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Benzo Addiction Treatment in PA

At MPower Wellness in Philadelphia, our benzo addiction treatment programs provide the structure and expert care needed to help you heal. Using evidence-based therapies and long-term relapse prevention, we help you or your loved one build the skills and confidence needed for lasting recovery from benzodiazepine addiction.

Author: Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

1 min read

Date Published: September 24, 2025

Understanding Benzodiazepines

When people hear the term benzodiazepines, often called benzos, they usually think of medications prescribed for anxiety, panic attacks, or seizures. Common examples include Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam).

Benzo medications work by slowing activity in the brain. This calming effect can help someone feel more relaxed, steady, and in control. Doctors often prescribe benzos for short-term use because they act quickly and can reduce intense symptoms in a short amount of time. For individuals looking into benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia, understanding how these drugs affect the brain can help clarify why they are both helpful and risky.

The same effects that relieve anxiety can also increase the risk of dependence. Research published in Neurology International found that long-term benzodiazepine use may affect memory and cognitive function. Over time, the brain can become accustomed to benzos, making it harder to function normally without them.

Learning how benzos work and recognizing the potential risks allows people to make informed decisions about their health, especially when considering treatment and support options.

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzo use is common, and misuse is more widespread than many people realize. An extensive systematic review in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that tranquilizers/benzodiazepines were the third most commonly misused prescription/illicit drug in the U.S., with about 2.2% of people reporting past-year misuse. Even as prescriptions increased over the years, overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines surged, and emergency room visits more than tripled—particularly when the drugs were combined with opioids or alcohol.

What Raises Benzo Addiction Risk?

You’re more likely to see problems if you already use other substances, have an active benzo prescription (more access), or are coping with anxiety, insomnia, or mood symptoms without enough support. Many people start by self-treating sleep or stress with extra doses, then slip into patterns that are hard to stop, particularly during young adulthood.

Benzo misuse is a worldwide public-health concern, but spotting it early and getting the right help makes all the difference.

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Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Addiction

When it comes to benzodiazepines, the line between safe use and misuse can blur quickly. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you or a loved one avoid serious health risks.

You might be facing benzodiazepine addiction if you notice behaviors like:

Taking your medication in larger amounts or more often than prescribed
Visiting multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions
Needing higher doses to feel the same effects (tolerance)
Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or poor concentration
Mixing benzos with alcohol or other drugs to enhance the effects

Over time, these patterns can put your health and safety at risk. A study published in The Mental Health Clinician found that benzodiazepine abuse is especially dangerous when combined with opioids or alcohol, leading to skyrocketing emergency department visits and overdose deaths.

Health risks linked to benzo misuse include:

Life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, including seizures
Breathing problems and risk of overdose, especially when combined with other substances
Long-term cognitive decline, such as memory and focus problems
A higher chance of ER visits related to benzodiazepine misuse
Greater risk of accidents, falls, or injuries

If you see these signs in yourself or someone you care about, don’t wait until things get worse. At MPower Wellness, we provide evidence-based care to help you break free from benzodiazepine addiction. Our team will support you every step of the way so you can rebuild your health and regain control of your life.

Benzodiazepine Misuse Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting benzos on your own can be dangerous. Research published by the National Institutes of Health explains that stopping benzodiazepines suddenly may trigger serious complications because of how the drug impacts your brain and nervous system. That’s why withdrawal should always be done under professional medical care, with a safe procedure designed just for you.

Possible withdrawal symptoms include:

Seizures
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Tremors, sweating, and nausea
Insomnia and restlessness
Strong cravings

Medically supervised detox programs gradually monitor your mental and physical health while prescribing medication when needed to keep you safe and prepare you for the next stage of recovery.

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Up to 100% of the costs covered by insurance. At MPower Wellness, we accept most insurance plans. Verify your insurance to get information about your coverage.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Abuse and Addiction

Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction isn’t easy, but with the right support, you can regain balance and stability in your life.

Research published in Australian Prescriber highlights that the most effective treatment for benzodiazepine addiction often includes gradual tapering, switching to a longer-acting medication like diazepam, and combining this with therapy and support systems. Quitting suddenly is unsafe, so having a structured plan makes all the difference.

Here’s what treatment may look like for you:

Gradual Tapering

Instead of stopping all at once, your doctor will help you slowly lower your dose over weeks or months. Tapering benzodiazepines reduces the risk of seizures and makes the process safer and more manageable.

Medication Support

Medication management is essential. Sometimes switching to a longer-acting benzo is recommended before tapering. Other medications, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine or pregabalin, may be used to ease withdrawal effects.

Therapy and Counseling

Psychological support is also crucial. Research shows that combining gradual tapering with therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is more effective than tapering alone. You’ll learn healthier coping strategies for anxiety or insomnia that may have contributed to your benzo use.

Maintenance Programs

If you’re at higher risk of relapse or dealing with complex mental health conditions, a maintenance plan may be suggested. This approach focuses on stability first, so you have time to build strength before working toward complete abstinence.

