everyday life. This may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention resources.
Benzodiazepine addiction treatment offers hope, healing, and the opportunity to reclaim control over your life. Our specialized program combines comprehensive assessment, individualized therapy, evidence-based approaches, group support, life skills development, and aftercare support. By recognizing the signs of benzodiazepine addiction and seeking professional help, you have taken a courageous step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Contact our drug rehab center today to begin your transformative journey towards recovery, rediscovery, and a future filled with balance, resilience, and renewed vitality.
Visit our partner Into The Light for more information on mental health treatment.
Looking for support near you? Visit our Locations We Serve page to explore the communities across Southern California where New Origins provides compassionate substance abuse treatment for men.
Julie K.A. Kasarjian, MD, PhD received her medical degree from Loma Linda University and her PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, bringing a robust clinical and scientific background to her medical career. Dr. Kasarjian completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and is a board-certified Emergency Physician and an Addiction Medicine specialist.
Dr. Kasarjian has extensive leadership experience and has served as a medical director for emergency departments of varying sizes across Southern California and is the Medical Director for VARP Inc./Gibson House and Quality Health Partners. Her academic contributions include serving as the Medical Director for the Master’s in Physician Assistant program at Cal State San Bernardino and she continues to do shifts as an Emergency Physician in the Emergency Department at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
She has also served as a Principal Investigator/Medical Director at Velocity Clinical Research conducting multiple high-profile clinical trials, focusing on vaccines and treatments for a wide range of conditions, including COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), gout, cytomegalovirus (CMV), diabetes, obesity, episodic migraines, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral neuropathy.
She is pleased to join the team at New Origins and Into the Light as the Medical Director and will continue to contribute to advancing the treatment of substance use and mental health disorders. She has been a prominent advocate for safe opioid prescribing, leading initiatives such as securing a California Bridge Grant for opioid treatment in the emergency department and has secured funding for the Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Access Points Project which supports organizations throughout California to address the opioid and substance use epidemic. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes, Dr. Kasarjian brings with her extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and leadership and leads the clinical team in delivering compassionate, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.