It is crucial to take precautions to reduce the risk of a benzodiazepine overdose. National surveys have discovered that 50% of high school adolescents reported obtaining prescription sedatives, including benzodiazepines, from relatives and family members.

The following steps will go a long way towards saving your life and those of loved ones:

• Follow the instructions properly; use the correct dosage, frequency, and method of administering the drug.

• Do not share other people's medications; they may be prescribed a higher dose due to differences in age or weight.

• Avoid the use of other medicines with or without alcohol.

• Discuss with your medical service provider any side effects you experience after using the prescription.

• Discuss all the drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you currently take with your medical provider.

• Keep all sedatives away from children and teenagers.

• Keep all prescription medications in a locked cabinet.

• Repair expired drugs at U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collection sites.

• Enlighten your teens and children on the risks of prescription drug use.

Consider seeking medical treatment if you are struggling with Benzodiazepine addiction;

• Inpatient Treatment; In this case, you must reside in the recovery facility and participate in therapy and counseling sessions for a part of the day. You can get user support and a structured environment that reduces the cravings for benzodiazepines. As it is an intensive treatment, if you are highly dependent on benzodiazepines, your risk of relapse is minimized, and you can become sober sooner.

• Medically Supervised Detoxification; This mode of treatment will give you ready access to immediate help if you are highly dependent on Benzodiazepines because of the risk of withdrawal. These detox facilities have medical personnel who monitor and treat withdrawal and other symptoms that may arise during your stay. If you abruptly stop taking the drug, you can experience anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and seizures.

• Outpatient Therapy; You can opt to attend therapy sessions after inpatient treatment, ranging from hour-long sessions to several days per week while attending to other obligations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behavior into healthy coping skills. It incorporates both inpatient and outpatient treatment modes. In this case, you learn how to relate your thoughts, feelings, and behavior to how they might have contributed to or perpetuated your substance abuse.