Sedative Addiction Treatment and Rehab Programs
Sedatives include several types of central nervous system (CNS) depressant medications with a variety of therapeutic uses.1 Prescription sedatives include:1,2
- Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital.
- Benzodiazepines like Ativan (lorazepam), Halcion (triazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam).
- Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics or sleep medications such as Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon).
Sedatives may be prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety, seizures, or sleep problems. Many sedative medications work by increasing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain; by doing so, sedatives decrease excitatory brain signals, making people feel sleepy and relaxed.1,2
The desired therapeutic effects of sedatives may also be somewhat reinforcing or rewarding. This can make them more likely to be misused. Misuse of prescription sedatives can involve taking them more often or in larger doses than prescribed, taking them when they aren’t prescribed by a doctor, or sometimes via alternate routes of use, such as by crushing the pills and snorting them.1
Prescription sedative misuse can increase the risk of overdose and various harmful health issues, including addiction development.1,2 Though recovery can be challenging, sedative addiction treatment can be effective.
Types of Treatment for Sedative Addiction
Sedative addiction treatment may involve a range of treatments in various settings, including detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs. A person may transition between these settings as treatment progresses to meet their evolving needs.3 According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), effective treatment is individualized.3 It’s important to tailor a person’s treatment plans to address specific needs, such as if they have a co-occurring mental health disorder.3
Medical Detox for Sedative Addiction
Detox offers a comfortable and safe place to withdraw from sedatives (and other substances you may be taking) while under medical supervision.4 This is especially important for people with significant sedative dependence as withdrawal can involve potentially dangerous symptoms.5 Medically supervised detox can help manage uncomfortable sedative withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and cravings, and address complications that arise.4,5
Sedative withdrawal is often managed medically with pharmacological support.4,5 This can include administering a relatively long-acting benzodiazepine such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or clonazepam (Klonopin), or a barbiturate such as phenobarbital before a gradual dose reduction as symptoms resolve and withdrawal risks subside.4,5 Other medications may be used if a person is also dependent on other substances (e.g., alcohol, opioids).4
Detox can be an important first step in recovery, however, it alone is not a substitute for more comprehensive rehabilitation. For many individuals, detox is followed by a period of inpatient or outpatient treatment to address deeper issues and promote long-term sobriety.3
Inpatient Treatment for Sedative Addiction
Inpatient addiction treatment involves staying at a hospital or other facility that is staffed around the clock and has both medical and psychiatric staff available.6 This type of setting can be a good option for people with more severe sedative addictions, significant mental or physical health issues, or those with unstable or unsupportive home environments.6
Since there are no FDA-approved medications to treat sedative addiction, treatment relies heavily on behavioral therapy.7 Programs often use various types of techniques, including behavioral therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), individual and group counseling, and participation in support groups.3,7 In cases of polysubstance use (e.g., the use of two or more substances), treatment may involve FDA-approved medications, especially if a person is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or opioid use disorder (AUD).4
Outpatient Programs for Sedative Addiction
Outpatient rehab programs may be more appropriate for people who have relatively less severe sedative addictions, have already completed an inpatient or residential program, and have stable housing and access to reliable transportation.6
There are different levels of care within outpatient treatment, depending on your needs.6 Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the most intensive level of outpatient care.6 These programs involve at least 20 hours of services weekly.6 Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) involve at least 9 hours per week of services.6 Though the length of outpatient treatment programs may vary for each individual, the intensity of programming could decrease as you make progress in your recovery.3
Therapies for Sedative Addiction Treatment
Treatment for sedative addiction involves various therapies to help you learn how to maintain recovery.3,7 Some therapies used throughout sedative addiction treatment may include:3,7
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a technique that can be applied in various group and individual settings. CBT can lead to healthier, more adaptive changes in thoughts and behaviors and can help people develop more effective coping strategies, stress management, and relapse prevention skills.
- Group therapy, where behavioral therapy is practiced with others in treatment and is facilitated by a therapist, allowing you to give and receive support from people in the same situation as you.
- Individual therapy, where you work with a therapist one-on-one to work on areas in which sedative use has impacted your life, such as work, legal problems, and social or family relationships, as well as your sobriety.
- Family counseling, where you and your loved ones can work on your relationships, and learn how to cooperate and create a supportive recovery environment.
Start Your Recovery From Sedative Addiction Today
If you’re ready to take the next step, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help. You can get referrals for sedative addiction treatment by talking to your doctor or therapist or by calling your insurance provider.
You can also contact an AAC admissions navigator when you call . Our confidential and free helpline is available 24/7 to answer your questions and connect you to treatment. Not ready to talk just yet? You can verify your insurance benefits now to see what’s covered and reach out later.