Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, was involved in 4.3% of unintentional overdose deaths nationwide.
If benzodiazepine use has moved past what your prescription intended, or you’re taking pills you weren’t prescribed to get through the day, treatment can help you stop safely. Benzodiazepine dependence often forms quietly, sometimes even when the medication is taken exactly as directed, and stopping without medical support carries real risk.
At Yonder Behavioral Health, we provide evidence-based benzodiazepine (benzo) addiction treatment in Kentucky through personalized care plans, and a full continuum of addiction treatment services. Whether you need residential treatment or dual diagnosis care, our team is here to help you take the next step.
Ready to get started? Contact our admissions team for a confidential assessment and insurance verification.
Benzodiazepine addiction, clinically part of sedative use disorder, is the inability to stop using benzodiazepines despite harmful consequences. Benzodiazepines, often called benzos, are prescription sedatives that calm the central nervous system. They’re commonly prescribed for anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures.
Common benzodiazepines include:
Benzodiazepines work by boosting the effect of a brain chemical called GABA, which slows activity in the nervous system. With regular use, the brain adapts and starts to rely on the drug to stay balanced. This is why dependence can develop even in people who take benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed, and why the line between medical use and addiction is easy to cross without realizing it.
Over time, benzodiazepine addiction can affect:
Because benzodiazepines are prescribed so widely, the early signs of a problem are easy to miss or explain away. Someone may need a higher dose to get the same calming effect, or feel unable to face ordinary situations without taking a pill first.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is different from most other substances, and it deserves a direct warning: stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Abrupt cessation after regular use can trigger grand mal seizures, delirium, and other complications that can be life-threatening. This is why quitting cold turkey is never recommended, and why a medically supervised taper is the standard of care.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
The severity depends on the specific benzodiazepine, the dose, how long it was used, and whether other substances are involved. Short-acting benzodiazepines like Xanax tend to produce faster, sharper withdrawal, while longer-acting ones like Valium clear the body more slowly. If you want the detail on how long these drugs stay in your body, our guide on how long benzos stay in your system breaks down the timelines by drug.
Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline is different for everyone, but withdrawal often moves through three general stages.
Anxiety may return, along with restlessness and trouble sleeping. With short-acting benzodiazepines, symptoms can begin within hours of the last dose.
Symptoms often peak during this stage. Physical discomfort and stronger anxiety are common, and seizure risk can be serious without medical management.
For some people, anxiety, insomnia, and mood changes come and go as the brain adjusts. Ongoing therapy and support can make this stage more manageable.
Timelines vary based on the medication, dose, length of use, overall health, and whether withdrawal is medically supervised.
Because of the seizure risk, benzodiazepine treatment almost always starts with a medically managed taper rather than an abrupt stop. Tapering means reducing the dose gradually, on a schedule set by clinicians, so the nervous system has time to adjust without the dangerous swings that come from quitting all at once.
Detox is the first step, not the whole plan. Getting through withdrawal safely creates the stability needed for the therapy and long-term recovery work that follow. Although we do not offer detox services on site here at Yonder, we can help with placement and treatment post-detox.
Effective treatment depends on how long benzodiazepines were used, the dose, whether other substances are involved, and any underlying mental health conditions. Because a benzodiazepine taper takes time and needs close monitoring, most people move through more than one stage of care rather than a single stay.
At Yonder Behavioral Health, residential treatment is the core of what we do. Care is built around a clear continuum, and you can see the full range across our treatment programs.
Medically supervised detox comes first
Because stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can cause seizures, most people need to complete a medically supervised detox or taper before residential treatment begins. Yonder does not provide detox on-site. Our admissions team helps coordinate this step and welcomes clients into residential care once they are medically stable, so no one attempts this dangerous stage alone.
Residential treatment
This is the heart of our program. Clients in our residential treatment program live on-site in Berea and receive around-the-clock support, daily individual and group therapy, dual diagnosis care, and a structured, distraction-free environment. Stepping away from the people, places, and stress tied to benzodiazepine use gives someone the space to focus fully on recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment where appropriate
For clients with co-occurring opioid or alcohol use, or underlying conditions that need medication management, we offer medication-assisted treatment as part of an integrated plan. Medication is always paired with therapy, never used on its own.
Aftercare and ongoing support
Recovery doesn’t end when residential treatment does. Aftercare planning prepares each person for life after discharge with continued therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and connection to recovery support, so the progress made in residential care holds.
Getting off benzodiazepines safely is a medical process. Staying off them is where therapy does the work. Since many people begin taking benzodiazepines for anxiety or insomnia, treatment has to give them better tools for the problems the drug was masking.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize the thought patterns that drive anxiety and substance use, and replace them with healthier responses. It’s particularly useful for the rebound anxiety that often surfaces during and after a taper.
Dialectical behavior therapy teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and skills for managing intense feelings without reaching for medication.
helps individuals strengthen their own reasons for change, which matters when someone is ambivalent about giving up a medication they’ve relied on for years.
Group sessions provide peer support, accountability, and the reassurance of hearing from others working through the same process.
Family therapy helps rebuild trust and communication, and gives loved ones a clearer understanding of what benzodiazepine recovery involves.
