Benzodiazepine addiction treatment center in Utah

A 2016 study reveals that benzodiazepine abuse affects 2.3% to 18% of Americans. Chronic benzodiazepine abuse puts patients at serious risk of cognitive problems, dementia, falls, and even death. The highest risk comes from combining benzos with opioids or alcohol—patients dealing with this type of polysubstance abuse face 15 times the risk of death.

If you’re ready to break free from benzodiazepines, Ardu can guide you through every step of recovery. Our specialized drug recovery program pairs expert medical supervision with a personalized benzodiazepine tapering plan for a safe, supportive healing space.

Why choose Ardu to treat benzodiazepine addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction (benzodiazepine use disorder) demands professional care for a safe recovery. At Ardu’s Provo, Utah facility, our expert team combines comprehensive therapy with personalized treatment in a peaceful mountain setting. We craft individual treatment plans to match your needs and guide you toward lasting freedom from benzodiazepine dependence.

Abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal puts your life at risk. Our medically supervised detox program carefully tapers your dosage under 24/7 monitoring for a safe and comfortable withdrawal process.

Many clients struggling with benzodiazepine dependence also face other mental health challenges. Our dual diagnosis program treats the addiction and underlying conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD simultaneously.

We tailor every treatment plan to fit your unique path to recovery.

Detox services we offer

The first step to beating benzodiazepine addiction starts with a safe benzo detox. Ardu’s detox services focus on precise, science-backed tapering plans that minimize withdrawal risks while targeting unpleasant physical and mental symptoms.

Our medical experts watch your safety 24/7 while adjusting medications to fit your body’s response. We pair advanced medical treatments with holistic detox treatments to soothe withdrawal.

Your personalized benzodiazepine detox includes:

Expert medical oversight with proven treatments to ease withdrawal, stabilize health, and reduce cravings.
Nutrition plans to restore your body’s essential nutrients depleted by benzodiazepine use.
Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation practices to calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Art, music, and outdoor activities to help you process emotions and heal from trauma.
Advanced therapies such as float spa and vibroacoustic treatments to soothe your nervous system.

Our integrated approach provides a safer detox experience and lays the foundation for long-term recovery.

Rehab services we offer

Ardu’s drug and alcohol rehab services provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you overcome benzodiazepine, opioid, alcohol, or other types of addiction. Our innovative methods and supportive environment maximize your chance for lasting recovery.

Choose from our treatment paths:

Intensive inpatient treatment: We immerse you in a structured environment with round-the-clock care and focused therapy, far from daily triggers and stress.
Outpatient treatment: You’ll maintain daily life while receiving expert support, an ideal path for inpatient graduates or those who need less intensive care.
Partial hospitalization: You’ll receive intensive therapy during the day and return to the comfort of your home each evening.
Family therapy: We strengthen family bonds, enhance communication, and teach loved ones how to support your recovery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This form of psychotherapy uses science-backed methods to reshape the thought patterns that fuel benzodiazepine dependence and mental health challenges.

Whether beginning detox or continuing recovery, Ardu offers the tools and support you need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting change. Reach out to learn how our programs can help you rebuild a healthier, brighter future.

At our treatment facility, our medical providers will work closely with you to develop a personalized recovery plan that meets your unique needs during the detox process and beyond. Visit our admissions process page, and contact our admissions team for more information.

What are the symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction?

Benzodiazepine addiction reveals itself through distinct physical and mental signs. Watch for the following symptoms:

Anxiety and panic attacks spike between doses
Your thoughts focus constantly on getting more benzos
Sleep becomes impossible without the medication
Your memory and concentration worsen
Simple tasks now feel overwhelming without benzos
Your hands shake and your body sweats without the drug
You feel dizzy and nauseous when trying to cut back
Your prescribed dose no longer works, pushing you to take more pills
You mix benzos with alcohol or other drugs to boost the effect

If you spot these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, call Ardu. We’ll guide you toward a safe, confidential path to recovery.

What types of benzodiazepines are the most addictive?

