Tranquilizer Addiction Treatment

A summary of the BEST treatment practices for tranquilizer addiction. More here on what to expect during treatment. We welcome your questions at the end.

13
minute read

Can’t Quit On Your Own?

You are not alone.

Tranquilizers can be very difficult – and dangerous – to quit. Withdrawal symptoms are often intense and pervasive. They can affect every part of your life: mood, sleep, and even your thoughts. And while tranquilizers can be highly effective for a while, they simply are not a good long-term solution to anxiety or life’s issues.

So, what can you do if you can’t quit using on your own?

First, know that medical treatments can help. Science based studies show that a combination of medications and talk therapy generally helps people resolve issues around drug problems. What can you expect during treatment?

We take a look here.

We’ll review how to identify a drug problem…and what you can do about it. We’ll dig into rehab and reveal the stages of treatment. Plus, we’ve included a section just for loved ones who are coping with drug issues and possible addicts. Finally, we invite your questions and feedback at the end.

Please reach out. Help is just one step away.
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Tired of failing to quit on your own?
We can help you quit drugs safely.
Get confidential help at 1-877-627-8128.
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Are Tranquilizers Addictive?

Yes. Tranquilizers are extremely addictive depressants. However, the addictive potential of tranquilizers depends on the type of drug being used. There are two main classes of tranquilizers:

1) Barbiturates
2) Benzodiazepines

Barbiturates are medically used to help people with sleeping problems. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to those dealing with anxiety issues. Both classes of drugs help to slow down brain activity and the body’s vital functions, making users feel calm and relaxed. But when does use become a problem?

Drug problems develop any time a person uses a drug for the way it makes them feel. People who use tranquilizers to escape – even for a little while – reality…can develop an insidious drug habit within a matter of weeks or months. Who’s at high risk?

Individuals who experience pain or muscle aches usually try to self-medicate their health problems with these drugs. Tranquilizers are also popular among youngsters and teenagers as drugs that produce euphoria. And anyone who’s buying benzodiazepines or barbituates illegally probably has a problem. Tranquilizers that are purchased illegally, without doctor’s prescription can be found under many names such as:

  • bennies
  • moggies
  • benzos and
  • tranks

Main signs of a drug problem

So what signals an addiction problem? What are some red flags when it comes to tranquilizers?

Answer the following questions and find out if you are addicted to tranquilizers:

1. Have you failed to meet your family, work or other responsibilities because of your continuing tranquilizer use?
2. Do you spend a great deal of time involved in activities to obtain tranquilizers, use them, or recover from their effects?
3. Have you used tranquilizers in hazardous situations, such as while driving your car or operating machinery?
4. Have tranquilizers lead you to relationship conflicts, such as fights or arguments, but you continue taking them anyway?
5. Do you frequently use tranquilizers in greater amounts than you intend?
6. Do you use tranquilizers for a period longer than prescribed?
7. Have you tried to cut down your tranquilizer use but relapsed several times?
8. Do you experience powerful cravings or urges to use tranquilizers?
9. Have you reduced or abandoned your social or recreational activities due to your continued drug use?
10. Do you continued to take tranquilizers even when they are worsening your physical or mental health?
11. Do you need to use greater amounts of tranquilizers to get the desired effect?

If a few of your answers were positive, you might consider seeking a professional diagnosis addiction to tranquilizers. Treatment can help restore your peace and well-being. Call 1-877-627-8128 to speak to a treatment support specialist about rehabilitation programs TODAY. Our hotline staff are ready to take your call 24-7.

Safely Breaking Free From Tranquilizers

Long term tranquilizer use and abuse often leads to physical dependence. This is a condition during which your body adapts to the chemical presence of these meds and has trouble functioning without them. When you stop taking tranquilizers, your body goes through withdrawal. Tranquilizer withdrawal symptoms range from slightly uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Withdrawal intensity and severity depend on the dose you were previously taking and the method of cessation (gradually or abruptly). If you abruptly quit tranquilizers after a longer period of use you raise the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms than when you gradually taper your dose. This is why medical supervision is so important during withdrawal and detox. Medical supervision can address symptoms as they occur… and provides you with both medicinal and emotional support throughout the process.

