Serenity Lane offices have been impacted by the ice storm throughout the state. Click here for the most up-to-date information on the status of our services. (last updated 1/18/2024, 5:42 PM)
WE ADMIT 7 DAYS A WEEK
Same day admissions possible - Most insurance accepted
The use of benzodiazepine substances, commonly called benzos, is on the rise in Oregon and across the United States. These substances are useful for treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, and seizures, but when misused can lead to serious dependence problems. The good news is that treatment for benzodiazepine use disorder is available for individuals seeking recovery!
Benzodiazepine use disorder or BUD is a medical term for what might be commonly called benzodiazepine addiction. Someone suffering from BUD will struggle to control the use of benzo. They may continue to use benzos even though they realize the harm they are causing because they have developed a dependence, meaning that the body becomes used to benzodiazepine and craves the substance when it is not in a person’s system.
BUD is caused when a person becomes dependent on benzo to feel normal. Sometimes a person starts taking benzos as an experiment or to produce a pleasurable altered state. Other times BUD starts when a person is prescribed benzos to treat a mental medical condition, such as anxiety or seizures, and the substance is not taken as directed.
If someone you know expresses that they can’t live without benzo use, it is a significant sign that the person is suffering from BUD and should seek help as soon as possible.
Experiencing changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and job performance are some of the signs that a person might be struggling with benzodiazepine use disorder. Another warning sign might be an abrupt change in mood or an inability to achieve what used to come naturally. If someone you know expresses that they can’t live without benzo use, it is a significant sign that the person is suffering from BUD and should seek help as soon as possible.
Extended use of benzodiazepines can lead to symptoms that mimic many of the reasons for using them in the first place, including:
Benzo Detoxification
The first step in treatment for BUD is for a person to undergo detox. During this treatment, a person will go through withdrawal, which is the process of a person’s body learning to function normally without the presence of benzos or another substance.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal usually starts 3 to 4 days after the last time a person uses benzodiazepine. Often, benzodiazepine withdrawal starts with a few mild symptoms that are present for a few days, such as disturbed sleep or agitation, with other symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, hand tremors, racing pulse, panic attacks, or blurred vision developing as withdrawal continues. Between 10 and 25 percent of those who have used benzodiazepines will experience protracted withdrawal. This means that the person in recovery experiences withdrawal symptoms off and on for several months following their last use of a benzodiazepine.
It can be dangerous to detox from benzodiazepines without medical assistance. Doing so puts a person at risk for serious medical and psychological complications. When a person detoxes from benzo, it is best if they seek out professional help to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms. In a treatment center, trained staff will be able to help a person manage symptoms and gradually reduce their benzo intake (when appropriate) instead of suddenly ending benzo use and experiencing the full force of the withdrawal symptoms.
It can be incredibly uncomfortable to detox from benzodiazepines without medical assistance. Contact us today so we can help!
Residential treatment services are ideal for individuals who have experienced chronic relapse or have experienced complex cases of substance use. In a residential facility, a person can receive 24/7 attention and care as they manage the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of substance use recovery. In a residential treatment program, you will be able to place a great emphasis on addressing the core issue of substance use through therapeutic approaches.
Doing this work often causes a person to want to return to substance use, but in a facility, access to such substances is restricted, and trained staff will be onsite to offer support as a person struggles. A residential setting is an ideal place to learn tactics and strategies to manage cravings for benzo use so that when a person returns to their everyday life, they are ready to pursue alternatives to substance use.
Outpatient services are ideal for many individuals for several reasons. Sometimes a person is transitioning out of residential treatment, but they still need some support to maintain their progress in their recovery goals. Also, for some individuals, it is difficult to put their lives on pause so that they can dedicate themselves to substance use rehabilitation. Outpatient services allow a person to continue important life responsibilities while prioritizing the care they need. There are three different levels of outpatient services at Serenity Lane.
The first and most intensive care level is called day treatment, or partial hospitalization. During partial hospitalization, a person will spend 5-7 days a week receiving services on-site at our treatment center for up to 6 hours a day. This level of care is often used to transition an individual from residential care to a less intensive form of treatment.
Level II outpatient treatment is an intensive 10-week program offered at Serenity Lane. In this program, a person will experience group therapy, individual counseling, and education regarding substance use disorders. In Level II treatment, you will meet for 3 hours, 3 times a week for services.
Finally, Level I outpatient treatment helps a person learn to cope with early recovery's ups and downs and identify and manage stressful life events. This care is provided in a community close to the patient’s hometown. Typically a person in Level I outpatient treatment will receive services designed to help them identify the stressors that trigger a desire to use the substance and learn how to deal with them in a healthy manner.
In a residential treatment facility to treat BUD, a person can expect to be surrounded by medical professionals trained to provide care for individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms and who are learning strategies to recover from benzo use. The facility’s staff will be available to help you slowly decrease benzodiazepine use over time to avoid the effects of quitting cold turkey. Additionally, a person will be supported through cravings and made comfortable as they go through withdrawal symptoms. Treatment facilities create individualized plans to help a person succeed in their recovery journey.
If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment for BUD, contact the staff at Serenity Lane today! We offer a no-cost initial screening to determine the treatment and level of care needed for you to find success! If you are ready to discuss your treatment options, contact us today at 800-543-9905. We can work together to put you on the path to wellness!
Don't wait any longer to live the full life you deserve. The team at Serenity Lane can guide you to freedom from addiction.
Serenity Lane offers individualized, effective, and innovative solutions for your clients, neighbors, colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and family members struggling with benzodiazepine dependency, and any other addiction. Our treatment centers can help you or a loved one today.
Don’t wait another day to get the help you or a loved one needs. Call to speak to a recovery specialist now: 800-543-9905.
Copyright © 2026 SERENITY LANE
SERENITY LANE is a registered trademark of Serenity Lane, an Oregon non-profit corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
