Benzodiazepines – medications such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) – are prescribed to millions of Americans for anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia and seizures. Taken as directed for short periods, they are effective. Taken for months or years, or in higher doses than prescribed, they can lead to physical dependence and addiction that is difficult and sometimes dangerous to stop without help. The Ranch Pennsylvania Outpatient Services treats benzodiazepine addiction and the anxiety that so often underlies it at our Outpatient Center in Lancaster, PA.
What is benzodiazepine addiction?
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA, the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter. With regular use the brain adapts, producing less of its own calming activity and relying on the medication. This is tolerance: the same dose stops working, so people take more. Dependence follows, meaning the body needs the drug to function normally. Addiction is present when a person continues to use benzodiazepines compulsively despite harm – running out early, seeking multiple prescriptions, combining them with alcohol or opioids, or feeling unable to face daily life without them.
Many people with benzo addiction never intended to misuse their medication. They were prescribed it for a real problem and, over time, found themselves unable to stop.
Signs of benzodiazepine misuse
- Taking higher doses or taking the medication more often than prescribed
- Running out of a prescription early or seeing multiple doctors
- Drowsiness, slurred speech, poor coordination or memory gaps
- Rebound anxiety, panic or insomnia between doses
- Mixing benzodiazepines with alcohol, opioids or sleep aids
- Anxiety about running out, or feeling unable to cope without the medication
- Withdrawal symptoms when a dose is missed
Risks of benzodiazepine addiction
Benzodiazepines suppress breathing, and the risk of fatal overdose rises sharply when they are combined with alcohol or opioids such as fentanyl – a combination involved in a large share of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. Long-term use is also associated with memory problems, depression, falls and injuries, and worsening of the anxiety the medication was meant to treat.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly after long-term use can cause severe withdrawal, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, sensory sensitivity, and in serious cases seizures. Withdrawal can begin within one to four days depending on the medication and may last for weeks. Because of the seizure risk, benzodiazepine detox should always be medically supervised, usually with a gradual taper. Our residential partner, The Ranch Pennsylvania, provides medical detox, after which clients step down to outpatient treatment in Lancaster.
Treating benzodiazepine addiction
Levels of care
- Medical detox and residential treatment – for people who need 24-hour medical supervision or a fully structured living environment. Many clients complete this phase at The Ranch Pennsylvania, our residential facility, before stepping down to outpatient care.
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – full-day treatment five days a week at our Lancaster Outpatient Center, with the option to live at our Outpatient Residence. PHP typically lasts 8–12 weeks.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – three-hour group sessions three days a week while you live at home, typically for 5–6 weeks.
- Aftercare and alumni support – relapse prevention planning, alumni meetings and referrals to ongoing therapy and community recovery groups.
Treating the anxiety underneath
Effective benzodiazepine treatment has to address the reason the medication was started. Our mental health and addiction care are integrated, so clients receive psychiatric evaluation, non-addictive medication options where appropriate, and therapies that build lasting skills for managing anxiety and panic: cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness and relaxation training, and gradual exposure to feared situations. Group therapy with others who understand the fear of living without the medication is often the turning point.
See how benzodiazepine addiction treatment in Pennsylvania works at our Lancaster programs.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to stop taking Xanax on my own?
No. Abruptly stopping a benzodiazepine after regular use can cause seizures. Talk to a medical professional about a supervised taper or medical detox before you stop.
Can I still get treatment for anxiety if I stop benzodiazepines?
Yes. Our programs treat anxiety and panic with therapy and, when appropriate, non-habit-forming medications. Many clients find their anxiety improves once they are off long-term benzodiazepines.
How long does benzodiazepine treatment take?
A medical taper can take several weeks. Our PHP typically runs 8–12 weeks and IOP 5–6 weeks; the right length depends on your history and progress.
Get Help for Benzodiazepine Addiction in Lancaster, PA
The Ranch Pennsylvania Outpatient Services offers partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for benzodiazepine addiction at our Outpatient Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with supportive housing available at our Outpatient Residence for clients in PHP. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer questions, verify your insurance and help you decide on the right level of care. All calls are free and confidential.
