Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety, and alcohol is America’s drug of choice when it comes to stress relief at the end of a long day or a long week. But when the two are abused – when benzodiazepines are used recreationally or the two substances are combined – it can be lethal for the user.
Alcohol abuse and benzodiazepine abuse separately are serious issues. Together, they are a deadly combination. If someone you love is struggling with abuse of alcohol and benzos, help is available. Contact us at The Oaks at La Paloma today.
Benzodiazepines
In most cases, therapeutic use of benzodiazepines does not lead to an addiction. According to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, physical tolerance developed over time requiring higher doses for continued sedative effect is normal. However, when someone uses a larger-than-prescribed dose without the approval of a doctor, it can slow vital signs significantly and trigger a medical emergency that may end in death if treatment is not received in time.
Alcohol
Alcohol abuse, binge drinking, alcoholism – there are a number of different types of alcohol use disorders, and each one brings with it a slew of health problems, social issues, and mental health symptoms.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), about 17 million Americans are living with an alcohol use disorder but only about 15 percent of them get the treatment they need to overcome the problem. As a result, about 85,000 Americans die each year of an alcohol-related issue, ranking it the third-leading cause of preventable death in the country.
Dual Addictions
It has become increasingly more common for people who enter drug rehab to cite more than one substance as problematic. Alcohol used to be the number one drug of choice, but now more and more people are citing it in combination with another substance like benzodiazepines.
Because both alcohol and benzodiazepines are depressants, use of them together increases the risk of:
- Cardiac problems
- Fatal overdose
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Overcoming Dual Dependency
Addiction to any drug of abuse is treatable when you opt for a rehab program that offers:
- Extensive evaluation at the onset of treatment
- Evidence-based treatment protocols and therapies
- Addiction treatment experts and specialists
- Medical detox and care when necessary
- Psychotherapeutic care that teaches relapse prevention and improved coping skills
- Long-term aftercare support
The more intensive and long-term the rehabilitation program, the more likely it is that your loved one will build a solid foundation in recovery that will support him when he transitions back home.
The key is not just therapies and treatments that have been proven to be effective in overcoming addiction but also the ability of the treatment program to offer each patient a specialized treatment plan that is tailor-made to suit their specific needs in recovery. Here at The Oaks at La Paloma, we have the resources to provide a unique experience in addiction treatment for each patient.
Is Your Loved One Ready for Recovery?
Our integrated treatment program for alcohol and benzo abuse can offer hope to your loved one. Because addiction is a chronic disease for which there is not yet a cure, an intensive alcohol and benzo treatment program is recommended no matter if the patient considers himself to be ready for recovery. The earlier and more often your loved one is exposed to addiction treatment principles, the more likely it is that he will adopt them for a lasting life of recovery. Contact us at The Oaks at La Paloma now for more information.