Prescription Sedative Addiction Treatment
Sedatives are drugs that are prescribed to help people with anxiety and insomnia as a treatment; these powerful drugs are designed to reduce feelings of stress and allow patients to return to a state of calm.
Prescription sedatives and tranquillisers are central nervous system depressants and should not be taken without the guidance of a medical doctor. These drugs are extremely powerful, and depending on the sedative, some carry a higher potential risk of overdose and addiction.
Popular forms of prescribed sedatives include:
- Alprazolam
- Chlordiazepoxide
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Triazolam
- Eszopiclone
- Zaleplon
- Zolpidem
Prescribed sedatives are not meant to put you in a transient state, but they can if taken in higher dosages. If a patient uses a sedative and tranquilliser over the prescribed limit, you will see physical signs of the misuse, which may include:
- Disorientation
- Depression
- Slurred speech
- Aggressive behaviour
- Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviours
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Concentration issues
- Confusion
- Headache
- Abnormal coordination
- Memory impairment
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Disturbing dreams
- Paranoia
- Mild euphoria
Due to the nature of these drugs, and their addictive qualities, those who misuse prescription sedatives or tranquillisers for a long time or in large amounts are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These uncomfortable feelings encourage dependence on the drug, which can lead to daily use and abuse.
Seek out help for Prescription Sedatives
Once a person has become dependent upon sedatives, they will experience painful withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop using them. Depending on the individual, the timeline may vary from a few hours to up to ten days before withdrawal symptoms kick in and can drive a person back into a pattern of sedative abuse.
This is why it is crucial for a person to receive treatment to successfully break the cycle of addiction, which could involve several steps, including:
- Supervised withdrawal
- Medical supervision
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
If you’re beginning to feel that your use of sedatives is starting to take a toll on your mental and physical well-being, or you have begun to spiral into a cycle of addiction.
It may be time to seek professional help.
Treating your prescription sedative addiction
When an individual misuses prescription sedatives or tranquillisers, they are very likely to become physically dependent, it becomes a lifestyle, a habit, and they feel they cannot function without the drug to attain any feeling of normalcy or pleasure.
Addiction to prescription sedatives can be a serious and complex issue to treat, but it is not a position from which an addict cannot recover. It’s important to remember that treatment for addiction to prescription sedatives is a process that takes time and commitment.
It begins by accepting you have a problem and require help, then taking positive steps to address it.
Medical supervision is an option as part of in-patient rehab and is the first step for most addicts. If the addict’s sedative withdrawal symptoms are intense, it can encourage relapse, which is why they need supervision and support.
The withdrawal process can be uncomfortable, but once the habit is broken, addicts are left feeling better as cravings begin to subside.
The reduction in craving intensity, along with a comprehensive 12 Step rehabilitation programme, forms the base of recovery. In addition, our team of counsellors will care for your overall mental health and identify the root cause of your addiction, and tackle it.
During rehabilitation, you will also be provided with various tools to help you achieve long-term sobriety so that once you’re back home, you have the mental clarity and recovery information to avoid relapsing.
Post-treatment for prescription sedative addiction
Once you are discharged from our facility, if you wish, you can continue treatment. We are open to providing additional post-treatment support. Studies have shown that recovering addicts who take advantage of aftercare stand a better chance of avoiding a relapse.
So reach out to us after your stay should you require additional support.
Don’t let your addiction to sedatives rule your life. Take control today by getting in touch with us for professional help.
The pros and cons of prescription sedative rehab
Treatment options or rehabilitation programs for sedative addiction are similar to treatment programs and protocols for addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Depending on your mental dependence on sedatives, a recovery program will be tailored to you.
The advantages of seeking addiction treatment in a private rehab like ours are numerous. We are equipped with some of the top addiction counsellors in South Africa, with years of experience in helping those battling sedative addiction to achieve a full recovery in a safe environment.
Other benefits of getting your addiction treated in our facility include the following:
- Quick admission
- Medical supervision
- Personalised treatment
- Private care
- 24-hour supervision
- Safe and peaceful environments
- High-quality facilities
- Aftercare services
These benefits, along with tailored solutions for your specific case, are available to anyone seeking out private rehab treatment with The Cedars in South Africa.
Reach out to us today and start your journey towards recovery.
chemical addictions
- CAT
- Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Hallucinogens
- Heroine
- Inhalants
- Ketamine
- Marijuana
- MDMA/Ecstasy
- Prescription Medication
- Prescription Opioids
- Prescription Stimulants
- Synthetic Cannabinoids
- Synthetic Cathinones
behavioural addictions
- Eating Disorders
- Exercise Addiction
- Gambling Disorder
- Gaming Addiction
- Pornography Addiction
- Sex Addiction
- Shopping Addiction
- Social Media Addiction
treatment phases & length
Primary Phase
inclusions
- Medication assisted stabilization and withdrawal management
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion
and focus groups - Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Introduction to 12-Step program and written Step work
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun sober recreational activities
- Healthy meals prepared by our in-house chef, regular aerobic exercise and yoga classes offered by a personal trainer, excursions
Secondary Phase
inclusions
- Daily group-based therapy including interactive, discussion and focus groups
- Regular individual therapy sessions with a counsellor
- Counselling sessions and assessments with a psychologist
- Educational workshops about addiction related topics
- Family therapy sessions (arranged by Zoom if necessary)
- 12-Step Meetings
- Community outings involving fun, sober recreational activities
Tertiary Phase
inclusions
- Accommodation and meals
- Weekly check-in groups
- Check-in sessions with their counsellor, by appointment
- Weekly 12 Step meetings
post treatment support
If you require post-treatment counselling, please click here