Sedative addiction treatment

What are sedatives?

Sedatives are sometimes called depressants and work to slow activity in your brain and nervous system. They generally come in the form of a pill or tablet and are prescribed by doctors to treat disorders including panic attacks, insomnia and seizures. 

Sedatives can be broken into three main categories, including: 

• Benzodiazepines 
• Barbiturates
• Sleeping medications

Benzodiazepines

Prescribed to treat severe stress, sleep disorders and panic attacks, benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed sedatives. They affect the brain in a similar way to alcohol, which is an effect that sometimes leads to substance misuse (using a prescription outside of directions from a doctor) and addiction.

Common benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Temazepam (Restoril)

Barbiturates

Commonly prescribed by doctors to treat seizure disorders and extreme pain, barbiturates have the effect of causing calm and sleepiness. They may make a person feel drunk and intoxicated, which makes them highly addictive. When someone stops taking barbiturates, they can experience some adverse side effects, which is why inpatient care and medication-assisted treatment are often necessary for treatment.

Types of barbiturates include:

• Amytal (Amobarbital)
• Fiorinal/Fioricet (Butalbital)
• Luminal (Phenobarbital)
• Nembutal (Pentobarbital)
• Seconal (Secobarbital)

Sleeping medications

Also called “sleeping pills,” these are meant to help people who have trouble getting to or staying asleep. They are meant as a temporary solution or insomnia and are often prescribed only for a short period of time. Sleeping medications work by depressing the central nervous system enough to help someone relax and fall asleep.

Sometimes, people become dependent on these pills and form an addiction. While sleeping pills are largely non-habit forming, people can become reliant on them and can develop a tolerance to them that leads to substance misuse.

Types of sleeping pills include:

• Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
• Temazepam (Restoril) 
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Zaleplon (Sonata)
• Zolpidem (Ambien)

Signs of sedative addiction

Each sedative affects the brain in different ways, but most can help people who struggle with feeling calm and relaxed or sleeping. However, when sedatives are misused for a euphoric effect, it can lead to addiction.

While sedative addiction isn’t always easy to spot, some key symptoms include:

• Anxiety 
• Confusion
• Impaired judgment 
• Inability to focus or concentrate 
• Mood swings 
• Slow or shallow breathing 
• Slurred speech 

Treatment for sedative addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reaching out for help is a powerful first step in overcoming addiction. At Geisinger Marworth, we create a treatment plan that focuses on the individual, with a treatment path that works best for you and your needs. 

Treatments for sedative addiction may include:

Medication sedative treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), also referred to as "medications for addiction treatment," focuses on treating the whole person, not just symptoms. MAT is an effective way to overcome drug and alcohol addiction and works by easing someone off a substance, which reduces the likelihood of an overdose while lessening withdrawal symptoms. 

We use medications that treat acute or chronic pain and help treat sedative addiction, including:

• Buprenorphine (Suboxone®)
• IM Buprenorphine (Sublocade®)
• Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol®)

Learn more about medication-assisted treatment at Geisinger Marworth.

Inpatient addiction treatment

With inpatient care, you’ll have 24/7 support and live at our facility, located on a 27-acre former governor's estate, for the duration of your stay. Inpatient addiction treatment services include:

Inpatient addiction treatment services include:

• Drug and alcohol screenings and evaluations
• Full detoxification services, including naltrexone detox for opiate addiction
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Recreational therapy including a low elements rope course
• Educational therapy
• Specialized program for healthcare professionals
• Specialized program for uniformed professionals
• Specialized services for dual-diagnosis with a mental illness
• Separate groups for men and women
• Trauma & PTSD support groups
• Relationship issues support (including sexual compulsivity/addiction)
• Nutrition education program (including eating disorders)
• Relapse prevention support group
• Family program
  

Learn more about inpatient addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth.

Outpatient addiction treatment

If you’re looking for addiction treatment for you or a loved one that accommodates your needs and unique, personal situations (including work schedules), outpatient addiction treatment can help.

We take a holistic approach to your care that puts you at the center through a combination of treatment with medical, spiritual and emotional support. In fact, our outpatient treatment centers are recognized as a Center of Excellence.

Our outpatient addiction services include:

• Psychoeducational therapy on addiction and relapse prevention
• Daily or weekly group counseling
• Multi-family counseling group
• Individual counseling
• Weekly healthcare professional group counseling
• Family counseling

Learn more about outpatient addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth.

Addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth

The addiction treatment at Geisinger Marworth team has helped countless people recover from addictions. No matter what your situation may be, we’re here for you with:

• Compassionate, confidential care – More than 40,000 individuals have turned to Geisinger Marworth for help with drug and alcohol addiction. With counselors available 24/7, we focus on treating the whole person — not just the symptoms of addiction. That’s why you’ll find a variety of treatments, including recreational therapy, medication-assisted therapy and more.
  
• Leading-edge therapies – We offer many paths to help you achieve long-lasting recovery. Overcoming alcohol or drug addiction is possible. Everyone’s journey is unique, which is why we offer a wide range of specialized services and treatments. You’ll find treatment programs in clinics and hospitals throughout our region, so you can receive support close to home.
  
• Backed by a healthcare system – As part of Geisinger health system, locations throughout northeast, central and south-central Pennsylvania mean you don’t have to travel far to get the care and help you need. For inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment, find an addiction treatment center that’s close to you by calling 866-362-6344.