Benzos, short for benzodiazepines, are a kind of sedative drug. Benzos work by slowing down the brain and depressing the central nervous system. Doctors prescribe benzos to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, acute-muscle spasms, and panic disorders.

Benzos are one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. In 2016, the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (JCP) research found that 17.1% of people who used benzos in the United States misused the drug. Misusing means you are more likely to be taking them in higher doses and over a long time. This increases your chances of developing an addiction.

Benzo addiction and abuse can be hazardous, with physical and psychological side effects. Benzo misuse is linked to visits to the emergency department, cognitive impairment, and impaired memory. In severe cases, it can worsen the conditions it usually treats. It may result in severe depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Repeated use of benzos can quickly lead to a physical dependence on the drug. Using benzos for just three to four weeks is likely to result in dependence. If you develop a physical dependence, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using it, making it harder to quit using the substance.

Benzo withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. In severe cases, they may include paranoia, delusion, and seizures. Benzo withdrawal should always take place with medical supervision.

At Cirque Lodge, we offer a specialized, private detox facility with 24-hour supervision under the guidance of medical professionals. Our licensed and compassionate team are always available to cater to your needs and make the detox process as comfortable as possible for you. They may prescribe you medication to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

If you have a benzo addiction, detox is usually only the first part of the rehabilitation process. Long-term recovery requires you to overcome the underlying causes of your addiction.

Effective drug addiction treatment offers an individualized program that treats the entire person.

At Cirque Lodge, we offer a combination of different evidence-based approaches as part of your program to provide a holistic healing experience. We identify any underlying causes of your benzodiazepine addiction and treat them, and we help you overcome your addiction through personal growth and spiritual development.

Surrounded by the spectacular Rocky Mountains, Cirque Lodge is the perfect place to heal. Our enriching program offers you a fresh start in life and helps you find inspiration for the journey ahead.

Some of our treatment approaches for benzodiazepines include:

• Dual diagnosis
• Trauma
• Experiential therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Family therapy
• Psychoeducational lectures
• Continuing care

In-depth Assessment

Your treatment experience begins with an in-depth assessment of the nature and causes of your benzo addiction. Our expert team combines the results with their extensive scientific knowledge to design an individualized treatment program for you.

Your therapist will work with you in designing your treatment plan and offer continued support throughout the recovery process.

Treating Trauma

Experience of trauma often underlies an individual’s drug use. For those who have experienced trauma, treating it is an essential part of recovering from addiction. If ignored, trauma can cause addictive behaviors to resurface, even after long periods of sobriety.

Sadly, many events in life can cause you to experience trauma in some form. Trauma can involve threatening circumstances that you were witness to or that you are part of. It may involve grief after the death of a loved one or experiencing a terrorist attack or natural disaster. Trauma can result from physical, mental, and sexual abuse.

Often, people dealing with emotional and psychological trauma look for an escape from their feelings. For many people, drugs or alcohol constitute this escape.

At Cirque Lodge, trauma treatment involves individual therapy with our experienced team of professional therapists. Our approach to trauma therapy is personal and private.

We strive to create a compassionate and healing environment where you can feel completely safe. We provide the highest levels of care so that you can focus entirely on your treatment. All our staff members are expertly trained and sensitive to your experiences of trauma and other conditions.

Co-occurring Disorders

Many people who have a substance use disorder also have another mental health condition. Co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety can be the driving force behind addiction. SAMHSA found that almost half of the people with SUD have another mental illness.

Co-occurring disorders may have developed as a result of addiction or have been present before they began. Healing these disorders prevents the same thoughts and coping behaviors from re-triggering drug use in the future.

At Cirque Lodge, our treatment program focuses on healing the entire person. We treat co-occurring disorders, so you can overcome your addiction and lay the foundations for a joyful and productive life.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

The causes of addiction are complex and often deep-rooted.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involves identifying the thoughts, patterns, and behaviors that underlie addiction and developing skills to overcome them. It helps you identify the triggers for drug abuse, learn how to avoid them, and develop strategies to cope with them.

CBT is an important tool for long-term recovery and maintaining abstinence. National Institute of Drug Abuse research suggests that skills you learn in cognitive-behavioral therapy remain long after your residential treatment has ended.

Experiential Therapy

In experiential therapy, you learn and strengthen skills through outdoor activities. At Cirque Lodge, you can go horse-riding, go on a mountain hike, ride in a helicopter, or complete a high ropes course, among other things. Experiential therapy helps you build self-confidence and work through personal challenges in a hands-on way.

Recovery is a lifelong process, and effective treatment involves laying strong foundations for the journey ahead. It requires finding the motivation and commitment to persevere through future challenges.

Enriching and memorable experiences are an invaluable tool for rediscovering your love of life and finding inspiration for the journey ahead.