Tranquilizer withdrawal symptoms usually include:

  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • headaches.
  • high blood pressure
  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • panic attacks
  • poor concentration
  • sweating
  • tremors

Consider tranquilizer withdrawal help today. Call 1-877-627-8128 to get the confidential guidance you need.

Talk with us about your current patterns of use and your fears of withdrawal.

You are not alone.

Getting over the denial

If you’re in denial, you’re trying to protect yourself from change by refusing to accept a truth. In this case, the truth is that your tranquilizer use is out of control and that you need professional help. But denial of a drug problem is very common.

Addiction usually keeps you blinded to the harmful consequences until they escalate and go out of control. So, if you are abusing tranquilizers to reach a state of peace, or to experience euphoria, at some point you’re going to hit a dead end. These drugs can end up taking complete control over your life. As you are jumping from one dose to another your life becomes a tiring race.

What can happen as a result?

Untreated tranquilizer addiction can lead to devastating effects to your health and life. Plus, letting a  tranquilizer addiction progress can lead you to overdose and death, especially if you’re mixing these drugs with other substances like alcohol or opiates. Hopefully, your rock bottom doesn’t take you there. But at some point or another…every person who uses drugs gets to a rock bottom. And then, change is possible.

The good news are that it is possible to overcome tranquilizer addiction with medical treatment. Addiction treatment provides a wide specter of opportunities. The trick is to get over denial first. How can you do this?

3 Ways to End Denial

1. Accept the situation. Before acting, accept that you have a problem with tranquilizers. This includes acknowledging the physical issues, the emotional issues, and the psychological issues. If you are scared, hurt, or in pain…accept that, too. All you need to do is look at yourself in the mirror, acknowledge what’s happening and how you feel. That’s the beginning to getting better.

2. Reach out for help. When you are in denial, it’s easy to isolate yourself. Sometimes, just sharing your problem with another person can help. Admitting that you don’t know what you are doing to do to feel better is an authentic place to start. Instead of using that energy to fake being OK, channel it into finding professional help. Admitting that you need help is another step on the path to recovery.

3. Focus on the solution. At some point, you’ll deal with the reasons why you started using tranquilizers. In fact, rehab helps you look honestly at how you got yourself into this situation. What’s more important right now is how to get out the problem. Calling our hotline at 1-877-627-8128 is a good place to start. Also, concentrate on how you can make things better. And avoid negative self-talk. Now’s not the the time blame. Now’s the time to identify help.

Call 1-877-627-8128 to find the treatment that best addresses your unique needs.

The Best Treatment = Unique Care

Before you start treatment, a reputable rehab will create an individual treatment plan for you. This plan is essential because it focuses on the aspects that brought you to drug abuse in the first place. Your medical course of treatment should consist of the following components:

  • Determining treatment goals and objectives.
  • Specific strategies and methods how your addiction will be addressed.
  • Schedule for accomplishing the goals and objectives established in the beginning.
  • Mental health status and progress, including changes in functioning.

It is important that you have a specialized plan in accordance with the specific diagnosis. Furthermore, treatment plans should be revised and updated every 90 days in order for your doctor to be sure that each treatment phase goes according to your previously determined goals.

What are Your Treatment Options?

Inpatient Vs. Outpatient Settings

Tranquilizer addiction treatment programs can take place either in a residential facility or an outpatient setting. The selection of an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment setting is influenced by your:

  • current employment status
  • family responsibilities
  • mental and medical health history
  • severity of addiction
  • support system

Inpatient treatment requires a full time hospitalization and is recommended for those:

  • with highly disturbed surrounding
  • without recovery support
  • with a long history of substance addiction problems
  • who have previous unsuccessful treatment attempts

Outpatient treatment centers can work for those who need professional help but are unable to stop working or attending school to get it. Although these programs may provide the level of flexibility that you need, their effectiveness can be limited, especially if you require medical and psychological recovery services.

