Finding the right benzodiazepine addiction treatment is a key step on your path to recovery. Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D., an internationally known authority on addiction, describes addiction as a symptom of underlying issues. Dealing with addiction as a brain disease, getting into stable recovery, and then addressing underlying issues is the best approach. This fundamental change in your approach to treatment will improve your chances of long-term success.
Navigating the landscape of benzodiazepine addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. Understanding what you need, explore your professional treatment options, and then get help. This will set you on a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In South Africa, there’s a variety of treatment options available for you. These include residential treatment programs, outpatient programs, and support groups. Residential treatment programs often offer a structured environment where you receive round-the-clock care and have access to therapeutic services. In contrast, outpatient programs allow you to continue with your daily responsibilities while receiving treatment. Both approaches can provide a supportive environment for you to address the underlying issues that fuel your addiction and develop coping mechanisms.
As you embark on your journey, remember that your treatment should be individualized. What works for someone else might not work for you. Your benzodiazepine addiction treatment must address your addiction, AND also the underlying issues that contributed to it. Without looking at issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma – your chances of a positive treatment are diminished.
In South Africa, both public and private facilities provide benzodiazepine addiction treatment. At facilities like WeDoRecover in Joburg, medical aid pays or SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), you can find professional help tailored to your unique needs.
Some FAQ’s:
1. Do I need treatment for benzodiazepine addiction? If you’re using more than the prescribed amount, struggling to control your use, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or finding that your use is negatively affecting your life, it’s time to get help.
2. What kind of therapy is used in benzodiazepine addiction treatment? Cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behaviour therapy are commonly used. These therapies help you understand and change your patterns of thought and behaviour.
3. How long does treatment usually last? PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) is common with benzo addiction. Your length of treatment will vary depending on your needs and the severity of your addiction – from a few weeks to several months, or more.
4. Can I recover from benzodiazepine addiction on my own? While it’s possible for some people to recover on their own, professional help can significantly improve your chances of long-term success. Benzo detox can be dangerous and needs medical supervision.
5. Where can I find support groups in South Africa? Organizations like Narcotics Anonymous South Africa and Smart Recovery offer support groups for individuals in recovery.
Asking for help is sometimes incredibly difficult. You’re not alone in your struggle, and with the right treatment, recovery is within your reach.
Recovery Approaches
- Traditional Therapy Approach
- Emphasis on treating the physical aspects of addiction.
- Utilises CBT, MET & DBT (cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behaviour therapy).
- Focuses on total abstinence as a recovery goal.
- Harm Reduction Model
- Does not insist on total abstinence, but rather focuses on minimizing the harmful consequences of drug use.
- Employs safer methods of use, stress management techniques, and education about potential risks.
- Can be beneficial for those not yet ready or able to completely stop using, but want to start making positive changes.
- Holistic Therapy Approach
- Treating the whole person: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- Incorporates practices like mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, nutritional counselling, and art therapy.
- Aims to find balance and enhance overall well-being, addressing the root causes of addiction.
When you’re seeking the right treatment for benzodiazepine addiction, exploring various therapeutic approaches can help you find what resonates most with your unique needs. Two alternative concepts that might be beneficial for you are the harm reduction model and the holistic therapy approach.
The harm reduction model stands apart from traditional addiction treatment programs in that it doesn’t insist on total abstinence as the only solution. Instead, it focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of drug use. This may include safer methods of use, and stress reduction strategies – aimed at reducing the need for benzodiazepines. Also learning about the potential risks and effects of benzodiazepine use. This approach can be helpful if you’re not yet ready or able to completely stop using, but you want to start making positive changes in your life.
In contrast, the holistic therapy approach aims to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction. Your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are considered in your treatment plan. You might engage in mindfulness practices, yoga, acupuncture, nutritional counselling, or art therapy, along with more traditional therapies. The goal is to find balance and enhance your overall well-being, which can help address the root causes of your addiction.
In South Africa, organizations like Changes Rehab (medical aid funded addiction treatment) and SANCA (state rehab) offer various treatments incorporating these concepts.
Navigating your way towards recovery from benzodiazepine addiction may feel daunting, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our professional team is committed to guiding you in discovering the appropriate path, tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We believe your addiction and any other co-occurring mental health disorders both need appropriate treatment for your stable recovery. We must address the physical dependency and the underlying issues that contribute to it.
Traditional therapy, harm reduction models, and holistic approaches all over resources and expertise to support you every step of the way. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings, confront your challenges, and build resilience for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Reach out to us today and let’s embark on this journey to recovery together. You’ve already taken the first step by seeking information; now let us guide you on the rest of your journey.
Your road to recovery is unique to you. What works for one person may not work for another. Find a treatment program that uses your unique circumstances, preferences, and needs to begin to formulate a treatment plan. It might be beneficial to try different approaches and therapies to find what resonates most with you and supports your journey towards recovery.
