Effective Benzodiazepine Detox, Rehab & Addiction Treatment Program

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Allan E. Sosin, MD

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications intended to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. The powerful effect of the drug depresses breathing and can be life-threatening when mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs.

Physical dependence on the drug starts quickly, and regular use results in a dangerous reliance on the drug by the body, which makes stopping its use dangerous without medical attention. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can alter the body’s adaptation to stress and anxiety, leading to physical dependence in which the individual may come to rely on the medication to manage symptoms. When use is reduced or stopped, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Often, once the prescriptions for these drugs run out, individuals turn to the streets to find them.

Long-term benzodiazepine use may present serious health risks. Some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, including seizures when attempting to stop, particularly if the medication is discontinued abruptly. Long-term use has also been associated with problems such as memory difficulties and cognitive impairment in some individuals. Additional risks, including respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and accidental overdose, are increased when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol or other substances.

“Prior to Narconon, I had been to several other treatment centers where I had never completed the program and had run away. It wasn’t until I came to Narconon Ojai that I was able to not only complete a full program but understand my addiction and get it under control. The program has taught me how to deal with life without reverting to drugs.”—E.G., Narconon Graduate

Narconon’s Worldwide Mission

No matter what drug is being used, no matter what form drug addiction takes, the entire mission of Narconon is to restore individuals to fully drug-free lives. Every time a person breaks free from addiction, an entire family has the chance to heal. Children in these families begin to live better lives. Communities recover one more person who is free from the compulsion to find and use drugs every day.

The international Narconon network consists of 31 residential drug rehab facilities in more than a dozen nations. Tens of thousands of addicts have graduated from this program since its inception in 1966. For nearly six decades, Narconon staff and executives have operated this non-profit, public benefit organization solely to help individuals break free from the desperate trap of addiction.

The Narconon program is based on the research and discoveries of the American author and humanitarian, L. Ron Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard also founded the Scientology religion; however, the Narconon program is fully secular and not part of the Church of Scientology. Individuals from many religions have completed the Narconon program and often state that they are better able to follow the principles of their original faith as a result.

“What makes Narconon stand out is its different approach. Unlike many other rehab programs, it doesn’t rely on substituting one drug for another. Instead, it addresses both the physical and mental aspects and how they relate to addiction. Narconon doesn’t believe that a person is doomed to be an addict for life. It believes in real recovery, and it works. The success rate is proof of that.”—M.M., Wife of Narconon Graduate

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction

When benzodiazepines are prescribed, signs of dependence or problematic use can sometimes be difficult to recognize. Even when taken as directed, regular use can lead to physical dependence, which means the body adapts to the medication and withdrawal symptoms may occur when use is reduced or stopped. This is why manufacturers suggest avoiding long-term use. Despite this, many people continue to use the drugs over a long period of time. When they can't get these drugs legally, they often turn to illegal means. Recognizing the signs of addiction before use escalates can save a life.

Physical Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine use can cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and vehicular accidents. Recent events can be difficult to recall, and long-term memories can become confused. Physical symptoms include muscle weakness, blurred vision, and slurred speech.

Benzodiazepine use in any amount can result in various physical and cognitive symptoms:

• Drowsiness and excessive sedation

• Confusion and disorientation

• Impaired coordination and balance

• Difficulty recalling recent events

• Long-term memory problems

• Muscle weakness

• Blurred vision

• Slurred speech

• Tremors or shaking

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Changes in appetite

• Sleep disturbances

• Grand mal seizures

Behavioral Signs of Addiction

Behavioral signs of addiction can include drug-seeking behavior such as requesting early refills, visiting multiple doctors, or expressing anxiety about running out of pills.

Other behavioral signs include:

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• Difficulty managing stress

• Social withdrawal and isolation

• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home

• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed

• Secretive behavior about medication use

• Making excuses for continued drug use

• Inability to reduce or stop usage despite negative consequences

• Lying about the amount or frequency of drug use

• Prioritizing drug use over relationships and commitments

• Aggressive or defensive behavior when questioned about medication

• Financial problems related to obtaining the drug

Users begin to withdraw from familiar activities and become increasingly dependent on the drug to manage their day-to-day life.