Supportive Care

Having family support, community programs, or group therapy can make a huge difference in your motivation and confidence.

At MPower Wellness, we use these evidence-based approaches to create a treatment plan that’s personalized for you.

Benzo Addiction Treatment Programs

Effective benzodiazepine addiction treatment includes multiple levels of care to address each stage of recovery. When you’re struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, it can feel overwhelming to imagine life without using the drug. We want you to know that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our Philadelphia addiction treatment programs are designed to meet you where you are, helping you heal safely while rebuilding your strength and independence.

Medical Detox

Recovery often starts with detox, but you never have to go through it alone. An experienced medical team provides continuous support, easing withdrawal symptoms and safeguarding your health throughout the process. With careful, medically supervised tapering, your body is given the time it needs to adjust safely. This stable foundation promotes physical and emotional balance, preparing you for the next stage of treatment and long-term recovery.

Inpatient Rehab Program

An inpatient rehab program provides 24/7 supervision, structured therapy, and relapse-prevention planning in a safe and supportive setting. This level of care is recommended for those with severe dependence or co-occurring mental health issues. If your dependence feels severe or you’re also dealing with other substance use disorders, inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care in a structured and supportive environment. During inpatient care, you’ll focus entirely on recovery, with therapies designed to rebuild coping skills and reduce your risk of relapse.

Outpatient Treatment

We know that not everyone can step away from their life responsibilities. That’s why we offer flexible outpatient programs, ranging in intensity from partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to standard outpatient treatment. You’ll have access to therapy and family sessions that build accountability and trust, all while keeping balance in your daily life. Outpatient care allows you to stay connected to the people and routines that matter most while getting the help you need.

Aftercare & Relapse Prevention

From sober living environments and peer support groups to individualized relapse prevention planning, aftercare services provide the structure and encouragement you need to stay resilient through life’s challenges. With the right tools and community behind you, you can protect your progress and continue growing in recovery.

At MPower Wellness, we believe recovery means more than sobriety; it’s about rebuilding confidence, purpose, and connection. No matter how long you’ve struggled, healing is always possible, and our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.

Why Benzodiazepine Dependence Requires Specialized Care

Benzodiazepines affect the brain’s GABA system, which regulates calm, sleep, and stress response. With repeated use, the brain adapts to the presence of the medication, reducing its natural ability to regulate anxiety and nervous system activity on its own. This neuroadaptation is what makes benzodiazepine dependence different from many other substances and why benzo addiction treatment must follow a careful, medically informed approach.

Dependence can develop even when benzodiazepines are taken exactly as prescribed. Over time, tolerance may increase, leading to higher doses or more frequent use to achieve the same effect. As the brain becomes more reliant on the medication, stopping or reducing use can trigger significant withdrawal symptoms. These risks increase with long-term use, higher doses, and short-acting benzodiazepines.

Specialized care focuses on managing these risks safely while supporting both physical and psychological stabilization. Medical oversight allows for gradual dose adjustments, symptom monitoring, and intervention when needed. At the same time, treatment addresses the underlying conditions that often contribute to benzodiazepine use, such as anxiety, panic symptoms, or sleep disturbances. By combining medical supervision with therapeutic support, benzo addiction treatment provides a safer path toward stability and long-term recovery.

Why Choose MPower Wellness for Benzo Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia?

Finding the right place to begin your recovery is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

At MPower Wellness in Philadelphia, you’ll receive specialized care for benzodiazepine addiction and co-occurring substance use disorders, guided by licensed professionals who understand both the science of addiction and the emotional journey of healing. Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities, with medically supervised care to help you taper off benzos safely and comfortably.

Beyond stabilization, you’ll engage in evidence-based therapies that address not only addiction but also the underlying mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, that often accompany it. Here, compassionate care meets clinical expertise, creating a space where healing feels possible and you’re empowered to rebuild your life with confidence and purpose.

We’re here to walk with you through your options & answer every question.

Key takeaways

Recovery from benzodiazepine dependence requires medically supervised detox, utilizing gradual tapering to safely minimize withdrawal risks, including seizures.
The most effective treatment combines gradual tapering with evidence-based therapies like CBT to establish new, healthier coping mechanisms.
Recognizing patterns like taking higher doses, doctor shopping, or mixing benzos with alcohol indicates a need for immediate, professional intervention.
Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines is dangerous; medication support and professional clinical guidance ensure physical safety throughout the withdrawal process.
Comprehensive care, including inpatient or outpatient programs and aftercare planning, is essential for sustaining long-term recovery and stability.

FAQs

What medication is used to treat benzodiazepine withdrawal?

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is usually managed through a gradual taper rather than stopping suddenly. In clinical settings, longer-acting medications may be used to stabilize symptoms and reduce risks such as seizures or severe anxiety. This approach is commonly part of structured benzodiazepine abuse treatment and broader benzodiazepine addiction treatment, where dosing is adjusted based on symptoms and response over time.