Certain benzodiazepines carry higher addiction risks based on how fast they act and how quickly your body absorbs them. The most addictive benzos include:

Xanax (alprazolam): The most commonly abused benzo acts quickly and packs intense effects. Research shows Xanax prescriptions jumped eightfold in recent years.
Valium (diazepam): This is the most addictive benzodiazepine because of its quick onset and powerful calming effects. Chronic benzo abuse leads to physical dependence, cognitive decline, and higher death rates with long-term use.
Klonopin (clonazepam): A potent anti-anxiety drug that leads to rapid tolerance and difficult withdrawal. According to a 2024 study, Klonopin ranks second in benzo-related emergency room visits.
Ativan (lorazepam): This fast-acting benzo has strong sedative effects and it’s highly sought for misuse. Users report intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Halcion (triazolam): This benzodiazepine is a sleep medication with an extremely short action time, which increases abuse potential.

Shorter-acting benzos such as these hit your system quickly and wear off fast, creating a cycle of highs and lows that fuels addiction. Our specialized IV amino acid therapy replenishes brain chemicals depleted by benzodiazepine use to reduce withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to return to its natural balance.

Contact our drug detox center for more information.

The health impacts of benzodiazepine addiction

Addiction to benzodiazepines attacks every system in your body. Chronic use damages organs and disrupts nearly all important functions from your brain to your bones. Here are eight ways benzodiazepines harm your body:

Benzos shrink brain volume and impair memory, leading to cognitive problems that last beyond sobriety. Vom Hofe, et. al. revealed that benzodiazepine use speeds up the shrinkage of the hippocampus and amygdala—brain regions crucial for memory and emotion.
Joksimović, et. al. provide evidence that benzodiazepines disrupt brain spatial awareness and memory, which leads to poor balance and confusion about direction. Your risk of deadly falls doubles with regular use, especially if you’re over 65.
Benzos stress your cardiovascular system, causing irregular heartbeats and raising your blood pressure.
Long-term benzos wreck your natural sleep patterns. Without pills, your brain won’t reach the deep sleep phases needed for physical and mental restoration.
Benzos cripple your immune defense system. Research shows that benzodiazepine use suppresses the immune system through direct impact on T-cells and neural pathways in the brain. Your body can’t fight off basic infections and illnesses it once defeated with ease.
Benzodiazepine dependence causes your original anxiety and depression to surge far beyond their initial levels. According to Chinese researchers, the withdrawal phase magnifies these mental health problems dramatically because benzodiazepine use alters your brain’s natural ability to regulate mood and emotion. Your brain now needs higher doses for relief, yet these same pills will amplify your mental health symptoms to extreme levels.
Your liver and kidneys will sustain heavy damage from constant benzo exposure as these vital organs fail to process the daily flood of chemicals.
Benzodiazepines disrupt your nerve signals and energy metabolism. This weakens your muscles over time and makes you feel constantly exhausted.

Don’t wait for benzodiazepine addiction to destroy your brain and life. Early treatment results in better recovery outcomes. Our drug rehab center is equipped to battle every substance use disorder (SUD), from benzos to alcohol.

Are benzodiazepines hard to get off of?

Benzodiazepines rank among the hardest and most dangerous drugs to quit. According to a 2022 online survey, 95% of users need medical supervision when quitting benzo use to avoid potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These drugs grip the brain and body so powerfully that most people need months or years of careful medical tapering to break free.

The FDA reports that even short-term use (2–4 weeks) can lead to physical dependence, and about half of patients who take benzos for more than two months face serious withdrawal complications such as:

Life-threatening seizures that strike without warning.
Complete sleeplessness for days or weeks at a time.
Severe panic attacks and overwhelming waves of fear.
Sharp drops in blood pressure that can cause blackouts.
Intense muscle spasms and full-body pain.
Memory loss and extreme difficulty with basic tasks.

A small percentage of patients (5%) stop independently without complications, but most need a carefully structured medical tapering plan. This tapering process often extends several months or even years because the symptoms of benzo withdrawal can remain severe and life-threatening without proper dose reduction under medical supervision.

Do benzodiazepines need to be tapered off?