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Different Effects of Common Benzodiazepines

• Xanax (alprazolam): Fast-acting with intense effects lasting 4-6 hours. High addiction potential due to rapid onset and short duration, leading users to redose frequently.

• Valium (diazepam): Longer-acting with effects lasting 12-24 hours. Creates steady sedation but can accumulate in the body, leading to prolonged impairment.

• Ativan (lorazepam): Intermediate-acting medication often prescribed for anxiety and insomnia and known for causing significant memory problems and rebound anxiety.

• Klonopin (clonazepam): Long-acting medication that can remain in the system for days. Often prescribed for panic disorder, but carries a high risk for psychological dependence.

• Librium (chlordiazepoxide): Long-acting benzodiazepine often used in alcohol detoxification. It can cause prolonged sedation and confusion, particularly in elderly users.

• Restoril (temazepam): Short-to-intermediate acting sleep aid with high abuse potential. Creates physical dependence quickly and causes severe rebound insomnia when discontinued.

• Halcion (triazolam): Ultra-short-acting sleep medication with intense effects lasting 2-4 hours. Known for causing amnesia, bizarre behavior, and rapid tolerance development.

• Rohypnol (flunitrazepam): Long-acting benzodiazepine notorious as a "date rape drug." Causes profound memory loss and impaired judgment lasting 8-12 hours.

When to Seek Help

It's important to know and understand the signs of addiction. Catching the problem before it escalates provides the easiest path to recovery. Family members and friends should be aware of any mood or behavioral changes, signs of drug-seeking behavior, or worsening anxiety and stress. Getting professional help quickly is important. Don't wait until it's too late; addiction can be deadly.

Health Effects of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Long-term benzodiazepine abuse causes problems for both the body and the mind, leading to many physical health consequences. Users may experience dangerous respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously shallow or stops altogether. The effect is significantly increased by the use of other drugs and especially alcohol. The brain often struggles to create new memories and finds recalling past events more challenging.

Muscle weakness and coordination issues are common, and as tolerance increases, the body becomes more and more dependent on the drug. When users try to quit, they face potentially life-threatening withdrawal seizures, along with severe depression that can lead to suicide attempts.

The cardiovascular system also pays a price, with complications that can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure. The danger increases dramatically when users combine benzodiazepines with alcohol or opioids, which dramatically increases overdose risk and can prove fatal even in smaller amounts.

Who Should Go to Rehab for Benzodiazepine Addiction or Dependence

Anyone struggling with benzodiazepine abuse needs professional help through a rehabilitation program to break free from these dangerous drugs. It's important to act as early as possible because the potential for harm from these drugs increases the longer they are taken.

Problems with work, relationships, and coordination are all signs that it's time to get help. It's important to understand the risks of medications and seek professional help, even a second opinion if necessary. Once someone has been using these drugs for an extended time, quitting without professional help can be deadly. It's important to seek help anytime you stop using these drugs, and treatment is always the best option, even if the consequences of addiction may seem to be mild.

Without intervention, addiction follows a pattern that begins with physical dependence and continues to progress until a person becomes entirely dependent on the drug, no matter what phase of addiction the individual is in.

The change is so different

“From the outset, it was apparent that Narconon was different from what I had tried in the past. The staff were friendly, professional, and motivated. The program took a refreshing approach to dealing with addiction. I was able to get to the root of my problems and release the emotional attachments I had to my addiction and the pain I experienced, in the process ridding myself of the reasons I used.”—J.F., Narconon Graduate

What Happens During Rehab for Benzodiazepine Addiction or Dependence

Rehabilitation represents a crucial turning point for individuals trapped in the cycle of addiction. The experience is designed to remove people from destructive environments and provide a safe place to identify the underlying cause of their dependence. It disrupts the familiar routines that revolve around obtaining and using substances, and replaces them with structured activities that rebuild both physical health and mental resilience.

Benzodiazepine addiction ​treatment requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological components of dependence. Since many individuals sought to solve a problem in their life by taking the drug in the first place, it's necessary to relearn the skills needed to deal with stress and cope with life.

Before beginning a drug treatment program, the individual should be medically assessed to ensure additional medical attention is not needed. Unlike with many other drugs, stopping benzodiazepine use without medical attention can be life-threatening. After medical detoxification, the real work of recovery begins.

