Do you have a big test coming up and you’re worried sick? Maybe you’ve been fighting with your significant other, leading to severe stress and anxiety in your life that you don’t know how to handle. Perhaps it’s leading to sleepless nights and other potential challenges you’re not used to experiencing. However, it’s important to understand that this is normal. Life is filled with hardships that bring about temporary anxiety and worry, but it isn’t until these problems persist and cause genuine issues in your life before they’re a problem. The occasional stress-induced worry is fine, but when you notice yourself in situations where your anxiety is out of control, it could mean you need some form of treatment.
For millions of Americans, that treatment has come in the form of prescription medication like benzodiazepines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were dispensed by pharmacies across the United States in 2019. The most common benzodiazepine, Xanax, accounted for 38 percent of all prescriptions, with clonazepam following 24 percent of all prescriptions. Lorazepam rounded up the top three and accounted for 20 percent of all benzodiazepine prescriptions. The FDA also found that close to 50 percent of patients prescribed these drugs took them longer than two months, which is often dangerous. Benzos are notorious for producing dependence in as little as two weeks, making it likely someone will become addicted.
As was mentioned above, benzodiazepines are most commonly prescribed in the short-term treatment of anxiety. In some cases, the drugs might also be used to treat insomnia. However, that’s only in severe cases. Anxiety is considered the most prevalent mental illness in the United States, affecting a significant portion of the population. The most recent statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimate that 40 million adults over the age of 18 are living with the condition each year, translating to a shocking 18.1 percent of the adult population. Although benzos are extremely effective in the short-term treatment of panic attacks and anxiety, alternatives must be sought out for longer-lasting anxiety.
When someone becomes dependent on drugs like benzos and their doctor stops prescribing it, it doesn’t always mean they’ll stop. It could mean they seek out drugs from illicit sources, such as the dark web or dealers on the street. When you’ve reached this point, it’s clear that you’ve become dependent or even addicted to benzodiazepines. While drug misuse is always dangerous, there has never been a time where it’s more deadly than now. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has released a new campaign called “One Pill Can Kill,” in an effort to alert users of the extremely dangerous drug fentanyl being used in fake pills. The number of pills that contained fentanyl in 2019 skyrocketed 430 percent.
Benzodiazepine treatment in areas like Homestead, located in Miami-Dade County, has become more needed than ever before. Many experts have labeled benzodiazepine addiction as potentially becoming the next severe epidemic, similar to that of opioids. Below, we’ll take a look at how benzodiazepines have affected Homestead and Miami-Dade County and how treatment might be your last option for saving your life.
Benzodiazepine Addiction in Homestead
Benzodiazepine addiction shouldn’t come as much of a surprise in areas like Homestead, located near some of the busiest ports in the world. With the influx of the dark web and drugs like alprazolam and fentanyl, many people around the globe are shipping these drugs from other countries with fewer restrictions, causing these figures to soar. According to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission and their most recent data, Miami-Dade County reported 374 benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths.
For one county, that is a substantial figure and doesn’t take into consideration the potential overdose deaths caused by benzodiazepines laced with fentanyl. The same data shows in the second quarter of 2021, Xanax was responsible for 39 deaths. It was present in 35 other overdose deaths near Homestead as well. Other data released from the Medical Examiners include the following:
- Restoril was solely responsible for two deaths and contributed to 11 more.
- Serax was present in six deaths
- Valium was solely responsible for one death and contributed to 11 more.
- Ativan led to one death and contributed to three more.
If you’ve overdosed on benzodiazepines or feel powerless over your benzodiazepine consumption, it might be time to seek help. Fortunately, Family Recovery Specialists are here to assist you in overcoming a dependence on these drugs. Since withdrawal can sometimes be fatal, you must seek medical detox as the first step. Once complete, you’ll be moved into other levels of care. We’ll go over that below.
Family Recovery Specialists Benzodiazepine Treatment in Homestead
Keep in mind; addiction treatment is a process that must be tailored for each individual that attends. For some, it can mean detox, followed by residential care. However, for others, their journey will consist of other options. Below, we’ll discuss what you might expect from benzodiazepine treatment in Homestead.
Partial Hospitalization
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is considered a “bridge” between more intensive and less intensive levels of care for those battling a substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals have the ability to continue their recovery in a PHP, which is a moderately structured program you can attend after completion of detox or inpatient care. The program is more flexible and allows for more independence than residential care.
You are not monitored around the clock, and you’ll take medication on your own accord without assistance. You’ll go through various therapy programs geared toward relapse prevention, cravings and triggers management, addiction education, health and wellness, and more. PHP offers the following:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Life skills coaching
- Dual diagnosis
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
Intensive Outpatient
Our facility also offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP), providing you with flexibility that works with your schedule. It runs for nine or more hours per week, and you can attend therapy and counseling sessions that run throughout the day. What you choose is wholly dependent on your situation. The schedule can last up to 90 days or longer, depending on your circumstances and the severity of your addiction. It’s ideal for those who have completed other levels of treatment and look to transition back into life smoothly. IOP is also suitable for those who have recently relapsed and need more time to recover.
Aftercare
The odds of relapse are still high, no matter how much you thrived in treatment. Once you finish your stint in treatment, your journey has only begun. Since you’ve been in the confines of treatment, you haven’t been forced to deal with triggers. For that reason, aftercare is vital to ensure your sobriety. Family Recovery Specialists will connect you with fellow alumni in the area and 12-step programs you can attend to safeguard your sobriety. Remember, if you’re feeling alone, you aren’t; we’re here to help in any way that you need.
Benzodiazepine Treatment in Homestead FAQs
If you’ve decided that treatment is in your best interest, we know you have some additional questions before following through. Fortunately, we’ve anticipated some of your questions below. If we missed your question or couldn’t answer it sufficiently, our staff is happy to answer your questions by phone.
How long is rehab?
The length of rehab is determined by various factors, including how long you’ve abused benzos, if you’re using other drugs, mental health conditions, or if you’ve relapsed before. These are a few of the criteria used to determine how long you’ll be there for, but even then, that can fluctuate. Some clients respond well to treatment, while others may need more time. For that reason, we cannot provide a definitive figure. Treatment can range from 30 to 90 days or longer.
Does Family Recovery Specialists provide transportation?
In order to overcome a barrier to getting help, Family Recovery Specialists offer transportation to and from the airport, and also to off-site appointments. However, these costs will be covered by you.
How much does drug rehab cost?
Similar to the length of stay, the cost of benzodiazepine treatment will vary from one person to another. Are you struggling with a co-occurring mental health condition? Was your stint in detox longer than you expected? For those reasons, we cannot provide a definitive figure. However, depending on your insurance, it could be covered entirely. Please contact your insurance company to find out what’s covered.
Do I have to travel?
Yes, you’ll be required to travel to our facility, no matter your location.
What insurance carriers does Family Recovery Specialists take?
We accept most insurance coverage from major carriers. Were also in-network with the following:
- Cigna
- CareFirst BlueChoice
- Blue Cross, Blue Shield
- Anthem
- Aetna
