Sedative Use Disorder Treatment
Sedatives like benzodiazepines and sleeping pills can be helpful when used as prescribed, but misuse is highly risky. At Drift Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs, we offer expert-led care to help you stop safely and rebuild your health.
Sedative Definition
Sedatives are medications that slow down brain activity, yielding a calming effect. They are often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, or muscle tension. Depending on how they’re used, sedatives could work as:
- Anxiolytics (ang-zye-uh-LIT-iks): Medications that reduce symptoms of anxiety or panic by calming brain activity and slowing nervous system responses.
- Hypnotics: Medications that help people to fall asleep or stay asleep; often used for treating insomnia, they work by slowing brain function to promote rest.
- Combination medications: Some drugs act as both anxiolytics and hypnotics, depending on the dose, frequency, and reason they’re being prescribed.
Sedative Addiction Treatment at Drift Behavioral Health
Our outpatient programs in Colorado Springs provide tailored, supportive care for sedative misuse. Whether you need structure during the day or flexible scheduling at night, our team meets you where you are.
Partial Hospitalization Program
5–6 days a week, around 5 hours per day
PHP delivers comprehensive care in an outpatient setting with group therapy, individual sessions, medication support, and real-world skill building.
Intensive Outpatient Program
3-5 days a week, 3-4 hours per day
IOP gives you consistent treatment with more freedom, ideal if you’re stepping down from PHP or managing school, work, or home life.
Telehealth Options
Attend all levels of care online via secure Zoom sessions
Get high-quality care from home: therapy, medication management, case support, and the privacy and ease of a flexible schedule.
What You Can Expect in Treatment
Optional 12-Step: If group support helps you stay motivated, you can join a recovery community that meets regularly and shares lived experience.
Evidence-Based Therapies: Take part in cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and both group and individual sessions if needed.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms with medications like Suboxone, Sublocade, Vivitrol, or naltrexone.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Heal in a safe, respectful setting with therapists who understand how trauma can shape addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Support: We address co-occurring substance use and mental health together, creating space for full, lasting recovery.
Common Sedative Medications
Sedatives typically fall into two categories: anxiolytics, which ease anxiety, and hypnotics, which help with sleep.
Benzodiazepines: Anxiolytic Sedatives
Benzos treat anxiety, panic attacks, and muscle spasms. These medications can quickly build tolerance and should be taken exactly as prescribed.
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Hypnotics: Sleep Aids
Used for short-term sleep problems, hypnotics act fast and are often prescribed in low doses. They can cause dependency if not closely monitored.
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Zaleplon (Sonata)
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Sedative Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting sedatives without medical supervision may trigger serious symptoms, especially if you’ve taken them regularly or long term:
- Shaking or tremors
- Panic attacks or surges of anxiety
- Night sweats or chills
- Insomnia or vivid nightmares
- Confusion, disorientation, or hallucinations
- Seizures in rare or severe cases
Medical Detox Placement
Because withdrawal can involve medical risks, Drift helps coordinate placements with trusted detox partners. We ensure your care is supervised and supportive from the start.
Risks and Long-Term Effects of Sedative Abuse
- Memory loss or difficulty staying focused
- Ongoing mood swings or depression
- Greater overdose risk, especially with alcohol
- Disrupted sleep cycles and heightened anxiety
- Physical tolerance or dependency
- Struggles at work, home, or in relationships
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention in Colorado
Your progress deserves long-term support. At Drift, we help you stay on track with services like:
- Customized aftercare planning
- Skills-based workshops and relapse prevention tools
- Peer groups, mentorship, and alumni events
- Referrals to sober living and outside therapists
Start Your Recovery From Sedative Addiction Today
If sedative use is interfering with your life, support is close. At Drift Behavioral Health, we match proven clinical treatments with holistic support to help you recover safely and fully. Reach out today and let’s build your recovery plan together.
FAQs on Sedative Addiction Treatment
Can you get addicted to sedatives?
Yes. Sedatives can cause physical and emotional dependence, especially with frequent or long-term use.
Which drugs are sedatives?
Common sedatives include benzodiazepines (like Klonopin and Valium) and hypnotics (like Ambien and Lunesta).
Is Xanax a sedative?
Yes. Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that treats anxiety by slowing down the nervous system.
What sedative is good for anxiety?
Ativan or Klonopin are sometimes prescribed for anxiety, but they’re meant for short-term use under a doctor’s care.
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