Relapse prevention focuses on identifying triggers, managing returning anxiety, and building a plan to handle high-risk moments without benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepine addiction and mental health conditions are closely linked, more so than with many other substances, because these drugs are so often prescribed for anxiety, panic, and insomnia in the first place. Treating the addiction without addressing the anxiety underneath it tends to lead straight back to use.
Our dual diagnosis treatment addresses both at the same time. Common co-occurring conditions include:
By treating the mental health condition and the addiction together, clients learn to manage the symptoms that led them to benzodiazepines without needing the drug to do it.
Every treatment plan is individualized, but residential days follow a structured routine that supports both physical recovery and emotional stability.
A typical day may include:
That balance of clinical care and daily structure helps people rebuild routines that don’t revolve around medication.
Because benzodiazepine tapers can take weeks on their own, treatment length varies more than with some other substances.
30-Day Programs
Provide stabilization, and the start of therapy. Suitable for shorter-term or lower-dose dependence.
60-Day Programs
Allow more time to complete a taper safely and address the anxiety or trauma underneath the addiction.
90-Day Programs
Often recommended for long-term use, high doses, protracted withdrawal, or co-occurring mental health conditions.
Recovery continues beyond formal treatment through aftercare, ongoing therapy, and community support.
The cost of treatment shouldn’t keep you from getting help. At Yonder Behavioral Health, we accept most major private insurance plans, Kentucky Medicaid, and offer self-pay options for those without coverage.
Every plan is different, so your benefits depend on your provider and the care you need. Our admissions team can verify your insurance, explain your coverage, and answer your questions before you begin. If you’re paying out of pocket, we’ll walk you through self-pay options so you can make an informed decision.
By the Numbers
Dependence can develop even when benzodiazepines are prescribed. Mixing them with opioids or stopping suddenly can raise the risk of a medical emergency.
Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, was involved in 4.3% of unintentional overdose deaths nationwide.
More than 9 in 10 benzodiazepine-involved overdose deaths reported by 23 states also involved opioids from January 2019–June 2020.
This was the national unintentional overdose death rate involving alprazolam in 2023.
Alprazolam was identified through postmortem toxicology in 97 Kentucky overdose deaths.
Alprazolam-involved deaths declined slightly, from 99 in 2024 to 97 in 2025.
Important context: “Involved” does not mean alprazolam acted alone. Toxicology often identifies more than one substance in an overdose death.
Sources: CDC/NCHS national mortality data, CDC benzodiazepine overdose study, and Kentucky 2025 Drug Overdose Fatality Report.
Benzodiazepine addiction is confusing for families, partly because the drug often started as a legitimate prescription. It can be hard to know when ordinary medication use has turned into something more.
Family members can help by:
Treatment may be appropriate for individuals who:
Seeking help early, and safely, significantly improves outcomes.
At Yonder BH, we help individuals stop benzodiazepines safely and build a foundation for lasting recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Our program offers:
Whether you’re seeking treatment near Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, or elsewhere in Kentucky, help is available. Taking the first step can feel difficult, but recovery is possible. Our admissions team is ready to answer your questions and help you begin.
Yonder Behavioral Health: 330 Hotel Court, Berea, KY 40403
Step 1: Confidential Assessment
Speak with an admissions specialist about your needs and goals.
Step 2: Insurance Verification
Our team can review your benefits and discuss treatment options.
Step 3: Clinical Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment helps determine the right level of care and a safe tapering plan.
Step 4: Begin Treatment
Once admitted, you’ll begin a personalized treatment plan built around long-term recovery.
Treatment usually begins with a medically supervised taper to reduce the dose gradually and safely, since stopping suddenly can cause seizures. After detox, care continues with therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis treatment for any underlying anxiety, and relapse prevention planning.
Withdrawal is most often managed by tapering the benzodiazepine itself on a controlled schedule. Clinicians sometimes switch a person from a short-acting benzodiazepine to a longer-acting one, such as diazepam, to make the taper smoother, and may add other medications to ease specific symptoms. Any medication plan should be directed by a medical team.
Long-term benzodiazepine misuse can cause memory and concentration problems, ongoing drowsiness, poor coordination, worsening anxiety between doses, and increased risk of falls and accidents. Combining benzodiazepines with alcohol or opioids sharply raises the risk of overdose.
No. Stopping benzodiazepines abruptly after regular use can trigger seizures and other dangerous complications. Benzodiazepines should only be discontinued under medical supervision using a gradual taper.
Acute withdrawal usually lasts one to two weeks, with symptoms often peaking in the first week or two. Some people experience protracted withdrawal, where anxiety, insomnia, and mood changes come and go for weeks or months as the brain adjusts.
In most cases, yes. Yonder Behavioral Health accepts most major private insurance plans and Kentucky Medicaid, and offers self-pay options. Our admissions team can verify your specific benefits before you begin.
Yes, and it’s common. Because benzodiazepines are often prescribed for anxiety, panic, and insomnia, many people who develop a dependence also have an underlying mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both together.
