Benzodiazepine Addiction in Maine
Understanding the Risks and Seeking Help
Benzodiazepine Abuse in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
Common benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Klonopin (Clonazepam)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
Benzodiazepines, commonly known as “benzos,” are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. However, they are highly addictive and frequently misused. In Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, benzodiazepine addiction is a growing concern, especially when combined with opioids, fentanyl, or alcohol, leading to dangerous, life-threatening consequences.
Many people start taking benzodiazepines with a legitimate prescription but develop a dependency that leads to misuse. Others obtain them illegally, often unaware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.
At Connextions Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive addiction treatment for individuals struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, including those who are cross-addicted to opioids, fentanyl, or alcohol. Our PNMI residential program, recovery housing, and outpatient services offer a structured path to recovery for men and women throughout Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Signs and Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction often co-occurs with opioid or alcohol abuse, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit. Medical stabilization is crucial before entering a structured recovery program to ensure safety and prevent life-threatening complications.
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination and unsteady movements
- Blurred vision
- Memory impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions
- Isolating from friends and family
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors
- Experiencing legal or financial troubles
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings and irritability
- Cognitive impairment and confusion
- Hallucinations or paranoia
Physical Signs of Addiction
Behavioral Changes
Psychological Symptoms
Benzodiazepine addiction often co-occurs with opioid or alcohol abuse, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit. Medical stabilization is crucial before entering a structured recovery program to ensure safety and prevent life-threatening complications.
How Connections Behavioral Health Can Help
At Connections Behavioral Health, we offer a full continuum of care for benzodiazepine addiction, including support for individuals who are also addicted to fentanyl, alcohol, or opioids.
PNMI Residential Program
Our Private Non-Medical Institution (PNMI) residential program provides:
- A structured, supportive environment for recovery
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs
- Therapeutic support to address underlying mental health issues
Recovery Housing
For those transitioning out of residential treatment, our recovery housing offers:
- A safe, drug-free environment to support long-term sobriety
- Peer accountability and recovery coaching
- Access to outpatient services for continued care
Outpatient Services
Our outpatient programs offer flexible treatment options while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities.
We provide:
- Individual and group therapy
- Family counseling to rebuild relationships
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those with co-occurring opioid or fentanyl addiction
- Relapse prevention planning
The Risks of Benzodiazepine Use and Polysubstance Abuse
Inherent RisksBenzodiazepines are often used in combination with other substances, which increases the likelihood of severe consequences, including:
- Overdose Risk: When mixed with alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can slow breathing to dangerous levels, leading to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
- Legal Consequences: Unlawful possession, driving under the influence, and engaging in illegal activities to obtain benzodiazepines can result in arrests and criminal charges.
- Cognitive Decline: Long-term benzodiazepine abuse is linked to memory loss, impaired decision-making, and difficulty concentrating.
- Withdrawal Dangers: Stopping benzodiazepines abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, panic attacks, and hallucinations.
If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, seeking professional treatment is the safest and most effective way to recover.
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The Risks of Benzodiazepine Use and Polysubstance Abuse
Inherent RisksBenzodiazepines are often used in combination with other substances, which increases the likelihood of severe consequences, including:
- Overdose Risk: When mixed with alcohol or opioids, benzodiazepines can slow breathing to dangerous levels, leading to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
- Legal Consequences: Unlawful possession, driving under the influence, and engaging in illegal activities to obtain benzodiazepines can result in arrests and criminal charges.
- Cognitive Decline: Long-term benzodiazepine abuse is linked to memory loss, impaired decision-making, and difficulty concentrating.
- Withdrawal Dangers: Stopping benzodiazepines abruptly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, panic attacks, and hallucinations.
If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, seeking professional treatment is the safest and most effective way to recover.
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