Benzodiazepine Detoxification and Withdrawal

Detoxification represents the critical first phase of recovery, during which the body initiates its natural healing process by clearing harmful substances from the system. When someone stops using benzodiazepines after regular use, withdrawal symptoms begin as the body struggles to function without the drug it has come to depend on.

Before beginning a program, every individual must undergo a comprehensive medical assessment. With benzodiazepine use in particular, individuals may need medically supervised detoxification to ensure their safety during this vulnerable period. This medically supervised detoxification is typically provided in a hospital setting, under the supervision of experienced doctors and healthcare providers. It's important to realize this is not drug rehabilitation; detox alone will not reverse the addiction, and individuals are likely to relapse without the continued support of a residential program.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal presents unique dangers that set it apart from other substances. The body's reaction can include severe seizures, intense anxiety, persistent insomnia, uncontrollable tremors, and potentially life-threatening complications. Unlike withdrawal from many other drugs, stopping benzodiazepine use abruptly can be fatal without proper medical supervision.

Physical symptoms often include profuse sweating, rapid heart rate, and dangerous fluctuations in blood pressure. Mental symptoms can be equally severe, with panic attacks, confusion, hallucinations, and extreme agitation. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, creating what's known as protracted withdrawal syndrome.

What Sets Narconon Apart from Other Rehab Programs?

Decades of Dedicated Experience

The Narconon program has been helping addicted individuals in all corners of the globe for nearly 60 years. Tens of thousands of people have chosen this rehab for its unique and innovative approach to recovery, which not only addresses cravings and upsets of the past, but also provides the life skills needed for the future.

With the tragic increase in drug-related deaths and the growth in drug and alcohol addiction, Narconon staff around the world work tirelessly with each person who comes to them for help. They provide guidance, encouragement, and discipline for each person striving to improve their condition.

Finally, in this rehab program, the solutions to the most common physical and mental barriers to lasting recovery have been found. The discovery of these solutions has provided a safe route back home for thousands of formerly addicted individuals—back to their homes, their families, and their communities.

The Unique Rehabilitation Methodology of Narconon

There are three barriers that must be overcome if a person is to achieve lasting sobriety: guilt, cravings and depression. If these are not relieved, that person may be dragged once again into drug use and addiction.

Cravings are relieved through an innovative combination of exercise, nutritional supplements, and time in a low-heat sauna. This combination is intended to help individuals address lingering effects associated with past drug use and reduce cravings as part of the New Life Detoxification program. As individuals progress through the New Life Detoxification program, many report that cravings decrease and that their overall health, energy, and sense of well-being improve.

Next, each person must come out of the fog of addiction and into a brighter present. This is accomplished with unique exercises known as objectives that improve communication and one's control of their thoughts and actions.

Finally, it’s vital to learn the life skills that provide a firm foundation for sobriety. It's necessary to learn which friends are safe and which may be harmful. It’s also important to learn how to face and resolve the damage they have done to themselves and others while addicted. This can be a difficult step, but with support and guidance, each person can come out shining. The application of these life skills includes performing a complete and honest moral inventory and developing a life plan of repairs to be made back at home. In this way, each person can once again earn the trust of family and friends.

Before making your decision about a drug rehab for your loved one, learn about the Narconon program.

“I know some people out there judge Narconon for being nontraditional, but as someone that went to a dozen traditional rehabs, this is the program that worked for me, and I am now sober over 6 years.”—A.P., Narconon Graduate

Residential vs. Outpatient Rehab for Addiction or Dependence on Benzodiazepines

Outpatient programs are rarely successful for benzodiazepine addiction and essentially operate on a "wait to fail" basis. Individuals are first required to fail at a lower level of care before they are admitted to more intensive treatment programs. While this approach might work for some individuals with relatively mild addiction problems, the physical addiction to benzodiazepines means that continued exposure to the difficulties of daily life often results in relapse.

Residential care provides the needed space and distance from the environment where drug use began to allow true healing to take place. Residential treatment represents the most successful approach to rehabilitation for individuals who have struggled with significant addiction issues. It offers 24-hour supervision and a safe environment free from drugs or alcohol.

Outpatient treatment programs often claim to be beneficial because they allow individuals to continue to work, go to school, and live in their own homes. However, the limited supervision makes this a risky choice for anyone with significant addiction problems.