Residential treatment is often recommended for benzodiazepine addiction because it provides 24/7 monitoring during the taper, when seizure risk is highest. The right level of care depends on your dose, length of use, and overall health, which a clinical assessment can help determine.
Ready to stop benzodiazepines safely? Our team is here to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you find a safe path forward. Call Today | Verify Insurance
Franklin Bland serves as Executive Director of Yonder Behavioral Health, bringing more than a decade of experience in the substance use disorder treatment field and a longstanding commitment to developing strong, compassionate teams.
Franklin holds a Bachelor of Health Administration from Capella University and has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout the SUD treatment field. He is intimately familiar with processes from the first call, to the ride to the next step in the recovery journey for those he has the honor of providing care for. Prior to entering healthcare, he spent approximately 20 years building and managing teams in the construction industry. Together, these experiences have shaped a leadership style centered on accountability, collaboration, mentorship, and the belief that exceptional client care begins with a cohesive and supported staff.
As a Mandt-trained leader, Franklin places a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and expects staff interactions with patients to reflect dignity, respect, compassion, and an understanding of each individual’s experiences. He is passionate about mentoring employees, developing future leaders, and helping team members identify opportunities to advance in their own careers.
Franklin believes effective treatment must respect client autonomy, individual choice, and person-centered care. He recognizes that recovery is deeply personal and that there is no single path that works for everyone.
“Not all recovery looks the same, and every human deserves the chance to recover.”
As Executive Director, Franklin works to foster a culture in which compassionate care and accountability go hand in hand. He places a high value on interdepartmental collaboration and believes every department has a role in creating an environment where clients can feel safe, respected, and empowered to pursue lasting recovery.
Dr. William Cooke is the Medical Director of Yonder Behavioral Health, an inpatient facility dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. With over two decades of experience in addiction medicine, Dr. Cooke leads the clinical team with a focus on evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.
As a board-certified expert in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Cooke brings a holistic approach to treatment, integrating medical, psychological, and social support to address the complex needs of individuals on their journey to recovery. Under his leadership, Yonder BH emphasizes a “whole-person” philosophy, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment plans that foster long-term recovery and overall well-being.
Dr. Cooke is also a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of addiction medicine through continuous learning, advocacy, and collaboration. He is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and effective environment where patients can begin their path to healing.
Norma Edwards is an accomplished Human Resources professional with more than 30 years of experience across human resources leadership, employee relations, recruitment, compliance, and organizational development. She has a proven track record of establishing and strengthening HR departments, developing effective systems and processes, and partnering with organizational leadership to support a strong and positive workplace culture.
Currently, Norma serves as Director of Human Resources at Yonder Behavioral Health / Aspen BHC, where she is an active member of the Leadership Team. She oversees all aspects of human resources and plays an integral role in supporting organizational compliance and operational effectiveness.
Throughout her career, Norma has successfully led human resources initiatives within new, rapidly growing, and established organizations. She is particularly experienced in building HR infrastructure from the ground up, developing effective policies and processes, and establishing collaborative partnerships with leaders throughout an organization.
Her professional experience spans the behavioral health, nonprofit, and hospitality industries, providing her with a broad perspective on workforce management, organizational culture, and employee engagement.
Jordan serves as the Director of Nursing at Yonder Behavioral Health and is passionate about helping individuals find hope, healing, and lasting recovery. She believes that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, especially during life’s most challenging moments.
Throughout her nursing career, Jordan has been dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey toward better health and wellness. Her approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and the belief that meaningful connections can make a lasting impact on recovery.
Jordan is passionate about creating a supportive environment where patients feel safe, valued, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She is equally committed to encouraging teamwork, growth, and compassion among those who have the privilege of caring for others.
A strong advocate for recovery-focused care, Jordan believes in meeting people where they are and supporting them every step of the way. Her dedication to helping others and commitment to Yonder Behavioral Health’s mission continue to inspire patients and colleagues alike.
“I believe that every person deserves hope, compassion, and the opportunity to heal. Recovery is a journey, and it’s an honor to walk alongside individuals as they rediscover their strength and potential.”
Joshua Sherbert is a Kentucky native and serves as Program Director at Yonder Behavioral Health. He is passionate about creating a strong recovery culture built on connection, accountability, and support. Joshua believes in meeting people where they are while challenging them to recognize what they are capable of.
What he enjoys most about his work is building meaningful connections, developing a strong team, and watching people begin to believe in themselves as they build a better life through recovery.
Keisha Jones, LCSW, is an experienced behavioral health leader and licensed clinical social worker specializing in substance use disorder treatment, clinical operations, and patient-centered care. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University, providing the foundation for a career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
With extensive experience in clinical leadership, Keisha has a strong background in developing high-performing teams, supervising and supporting clinicians, improving clinical programming, and maintaining high standards of quality and regulatory compliance. Her experience includes overseeing multidisciplinary clinical services, strengthening treatment programs, and promoting evidence-based, person-centered approaches to care.
Keisha is passionate about creating treatment environments where both patients and professionals can thrive. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, compassion, and open communication while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence.
Throughout her career, Keisha has remained dedicated to advancing the quality of behavioral health and addiction treatment and helping individuals build meaningful, sustainable lives in recovery.