Where can you get help for benzodiazepines?

Help for benzodiazepine dependence is available through outpatient and residential programs that specialize in medication-based tapering and behavioral care. Many people seek benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia because programs in the area offer medical oversight and therapy in one setting. Accessing benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia can also make it easier to coordinate follow-up care and insurance coverage. These services are often part of comprehensive benzodiazepine abuse treatment and may fall under a broader benzo addiction treatment program.

What are the most abused benzodiazepines?

Commonly misused benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin. These medications are often prescribed for anxiety or sleep but carry a high risk of dependence when used long term or outside medical guidance. Ongoing misuse may lead people to require benzodiazepine abuse treatment, particularly when patterns of benzo rehab abuse develop.

How to withdraw benzodiazepines?

Withdrawing from benzodiazepines should be done gradually under medical supervision. Tapering schedules are adjusted based on the specific medication, dose, and length of use. This process is typically guided by clinicians experienced in benzodiazepine addiction treatment and supported through structured benzodiazepine abuse treatment to reduce withdrawal complications.

How do you stop taking benzodiazepines?

Stopping benzodiazepines safely usually involves a planned taper combined with clinical monitoring and therapy. Many individuals turn to benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia for supervised care that reduces withdrawal risks and supports long-term stability. This approach is often part of a broader treatment for benzo addiction, especially when anxiety or sleep disorders are also present.

Does your brain go back to normal after benzodiazepines?

In many cases, brain function improves after benzodiazepines are reduced or discontinued, though recovery can take time. Cognitive symptoms such as memory or concentration issues often improve gradually with continued abstinence and support. Participation in benzo abuse treatment and ongoing benzodiazepine addiction treatment can support neurological recovery and emotional stability.

How is benzodiazepine addiction treated?

Benzodiazepine addiction is treated through a combination of medical tapering, therapy, and ongoing clinical monitoring. Many people access benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia to receive coordinated care that addresses both dependence and underlying mental health needs. Comprehensive benzodiazepine abuse treatment often includes relapse prevention planning and follow-up support, while benzo addiction treatment programs focus on long-term recovery rather than short-term stabilization alone.

What should you know about prescribed benzodiazepines and tapering benzodiazepines?

If you have been prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety, sleep, or another condition, they should be taken exactly as directed. Using these medications for extended periods can lead to physical dependence, even when they are taken as prescribed. Because of this risk, tapering benzodiazepines slowly under medical supervision is considered the safest approach. A gradual taper helps reduce withdrawal severity and lowers the risk of complications such as seizures or breathing problems that can occur with sudden discontinuation.

Why are physical symptoms and cognitive impairment a significant concern with benzo addiction?

Benzodiazepine misuse can lead to a range of physical and neurological effects that often worsen over time. People may experience sleep disruption, coordination problems, slowed thinking, or memory impairment linked to cognitive changes. These symptoms may develop gradually, making them easy to overlook at first, but they can significantly affect daily functioning and overall health. For this reason, professional organizations recognize benzodiazepine misuse as a serious medical issue that often requires structured treatment and monitoring.

How can addiction medicine help with benzodiazepine use and doctor shopping?

Addiction medicine focuses on treating both the physical dependence on substances and the behaviors associated with ongoing use. When benzodiazepine dependence involves doctor shopping or obtaining multiple prescriptions, addiction medicine specialists can review medication history, assess risk, and create a coordinated treatment plan. This may include supervised tapering, therapy, and relapse prevention strategies aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to misuse while improving safety and long-term outcomes.

Get Support for Benzo Addiction Treatment in Philadelphia

If benzodiazepines are starting to feel harder to manage, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Benzo addiction treatment in Philadelphia can help you understand what’s happening, explore safe treatment options, and take the next step at a pace that feels right for you.

If you’re ready to talk, our team is here to listen. Call (484) 517-3005 or contact us to connect with someone who understands benzodiazepine dependence, withdrawal concerns, and recovery planning. We’ll help you review appropriate levels of care, discuss tapering and treatment considerations, and go over insurance and next steps.

To learn more, give us a call, fill out our free insurance form, or send us an email—whatever’s easiest for you. We’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Tom DeVitis, MA, LPC, CAADC

Executive Director

Tom DeVitis is a dedicated behavioral health leader and clinical expert with over a decade of experience in the field of substance abuse treatment. As the Executive Director of MPower Wellness, Tom combines his clinical background as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with a passion for educational outreach and advocacy.

Dr. Deepraj Singh

Medical Director

Dr. Deepraj Singh is a board-certified psychiatrist and the Medical Director at MPower Wellness. With a career spanning emergency psychiatry to outpatient and inpatient care, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a passion for medical education to her work. Dr. Singh previously served on the faculty at Drexel University, where she dedicated herself to teaching resident physicians and medical students.

Last updated: February 9, 2026