Pennsylvania has a benzodiazepine problem. The state ranks among the highest in the nation for prescription rates, and thousands of people and families are dealing with the fallout. Doctors prescribe these medications for anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, but they can lead to physical dependence even when you’re taking them exactly as directed.
Pennsylvania’s high prescribing rates have fueled a serious problem. Many individuals find themselves caught between needing relief from legitimate mental health symptoms and developing tolerance or dependence on their prescribed medication.
Treating benzodiazepine addiction requires medical supervision. It also needs integrated care that tackles the addiction and any underlying mental health issues. Kora Behavioral Health offers evidence-based treatment options, including medically supervised withdrawal and structured outpatient programs that simultaneously address addiction and underlying anxiety or mood disorders.
How they work: Benzodiazepines act on GABA receptors to reduce anxiety and induce relaxation. Intended use is short-term relief of acute symptoms, not long-term management. The key distinction is that therapeutic use involves following a doctor’s prescription exactly, while addiction involves misuse or continued use despite harm.
Legal prescription benzodiazepines
- Xanax (alprazolam): Fast-acting, commonly prescribed for panic attacks
- Ativan (lorazepam): Medium-acting, used for anxiety and seizures
- Valium (diazepam): Long-acting, prescribed for anxiety and muscle spasms
- Klonopin (clonazepam): Long-acting, used for panic disorder and seizures
Illegal benzodiazepines
What are the Signs of Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Physical signs:
- Drowsiness and persistent fatigue
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
- Coordination issues and unsteady movements
Behavioral signs:
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Inability to function without the medication
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
Psychological signs:
- Anxiety or irritability when medication wears off
- Preoccupation with obtaining more pills
- Continued use despite negative effects on health or relationships
Tolerance to benzos can develop fast, which often leads people to take higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms can kick in between doses, making it nearly impossible to quit without professional help.
Why is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Dangerous?
| Withdrawal Phase | Symptoms | Timeline
|
| Early | Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating | 24-48 hours after last dose |
| Severe | Seizures, hallucinations, delirium | Can occur without warning |
| Prolonged | Ongoing anxiety, sleep disturbances | Weeks to months |
Gradual tapering under medical supervision is essential — it’s the safest way to minimize risks. Tapering means slowly reducing your dose over time so your brain can adjust. Medical supervision means someone’s watching for complications and adjusting your taper schedule based on how you’re responding.
Types of Treatment Available for Benzodiazepine Addiction
Partial hospitalization programs offer structured daytime treatment (usually 20 to 30 hours a week) so you can go home in the evenings. PHP gives you intensive support without requiring round-the-clock supervision.
- Medical monitoring: Regular assessment during withdrawal and recovery
- Individual therapy: Addressing personal triggers and treatment goals
- Group therapy: Peer support and shared experiences
- Family therapy: Healing relationships and building support networks
Intensive outpatient programs offer 9 to 15 hours of treatment per week, usually spread across 3 or 4 days. IOP is flexible enough to work around your job or family responsibilities, and it’s focused on preventing relapse. Learn more about therapy services at Kora Behavioral Health.
Outpatient counseling means meeting with a therapist once or twice a week to support long-term recovery. It’s often used as a step-down after more intensive treatment.
How Evidence-Based Therapies Help Benzodiazepine Addiction Recovery
CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that fuel substance use. It teaches practical skills for managing anxiety without relying on medication.
- Identifying triggers: Recognizing situations that lead to medication misuse
- Developing coping skills: Learning anxiety management techniques
- Challenging negative thoughts: Addressing catastrophic thinking patterns
- Relapse prevention: Creating plans for high-risk situations
DBT focuses on emotional regulation and distress tolerance. These skills are especially helpful for individuals dealing with co-occurring trauma or personality disorders.
- Mindfulness: Present-moment awareness techniques
- Distress tolerance: Managing intense emotions without substances
- Emotion regulation: Understanding and managing emotional responses
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Healthy relationships and communication skills
Many people with benzodiazepine addiction have trauma in their past and turn to substances to self-medicate. Trauma-informed care means creating treatment environments where safety, trust, and collaboration come first.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction?
Mental health conditions and benzo use create a vicious cycle: anxiety can get worse during withdrawal, but continuing to use prevents effective mental health treatment.
- Psychiatric evaluation: Determining which mental health conditions exist alongside addiction
- Medication management: Adjusting or introducing psychiatric medications that address anxiety without benzodiazepines
- Specialized therapy: Using CBT or DBT to treat both conditions
- Medical monitoring: Tracking withdrawal symptoms and mental health stability
Kora Behavioral Health’s dual diagnosis program provides coordinated care for individuals struggling with both benzodiazepine addiction and mental health conditions.
Where Can I Find Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment?
- Evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care
- Specialized dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
- Flexible levels of care include PHP, IOP, and outpatient counseling
- Whole-person treatment approach addressing mind, body, and relationships
- Experienced, compassionate clinical team
- Personalized treatment planning and family involvement opportunities
Our clinical team builds individualized treatment plans based on your unique history, withdrawal needs, and recovery goals. At Kora, we’ve created a welcoming environment where you can heal and start rebuilding your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benzodiazepine Treatment
Treatment duration varies depending on your needs, but most people benefit from at least 90 days of structured care followed by ongoing support. The timeline depends on things like how long you’ve been using, your dosage, and whether you have co-occurring conditions.
Most insurance plans cover addiction treatment under mental health parity laws, though coverage varies by plan. Contact your insurance provider or our team to verify your benefits.
Yes. Intensive outpatient programs and standard outpatient counseling are designed to work around your job and family responsibilities. Many people keep working while they’re in treatment.
Treatment centers offer medical supervision and gradual tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Medical staff can adjust your treatment plan to keep you safe and comfortable.
Focus on expressing concern without judgment, and consider reaching out to an addiction professional for guidance. Many people resist help at first, but come around with consistent, compassionate support.
Kora Behavioral Health Offers Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania
Reach out to our caring team today to learn more about benzodiazepine addiction treatment in Pennsylvania and start your journey to healing.