The combination of physical removal from triggers, comprehensive detoxification, and intensive life skills training creates a foundation for lasting recovery that outpatient programs cannot match.

How to Choose the Right Rehab for Benzodiazepine Addiction and Abuse

Choosing the right rehabilitation program can mean the difference between lasting recovery and repeated relapse. With so many treatment options available, understanding what truly works for benzodiazepine addiction is crucial for making an informed decision that leads to true freedom from these powerful drugs.

When looking for a treatment program, there are several essential questions to consider:

• Does the program use replacement drugs?

• Does the program provide a comprehensive approach designed to treat the underlying conditions?

• Does the program include life skills training?

• Does the program address cravings without the use of replacement medications?

• Does the program view addiction as an incurable disease?

• Are you required to attend meetings for the rest of your life?

• Does the program teach practical tools for handling stress and anxiety naturally?

• Does the treatment center offer individualized care or adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach?

• Will you learn to build genuine self-reliance rather than dependence on support groups?

• Are you treated as a student learning new skills or as a patient managing an incurable condition?

“The Narconon program doesn’t just get people off drugs and alcohol. It provides them with the tools and the technology to stay off drugs and alcohol and shows them a way to improve their conditions across all the areas of their lives.”—R.S., Narconon Graduate

“I’ve been to seven rehabs and Narconon is just completely different. There are no medications in Narconon like there is in other rehabs. You don’t get put on psych drugs, sleep meds. You’re finding stuff out for yourself instead of having some psychiatrist or psychologist tell you what’s wrong with you.”—G.R., Narconon Graduate

The Narconon Difference

While traditional programs teach people to manage their addiction for life, Narconon’s viewpoint is that recovery is possible. Our drug-free philosophy means no replacement medications are used.

Narconon’s comprehensive approach is designed to address benzodiazepine dependence and other forms of substance use. The purpose of the New Life Detoxification program is to help individuals address lingering effects associated with past drug use. Many participants report experiencing reduced cravings and improved well-being after completing this phase. The program’s life skills training is designed to rebuild personal responsibility and decision-making abilities.

The result? Graduates report significant improvements in their lives after completing the program, including rebuilding relationships, pursuing personal goals, and developing the skills needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

Don't wait another day. Benzodiazepine addiction only gets worse with time. Call Narconon now for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward complete recovery.

Narconon's Comprehensive Drug-Free Benzodiazepine Rehab Process

Let's take a closer look at each phase of the Narconon program, which is designed to help individuals overcome benzodiazepine dependence and develop the skills needed for a drug-free life. Each step builds on the stability developed in prior steps until the individual is prepared to return home with the tools and skills needed to continue living a life without dependence on benzodiazepines.

Prior medical assessment: Before starting the drug-free Withdrawal step, a medical doctor will determine if a person needs a medical detox to protect their health from dangerous withdrawal seizures and complications. After completing medical detox in a medically supervised facility, the person will arrive at a Narconon center and begin his or her rehab program. If a person does not require a medical detox, they will commence their rehab directly at a Narconon Center.

The Narconon Program consists of four distinct phases:

1. Drug-Free Withdrawal. This drug-free withdrawal helps people come off benzodiazepines as rapidly and comfortably as possible. Narconon Withdrawal Specialists are on hand around the clock to monitor sleep, food, fluid intake, and to provide support. They also use gentle physical techniques known as assists to help calm tremors and lessen anxiety and restlessness. Carefully planned vitamin and mineral formulas further calm the nervous system and begin to repair the damage done by extensive benzodiazepine use.

“I started with a drug-free withdrawal, which was completely unlike any other rehab I had been in. They let me rest, take vitamins and start to feel strong in my own time.”
—K.N., Narconon Graduate

2. New Life Detoxification. This phase was designed to help eliminate toxic substances from the body while decreasing the physical cravings and mental fog related to benzodiazepine use. L. Ron Hubbard’s research and discoveries identified the concept that drug residues may remain stored in the body’s fatty tissues and may be reactivated, affecting an individual even years after drug use has ceased. The New Life Detoxification consists of running to stimulate circulation, spending time sweating in a low-heat, dry sauna to eliminate accumulated drugs and toxins, and a nutrition regimen including specific vitamins, minerals, and oils in exact quantities. The purpose of the New Life Detoxification is to help rid the body of toxic residues from benzodiazepine abuse and eliminate their negative effects, including drug cravings and rebound anxiety.