Patients must taper off Benzodiazepines under medical supervision; sudden stoppage puts your life at risk. Withdrawal requires a precise medical strategy called the Ashton Method, a proven approach to reduce your dose while protecting you from dangerous effects.

Here’s how Ardu’s medical team guides you to recovery:

A full medical assessment builds your specific reduction plan.
Your doctor sets a safe schedule based on your dosage and health.
A switch to diazepam stabilizes your withdrawal phase.
Daily medical checks track your progress and safety.
Targeted medications ease withdrawal without disruption.
You master natural techniques to control anxiety and sleep.
Therapy sessions uncover the roots of benzo dependence.
A solid aftercare plan keeps you strong in recovery.

A 2018 study conducted in the Netherlands offers insights into the effectiveness of a structured tapering program. 62% of patients successfully discontinued benzodiazepines under medical supervision.

Reach out to Ardu and let’s build a personalized path to help you reclaim your life.

Benzodiazepine rehab center FAQ

How do you stop taking benzodiazepines?

Stopping benzodiazepines requires medical supervision to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, anxiety disorders, and muscle pain. The best approach is tapering the dose gradually, which lowers the risk of dangerous side effects and withdrawal syndrome.

A professional treatment plan may include inpatient care or an intensive outpatient program, depending on the severity of the addiction. Medication-assisted treatment and ongoing therapy, such as motivational interviewing or cognitive behavioral therapy, address co-occurring mental health disorders and emotional health challenges. The recovery process often involves holistic approaches, healthy coping skills, and aftercare programs to minimize the risk of relapse.

What is considered long-term benzo use?

Long-term benzodiazepine use typically refers to taking the medication for over 3-4 weeks. Prolonged use can lead to physiological dependence, impaired coordination, memory issues, and an increased risk of severe symptoms such as withdrawal syndrome and benzodiazepine use disorder.

The duration of action varies depending on the drug, with short-acting benzodiazepines often causing tolerance and addiction more quickly. Long-term use may also result in co-occurring mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder and depression, which further complicates the recovery journey. Medical detoxification and personalized treatment plans are often required for those experiencing long-term dependence.

How to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines?

Reversing the effects of benzodiazepines depends on the situation, such as overdose or long-term use. While flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, is effective for emergencies such as an overdose, comprehensive care is required for addiction or withdrawal.

Here are some ways medical professionals reverse the harmful effects of benzodiazepines:

Healthcare professionals offer immediate assistance to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of severe complications.
Gradual tapering under medical supervision minimizes withdrawal symptoms and ensures a safer recovery.
Residential programs provide structured care for severe cases, addressing physical recovery and mental health needs.
Holistic methods, such as individual therapy and motivational interviewing, tackle co-occurring mental disorders and support long-term recovery.
Aftercare programs and outpatient support help patients maintain progress and build resilience throughout their recovery journey.

Which benzo is easiest to withdraw from?

Long-acting benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) are easier to withdraw from than short-acting ones such as alprazolam (Xanax). This is because long-acting benzodiazepines have a smoother tapering process and reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms (e.g., muscle pain, anxiety disorders, and increased heart rate). They stay in the system longer, which helps stabilize blood levels and minimizes fluctuations that can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. Their extended half-life provides more time for the body to adapt gradually, making the detox process safer and more manageable under medical supervision.

What does Xanax do to your face?

Prolonged Xanax use can lead to physical symptoms such as puffiness, blurred vision, and impaired coordination. These effects stem from its impact on muscle relaxation, water retention, and slowed nervous system activity. Addiction to Xanax can cause poor concentration and overall health decline, affecting skin quality and increasing signs of aging.

What is the best treatment for benzodiazepine addiction?

The best treatment for benzodiazepine addiction combines medication-assisted treatment, professional detoxification, and ongoing therapy.

A residential treatment program offers comprehensive care for severe addictions, including medical detox programs and therapeutic support to manage withdrawal symptoms such as slurred speech and heart palpitations.
Outpatient programs and family therapy sessions can help with aftercare planning and emotional health.
Holistic approaches and healthy coping skills reduce the risk of relapse and improve the overall quality of life.

