Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Treatment Rates Increase for those Addicted to Benzodiazepines & Narcotic Painkillers

A recent survey found that the number of people who have entered treatment for addiction to benzos such as Valium and Xanax as well as narcotic painkillers such as Oxycodone has increased more than 500% in the past ten years. The overall increase in substance abuse treatment admissions during this period of time was just 4 percent as reported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Reports have concluded that more than 33 thousand people received treatment for co-occurring addictions to both narcotic painkillers and benzos in 2010 alone. This figure is a sign of the increased need for specialized treatment centers that can treat multiple addictions in conjunction with one another. Substance abuse of this magnitude is truly an alarming situation and a danger that all members of the treatment community must be made aware of.

Dual addiction is common when a person is addicted to benzodiazepines.

SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde states, “ When patients are battling severe withdrawal effects from two addictive drugs, new treatment strategies may be needed to meet this challenge. These findings will help us better understand the nature and scope of this problem and to develop better approaches to address it.”

The report also confirmed that nearly 40% of those who were suffering from these dual addictions began using both drugs within the same year. For those who did not begin using the drugs in the same period of time, most became addicted to narcotics painkillers prior to becoming addicted to benzodiazepines. Many of the patients who require treatment for these addictions suffer from a psychiatric disorder which must also be addressed during treatment.

How Treatment Centers can Help

Many treatment centers are already equipped to handle co-occurring disorders such as mental illness and addiction but there is little research and evidence behind the number of facilities that can actually treat dual addictions as well as co-occurring mental health disorders too. The rise in addiction to these two drugs paired with mental illness can create great challenges in the treatment community but there is hope. Treatment centers can work with patients to reduce the negative effects of withdrawal, provide education and support for mental illness and put together an action plan that helps that patient stay sober.

If you or someone you know is addicted to narcotic painkillers, benzodiazepines, or both, contact Treatment Centers today to find a local addiction treatment facility that can help. Though the addiction may be difficult to treat, there is help available to you!

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Causes of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is commonly known as ADHD. ADHD is a form of mental disorder, which is commonly found in small children. The children with ADHD disorder suffer impaired functioning. These children find it difficult to concentrate and are very impulsive, restless and also hyperactive. This can greatly affect their progress at school and….

What is opiate Detox

Opiate addiction has been classified as a disorder of the central nervous system of the body that is a result of frequent and prolonged use of opiates. A person with opiate addiction does not have any control over his/her drug craving. Opiate addicts feel lonely and vulnerable as they suffer from highly stressful emotional, social….

Alcoholism in the Jewish community

It’s not easy to be a recovering alcoholic who is also Jewish. It’s hard enough for someone to admit having a problem with alcohol, let alone having to buck long-standing cultural and religions traditions to find sobriety. Helping people overcome these unique challenges is the goal of Jewish Family Service (JFS). With offices located in….

Choosing Between Arizona Treatment Centers for a Loved One

Helping a loved one find needed drug treatment can make a life-changing difference in the life of your loved one. Compared to other states, Arizona carried a higher than average rate for drug-related fatalities in 2008, according to the Arizona Drug Control Update. Arizona also ranks highest in the number of people who reported using….

Why Equine Therapy Helps in Prescription Drug Treatment

What is Equine Therapy? Equine Therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses horses as tools to help a person with emotional problems that they are having a hard time overcoming; equine therapy will help a person rebuild trust in their life, which includes trust with their self and trust in others. The bond between….