How long do you stay in treatment?

30-60-90 day treatment programs

People usually stay in treatment as long as they need to recover. While most stay average a 30 day treatment, this is is the minimum amount of time it can take to stabilize your condition. However, 60 and 90 day programs provide excellent success rates because they give you the opportunity to focus deeper on your physical and mental health while recovering from the consequences of tranquilizer abuse.

Which services are provided during treatment?

Addiction programs usually offer:

  • Medical and Psychological Therapies
  • Prescription Medication Assisted Treatment
  • Individual, Group and Family Therapy
  • Relapse Prevention Training
  • Psycho-Educational Classes
  • 12 Step Facilitation

Dual diagnosis treatment 

The combination of mental health disorders and addiction treatment is called “Dual Diagnosis” Treatment. Co-occurring mental health disorders are usually one of the main reasons why people turn to drugs and other psychoactive substances. Many people with physical dependence and addiction to tranquilizers can be diagnosed a co-occurring disorder. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help you overcome these difficulties.

What Types of Co-occurring Disorders Exist?

Addiction to tranquilizers can negatively impact your physical and mental health. At the same time, those suffering from a metal heath disorder are about twice as likely to use and abuse drugs. One of the most common underlying reasons why people turn to tranquilizers is because they are self-medicating issues such as:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

When tranquilizer use is causing mental health problems, then it is a part of a dual diagnosis and an appropriate treatment program is required. We can help you explore your options and choose a treatment center. Just call 1-877-627-8128 and we’ll answer right away!

What happens when you call our hotline?

Addiction keeps you trapped in the repeated cycle of drug abuse. When under the influence of tranquilizers you’re unable to function normally.

We can help you find treatment that will help you manage your condition and teach you how to live without tranquilizers. We understand your fears and doubts when under influence of tranquilizers. Do not let the fear overrule you!

One phone call can change your life!

Why waste a second longer? Pick up the phone and call 1-877-627-8128.

We offer:.

  • A beginning set of questions to evaluate your use.
  • A compassionate ear.
  • Advice on helping a loved one with tranquilizer addiction.
  • Understanding and encouragement.

Addiction is TREATABLE. Call 1-877-627-8128 to connect privately with an addiction recovery specialist.

Stages of Tranquilizer Addiction Treatment

STAGE 1. Screening and assessment

When you first enter a rehab, expect to be screened for drugs and then have your mental health assessed.

Screening is used to determine the presence of tranquilizers or any other substances in your system. During screening, your doctor will also ask you questions about your tranquilizer addiction and run some tests. After the presence of tranquilizers is determined, additional interviews and a physical exam are next.

Why so much analysis?

Specialists collect detailed information about your drug use history in order for your doctor to create a treatment plan. The goal is to make a plan that meets your specific needs. So, a thorough assessment aims to define the nature of your tranquilizer addiction problem, determine diagnosis, and developing specific treatment recommendations for further treatment steps.

STAGE 2. Medical detox

If you’ve developed drug dependence, you’ll need to safely remove tranquilizers from the system. When you stop taking tranquilizers, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms that come as a result of physical dependence after chronic tranquilizer abuse. The purpose of detox is to safely remove drugs from your system.

STAGE 3. Therapy

After your body becomes tranquilizer-free, you’ll proceed working on the psychological issues that accompany your addiction. Therapy will teach you on new behaviors that don’t involve tranquilizer use.

Commonly used therapies in addiction treatment are:

  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Individual (one-on-one) therapy

STAGE 4. Aftercare support

Leaving rehab does mean your work is finished. Addiction requires constant work and effort in maintaining your state of sobriety. After you complete your recovery program you’ll work with a therapist and create an aftercare plan. Similar to the treatment plan, this includes a unique combination of treatment services that exist to help you stay sober after transitioning into independent living.

