Benzodiazepine Abuse Hotlines – 100% Confidential – 24/7
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Richard Foster, LICDC-CSMarch 21, 2019
Benzodiazepine abuse hotlines are a free resource that can help individuals find information on benzodiazepine medication abuse and addiction and different treatment options. Although benzodiazepines can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety and seizure disorders, they are still a highly addictive class of medications.
Overdose deaths related to benzodiazepine abuse have skyrocketed in recent years. With studies reporting four times the number of deaths from benzodiazepine abuse from 1999 to 2010. Even more concerning, research also indicates that when someone abuses benzos, he or she is more likely to abuse other substances, like opioids. Roughly 75 percent of benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths also involved opioids.
Commonly abused benzodiazepine medications may include:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
How Can A Benzodiazepine Abuse Hotline Help?
Many benzodiazepine abuse hotlines remain open 24-hours a day, every day. So individuals can have around-the-clock access to information they may need to pursue addiction treatment. Calls made to these helplines are anonymous and do not require those who call to provide personal information.
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Reputable, national abuse hotlines are staffed with highly trained individuals who are there to listen and provide answers, not judge and berate an individual’s personal choices.
Benzodiazepine Abuse Hotlines: When Should You Call?
In some cases, it can be difficult to tell when to call a benzodiazepine abuse hotline. Many people may have been prescribed the medication for a legitimate medical reason, and one reason or another began to misuse the drug.
Benzo abuse hotlines can help you determine whether or not there is a problem with the way a medication is being used, and what the next steps should be moving forward.
Signs of benzodiazepine abuse can include:
- mental confusion
- depression
- disorientation
- impaired memory and judgment
- poor reflexes
- unexplainable drowsiness
- depressed or difficulty breathing
- trouble forming words
- excessive sedation
Benzodiazepines are also a fairly broad drug classification, with both short-and- long-acting medications. Depending on the benzodiazepine, and how much is taken, individuals may experience a wide array of symptoms.
If someone is exhibiting some or all of the above signs and symptoms, it may be time to call a benzodiazepine abuse hotline. One phone call can set the ball in motion to a better quality of life.
Benzodiazepine Abuse Hotlines: What To Expect When Calling
After dialing a benzodiazepine abuse hotline, formally trained staff will answer. Generally, the phone call will start with the staff member asking for basic information such as your name and the reason for your call. Once these two things have been established, helpline staff will likely inform you that the call is confidential and provide you with the information you’re looking for.
If you are looking for local treatment options, hotline staff may also ask for your postal code, to be able to refer you to relevant treatment options. Aside from a zip code though, hotlines will not likely ask for any other personal information.
Many people often wonder if they need health insurance when they call a drug abuse hotline. While it is not necessary to have insurance to call, it can be beneficial to have this information handy when looking for treatment options.
Individuals who do not have insurance or are underinsured can still find help for their benzodiazepine abuse, however. In these circumstances, benzodiazepine abuse hotlines will often refer individuals to state-funded treatment options. Or to private treatment options that work on a sliding scale or income-based fees.
Questions To Ask When Calling A Benzodiazepine Abuse Helpline
Often, people report feeling intimidated or fear being judged as a reason for not calling a drug abuse hotline. However, it is essential to know that hotline staff is there to help. They want to assist in any way they can.
It may be difficult to think of what to ask once on the phone with someone. Here are some questions to consider while calling a benzodiazepine abuse hotline:
- Is it necessary to attend a benzodiazepine detox program?
- How can I identify if myself or a loved one have a benzodiazepine use disorder?
- What should the next step in my process be?
- Where can I go for treatment? Is there a program near me?
- Does my health insurance cover addiction treatment? How can I find out?
- Are there specific medications for benzodiazepine abuse?
This list is only a sample of questions someone can ask. If you have a question not shown on the list, please do not hesitate to ask the helpline representative for more information.
National Benzodiazepine Abuse Hotlines
When someone is struggling with benzodiazepine abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do next. It is possible to break an addiction to benzodiazepines, with the proper help. Start on the path to recovery today with a risk-free phone call.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
1-800-487-4889 (TDD) for the hearing impaired
- free and confidential service 24/7, 365-days-a-year
- treatment referral and information services, in English and Spanish,) on an individual basis and to families who are affected by substance use disorders and mental health issues
- referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Individuals who call this service can also order free publications and other information.
The Partnership At Drugfree.Org
1-855-378-4373
- a toll-free drug abuse helpline for parents
- free information and resources on teen drug use and addiction for parents, which can help them prevent and intervene in their children’s drug use
- find local addiction treatment options for a child who needs it
National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
1 (800) NCA-CALL (622-2255)
- alcohol-specific abuse information
- referrals to many affiliate programs around the country that can help with substance abuse issues
www.ncadd.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
In addition to providing suicide prevention services, this hotline also provides information on drug and alcohol abuse, and how to connect with nearby professional addiction treatment.
Additional Resources
The National Alliance On Mental Illness And Mental Health America
These two nonprofit organizations have partnered to provide self-help support groups for individuals and families dealing with a variety of mental health disorders. Both organizations offer State and local affiliates throughout the country that may be especially helpful for people with co-occurring substance and mental health disorders.
Faces & Voices Of Recovery
This is an advocacy organization for people who are participating in long-term recovery that works to reach out to medical, public health, criminal justice, and other communities to promote and celebrate recovery from substance abuse and addiction.
Article SourcesCNN - Benzodiazepine overdose deaths soared in recent years, study finds
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition) - Where can family members go for information on treatment options?
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - National Helpline
