Benzodiazepine use and abuse are on the rise in the South Florida area, as is the number of fatalities related to these types of prescription drugs. Benzos, as they are sometimes called, contributed to 9,711 deaths in 2019 throughout the country, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Florida medical examiners also found more prescription benzos than illicit drugs in decedents. They were the second most found drug totaling 4,209, with alprazolam (Xanax) leading the count at1,523 deaths. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is another benzo with a high count of deaths where the drug was found in those who died. The report also indicated that these benzos were rarely the sole cause of death, but they counted in deaths that contributed to multi-drug use.
In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale areas, the number of deaths in 2019 related to benzodiazepines may appear to be small, but each one counts as a loved one lost to benzodiazepine use or abuse.
Alprazolam (Xanax) Death Data for Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Miami
- Cause – 62
- Present – 126
- Only drug – 12
- In combination – 176
Fort Lauderdale
- Cause – 94
- Present – 46
- Only drug – 7
- In combination – 133
Diazepam (Valium) Death Data for Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Miami
- Total – 49
- Cause – 7
- Present – 42
- Only Drug – 4
- In combination – 45
Fort Lauderdale
- Total – 24
- Cause – 12
- Present – 12
- Only Drug – 0
- In combination – 24
The above data clearly indicates that people are either taking benzodiazepines with other drugs or have died from tainted fake pills.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stresses in a recent public safety alert that it confiscated 9.5 million counterfeit pills in 2021. Fake benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, may contain fatal amounts of fentanyl or its analogs or methamphetamine if the pills are bought on the street, online, or via social media. Many fake pills look very similar to the real ones, making it extremely hard for a person with benzodiazepine addiction to discern between what is authentic and fake. The deadly benzo issue in America is so pervasive that the DEA issued a public safety alert titled “One Pill Can Kill.”
It is not uncommon for people to think they can simply stop taking benzos, which is commonly called “going cold turkey.” Suddenly stopping benzo use can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, dangerously high blood pressure, and heart rate, which can be fatal, as explained in this news article. It also can result in rebound symptoms, such as anxiety, which can be more intense when drug use is abruptly ended. This, in turn, can result in someone taking more benzos to counteract the intense anxiety one feels, which could lead to a deadly overdose.
If you sincerely want to stop abusing benzos, then you should do it safely and with professional medical and substance use help. Benzodiazepine treatment for individuals in Miramar and southeastern Florida is convenient and available at Family Recovery Specialists, located in South Miami-Dade.
Family Recovery Specialists Drug Rehab in Miramar
Benzodiazepine drug rehab can be the life-saving step you take. At Family Recovery Specialists, we treat each person who comes to us as an individual and not just another number. Your safety, privacy, and dignity are always respected here. Our treatment plans are tailored to fit your specific needs in every aspect of your life, from mental health to any possible legal issues that may arise. We also are specialists in treating adolescents.
Drug rehab usually starts with detox if you have just recently taken benzodiazepines or have been abusing them for a long time. Detox may be conducted outside of our facility at one of our sister sites nearby. When detox is complete, you may be placed in one of the following substance use treatment programs.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Partial hospitalization, or PHP, as it is known, is typically considered a short-term, intensive program for people addicted to drugs or alcohol. If you are placed in our partial hospitalization program for benzo addiction, you will attend intensive therapy sessions four hours a day on five days of the week. PHP requires a 20 hours per week commitment, and it usually lasts from four to six weeks and is considered outpatient care. This means you can go home when your therapy sessions are done for the day.
While you are in our partial hospitalization program, you will participate in evidence-based therapies that will help you identify and rectify behaviors that result in drug use. You may be familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is known to be very effective in treating mental health and substance use disorders.
You can attend other therapies and educational sessions, which will provide you with a strong base of support as you work toward living life without drugs. Below are some examples of what we offer at Family Recovery Specialists:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
- Dual diagnosis
- Life skills coaching
- And more
Intensive Outpatient
Intensive outpatient treatment is the highest level of outpatient care we provide at Family Recovery Specialists. It entails more than eight hours of therapy each week and may last for a few months, depending on your specific treatment plan and the progress you make with your therapist. You will likely be involved in the above-mentioned behavior therapies and also individual and family therapy. It would also be quite useful for you to attend relapse prevention sessions and/or drug education sessions. The main focus of intensive outpatient treatment is to provide you with the tools, skills, and techniques you’ll need to understand the underlying causes of addiction and prevent relapse when addiction treatment ends.
Aftercare
One of the most challenging obstacles to overcome is to maintain sobriety when you are finished with addiction treatment and are living on your own. There may be many triggers to use again, and it can be hard to ignore them. Our aftercare program was created to provide our alumni with a base of steady support. You will have opportunities to connect with others, lean on each other, attend fun gatherings, and obtain help with housing, legal, and other issues that may arise. Life in sobriety does not have to be a lone affair when there are other graduates of Family Recovery Specialists there when you need them.
Benzodiazepine Rehab in Miramar FAQ
Miramar is in between Fort Lauderdale, and Miami and drug rehab are a short drive away for those residing in South Florida. If you are considering benzodiazepine rehab, you probably have more questions than those that have been addressed above. We thought of that, so this FAQ section hopefully answers some of the questions that come into your mind. If you think of others, feel free to let us know.
How long Is rehab?
The length of time in rehab depends on your particular circumstances. If you need partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment, rehab may be for a few months. If you need detox, inpatient care, and outpatient care, your time in rehab will be longer. Other factors to consider are how long you have been abusing benzos, how many you consume when you abuse them, and if you have a co-occurring disorder, such as depression. As such, your individual treatment plan will indicate how long you need to spend in rehab.
Does Family Recovery Specialists Provide Transportation?
We know that transportation can be a significant barrier in seeking benzo rehab, so we hope to banish that barrier by providing transportation from local airports, bus, and train stations to our campus and back to your departure station. However, you will need to take care of any transportation costs. You are encouraged to contact us to work out any arrangements.
How Much Does Drug Rehab Cost?
Several factors contribute to the cost of drug rehab. Some of these are the type of facility you choose, medications given, alternative therapies taken, and if you have insurance or not. If you are considering Family Recovery Specialists for drug rehab, we can help you determine what the total cost might be.
Do I Have to Travel?
Yes, you will have to travel to arrive at our center. If you are engaged in PHP or intensive outpatient care, you will need to travel to us and back home. If this could be a problem for you, we might be able to work something out. Don’t let travel issues block you from getting the help you need.
What Insurance Carriers Does Family Recovery Specialists take?
We accept most of the widely known insurance carrier plans and are in-network with some of them. When you choose a drug rehab center that is in-network with your insurance carrier plan, it can help reduce the cost of treatment. The insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cover substance use and mental health disorders as Essential Health Benefits. This includes behavioral health treatment. We suggest you review your specific plan to learn what is covered and what you will have to pay out-of-pocket. If you have questions about the specific insurance carriers we take, please click here or contact us.