Luxury and Executive Treatment Centers

Are you a business leaders or a company executive struggling with tranquilizer dependencies and addiction? These programs allow you to participate in a treatment process tailored to your specific needs with flexible scheduling, resort-like amenities, and access to technology.

Luxury and executive rehab centers are designed to answer the needs of those who deal with personal addiction problems but need to continue their interaction with their company. We can assist you. We understand understanding the dynamic of your work. To find a luxury and/or executive rehab quickly contact us at 1-877-627-8128.

What makes luxury and executive programs special?

Luxury and executive rehab program are ideal for those who need custom care. These rehabs usually have high skilled and highly trained staff ready to answer all your needs. Overall, the following services make luxury and executive rehabs a unique option:

  • discretion and confidentiality
  • multiple doctors, therapists, psychologists, and counselors on staff
  • premium care and comfort for their clients
  • private trainers and professional chefs
  • spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes
  • workspaces, meeting rooms and access to internet and phones

How To Help A Loved One With Tranquilizer Addiction

Before you try to convince your loved one to go to treatment, you need to approach him/her with understanding and compassion. Avoid any confrontations and conflicts since they will only make the situation worse. It’s common for those substance abusers to get angry easily, so you need to approach the situation with care. A variety of addiction treatment centers and therapeutic approaches exist to best match the specific needs of each individual.

Try to discuss the possibility or willingness for your loved one to discuss their stance regarding tranquilizer (ab)use with a professional counselor, a therapist, or a peer. This is a much more appropriate and useful place to extend your energy.

In the meantime, you can emphasize personal choice and control. Some examples of what you can say include:

“It really is up to you to decide to make this change.”
“No one else can do it for you.”
“No one else can make you go to rehab.”

Additionally, you can encourage peer support for a loved one. Look into 12 Step groups like Al-Anon, A.A. or N.A.

REMEMBER: It is not appropriate or recommended that you attempt to provide therapy or counselling with someone facing a tranquilizer problem. Find a professional for your loved one to talk to and/or look into the CRAFT Model of family training.

When you seek professional help, keep the following questions in mind:

Which substance/drug does the person abuse?
What other drugs or alcohol do you think they’re using?
How do they abuse tranquilizers (orally, snorting, smoking, injecting)?
How long do you suspect they have been using tranquilizers?
How long they’ve been showing signs of tranquilizer addiction?
How much can they afford to pay for treatment?
Is insurance an option?
Could you (and/or other close family members) help them out financially?
Does the addicted individual suffer from any mental, behavioural, or co-occurring disorders?

Do not despair if your loved one is addicted to tranquilizers. Hope and help are just a phone call away 1-877-627-8128.

Ongoing Treatment and Relapse Prevention

When you finish a formal treatment program, you should receive a comprehensive aftercare plan that will help you keep tranquilizer addiction in control. Relapse prevention coaching is also a part of your discharge process.

Regular meetings with your treatment counsleor are a great way to maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse. Sometimes in order to remain sober, your doctor may prescribe you medications temporarily. These medications suppress cravings that may arise after treatment is finished and help you regulate your brain functioning. Attending psychotherapy will help you keep your mind focused on sobriety. Balanced energy and strong mental focus are less likely to think about using drugs. Keeping you stress levels in control can also prevent relapse.

Relapse prevention techniques for tranquilizer addiction work best when they involve:

  • Addressing pleasant memories of stimulant use.
  • Coaching in addressing slips.
  • Developing a lifestyle that’s protective.
  • Developing coping skills and stress-management skills.
  • Learning about the relapse process.
  • Reminding users not to test the limits of their sobriety.
  • Training in identifying warning signs and high-risk situations.

Don’t stress over handling recovery alone. We can help you find an appropriate treatment.

Call us 1-877-627-8128 and get all the information you need to quit tranquilizers… for good.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Prescription Sedative Misuse and Abuse
Mass[dot]GOV: Sedatives and Tranquilizers
NIH: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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