“The program was life-changing. The sauna detox cleared my mind and body, and I learned to study, communicate, and be present without the fog of drugs clouding my thoughts.”—R.H., Narconon Graduate

3. The Objectives. Benzodiazepines dull a person's awareness and impair their perceptions and communication with the environment, family, and friends. Long-term use creates mental fog and memory problems that persist long after stopping the drug. Objectives refresh the person's view of the world and engagement with the present environment. This improvement extroverts each person's attention from disturbing memories and anxiety associated with benzodiazepine dependence. They are then able to view the world around them clearly and think with restored mental clarity.

“After being run through the objective process, having realizations about my life and being better able to pay attention to what was going on around me, I was able to clear my past and come into my present time. I can stay focused on the here and now, no longer have racing thoughts, and I am comfortable wherever I am with myself.”
—C.O., Narconon Graduate

4. Life Skills Courses. Finally, it's time to address the reasons a person turned to benzodiazepines in the first place and to give them the skills to manage stress and anxiety naturally. These tasks are accomplished through practical coursework to instill vital drug-free living skills. These are skills that people struggling with benzodiazepine dependence have often lost sight of—or never had. There are three parts to this training.

• Overcoming Ups and Downs in Life Course: The person learns how to identify true friends and positive people and how to identify those likely to lead them back to drug use. They learn how poor choices of friends or acquaintances have damaged their life and how to make better choices in the future.
• Personal Values Course: The person learns how personal values are lost and how to restore them. They come to recognize their actual obligations. They learn how to take responsibility for the past. This process provides relief from past trauma and guilt, enabling them to look forward to a fresh, new life.
• Changing Conditions in Life Course: Because benzodiazepine use often stems from an inability to deal with stress and anxiety, it is vital that those in recovery learn natural stress management and problem-solving skills. During this course, individuals learn that any situation may be resolved without relying on chemical support. The course further teaches them effective formulas to apply to life's situations that enable them to make the right decisions and resolve problems and conflicts without turning to drugs.

“After doing the program, I was a different man. As a matter of fact, I had become myself once again. The Narconon program is different, it gives you not only the tools to get out of addiction, but also gives you a stability for the future.”
—G.SK., Narconon Graduate

Aftercare Program: As the Narconon program winds up, each person spends time with a specially trained Graduate Officer who reviews the entire program with the individual. When this is complete, and the results of the program have been verified, the Graduate Officer helps them plan their return home and their lives. Under guidance, the individual crafts an individual plan of action that addresses any situations that may still exist in the home or work environment. The Graduate Officer follows up for at least two years to provide further support and guidance. This follow-up care is key to the success of the individual in his new, drug-free life.

Questions About Benzodiazepine Rehab, Addiction, Treatment & Recovery

Below are answers to the most common questions people ask about benzodiazepine addiction, treatment options, and recovery. These frequently asked questions can help you understand the nature of benzodiazepine dependence and guide you toward making informed treatment decisions.

Taking the First Step to Benzodiazepine Recovery

Our compassionate admissions counselors understand the complex nature of benzodiazepine addiction and the courage it takes to seek help. When you contact Narconon, you'll receive a confidential, judgment-free consultation to discuss:

• The specific challenges you or your loved one is facing

• How Narconon's unique program addresses benzodiazepine addiction

• What to expect during the rehabilitation process

• Practical considerations, including program duration and facility amenities

• Any concerns or questions you may have about beginning recovery

We understand that financial concerns often create barriers to seeking treatment. Narconon counselors will work with you to explore all available options, which may include:

• Private health insurance coverage evaluation

• Financing options with manageable payment plans

• Family assistance planning and coordination

While we cannot guarantee specific insurance coverage or costs without individual assessment, we are committed to transparency throughout the process. We will help you understand all financial aspects before making enrollment decisions.

“The staff were tremendous. They really made the place. I appreciated the individual care and attention they gave me. That meant a lot to me. There was genuine intention toward helping me recover in the best way possible. Even the other students seemed to care. I felt that I was in a community of people who became brothers and sisters in the recovery process.”—L.L., Narconon Graduate