What is a benzo belly?

Benzo belly describes bloating, abdominal discomfort, and digestive issues during benzodiazepine withdrawal. These symptoms arise because benzodiazepines disrupt the central nervous system’s control of the digestive tract, leading to changes in gut motility and increased sensitivity. Individuals often face constipation, diarrhea, gas, or nausea, which reduces daily functionality and affects overall well-being.

This condition often occurs alongside other benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and muscle pain, complicating recovery. To address benzo belly successfully, you need to correct nervous system imbalances, adjust diets, increase hydration, and use probiotics or targeted stress-reduction strategies. In severe cases, medical professionals may incorporate symptom-focused care as part of a structured withdrawal plan.

Does benzodiazepine tolerance go away?

Benzodiazepine tolerance can decrease over time, but it depends on how the drug is discontinued and the extent of use. Tolerance develops because the body adapts to the drug, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect. Once benzodiazepines are stopped, the brain gradually readjusts its natural chemical balance, but this process takes time and varies for each individual.

A gradual tapering process under medical care helps reduce the risk of severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and anxiety disorders. In cases of prolonged use, tolerance reversal may be slower and requires close monitoring by healthcare professionals for safety and to prevent complications. Resetting tolerance also involves avoiding re-exposure to prescription drugs.

What medication is used for benzodiazepine cravings?

Medication-assisted treatment for benzodiazepine cravings may include anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers to manage symptoms of withdrawal. Gabapentin and pregabalin are sometimes prescribed to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

A professional treatment plan often combines these with holistic approaches, healthy coping skills, and ongoing therapy to support emotional health and address co-occurring mental health conditions.

Resources

Schmitz, A. (2016). Benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse: A review. The Mental Health Clinician, 6(3), 120. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.05.120

Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber, 38(5), 152. https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2015.055

Ramdin C, Mina G, Nelson L, Mazer-Amirshahi M. Benzodiazepine Discharge Prescriptions From Emergency Departments Across the United States Between 2012 and 2019: A National Analysis. J Addict Med. 2024 Jul-Aug 01;18(4):451-457. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001310. Epub 2024 May 22. PMID: 38776422.

Hofe, I. V., Stricker, B. H., Vernooij, M. W., Ikram, M. K., Ikram, M. A., & Wolters, F. J. (2024). Benzodiazepine use in relation to long-term dementia risk and imaging markers of neurodegeneration: a population-based study. BMC Medicine, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03437-5

Joksimović, S., Divljaković, J., Van Linn, M. L., Varagic, Z., Brajković, G., Milinković, M. M., Yin, W., Timić, T., Sieghart, W., Cook, J. M., & Savić, M. M. (2012). BENZODIAZEPINE-INDUCED SPATIAL LEARNING DEFICITS IN RATS ARE REGULATED BY THE DEGREE OF MODULATION OF α1 GABAA RECEPTORS. European Neuropsychopharmacology : The Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 23(5), 390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.05.003

Chen, J., Chen, Z., Zhang, Y., Fan, X., Zhang, C., Zhu, J., Song, C., Zhang, S., Zhang, D., Tang, L., Li, B., Yang, W., & Hu, Q. (2024). Effective alleviation of depressive and anxious symptoms and sleep disorders in benzodiazepine-dependent patients through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Addiction Biology, 29(7), e13425. https://doi.org/10.1111/adb.13425

Reid Finlayson, A. J., Macoubrie, J., Huff, C., Foster, D. E., & Martin, P. R. (2022). Experiences with benzodiazepine use, tapering, and discontinuation: An Internet survey. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 12, 20451253221082386. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253221082386

Voshaar, R. C. O., Gorgels, W. J. M. J., Mol, A. J. J., Van Balkom, A. J. L. M., Van De Lisdonk, E. H., Breteler, M. H. M., Van Den Hoogen, J. M., & Zitman, F. G. (2003b). Tapering off long-term benzodiazepine use with or without group cognitive-behavioural therapy: three-condition, randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 182(6), 498–504. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.182.6.498.