Versed is a prescription medication, classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed medicines in the country, despite their misuse, addiction and dependence potential. The generic name of Versed is midazolam. This is used to provide anesthesia and sedation before a procedure. In less common cases, it can be used as an insomnia treatment, for severe agitation and certain seizure-related conditions. Versed usually begins working very quickly. If it’s injected, it can work within a few minutes. As with any benzodiazepine, people can become addicted to Versed as well as developing a drug dependence. For these reasons, most doctors wouldn’t prescribe it for any long-term use. Using it beyond even just a few days can increase the risk of addiction and dependence. Versed is most often used in hospital and clinical settings, although it might be prescribed for at-home use if someone hasn’t responded to other medications for insomnia.

Versed Addiction

Drug addiction is a disease. With prescription drugs, it often occurs without the individual even initially noticing there is a problem. This brain disease is characterized by specific symptoms, including compulsive substance use. When someone is addicted to a benzodiazepine like Versed, their focus is almost solely on getting more and continuing to use the substance. Addiction means their substance use dominates a person’s life. This can lead to distortions in a person’s thinking, judgment and behavior. There have been studies looking at brain images of addicted individuals showing visible changes in areas related to judgment, decision-making and control.

Symptoms of Versed addiction can include strong, out-of-control cravings and failed attempts to stop using it. People who suffer from the disease of addiction will often have problems at school or work, and social and relationship problems that develop over time. Despite well-known problems, someone who is struggling with addiction will continue to use a substance. There can be physical symptoms of addiction as well, such as deteriorating health and physical dependence. When someone is dependent on Versed or another substance, they will go through withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it.

Versed Addiction Treatment

There has been a significant uptick in the number of people entering addiction treatment and rehab for prescription drugs in the past decade. Drug treatment is a way for people who are struggling with an addiction to stop compulsively seeking and using drugs. There are different settings and treatment approaches, and programs can vary in length. For many people, treatment is a long-term and ongoing process. The core of most drug treatment programs is behavioral therapy. There may also be certain medications used, and therapies can include a combination of group and individual settings.

With Versed addiction treatment, there may be some complexities that are relevant. First, with benzodiazepine addiction, people often have other substance misuse problems as well. Benzodiazepine misuse and addiction rarely happen on their own. When someone is misusing or addicted to multiple substances, it’s a polydrug addiction. Treatment has to address these addictions separately but also within the context of one another.  Since Versed is frequently used to treat certain mental health conditions, these also have to be treated during Versed rehab.

Since both prescription drugs and illicit drugs affect brain chemistry and systems, treatment approaches don’t vary much between these categories. The goal of Versed addiction treatment and rehab is to help people learn more about their addiction. Other goals include learning strategies to deal with cravings and ways to prevent relapse. Many drug addiction treatment programs will also work on supplemental therapies. These can help patients learn communication, relationship and family skills.

Following an inpatient or outpatient Versed addiction treatment program, a person will ideally participate in aftercare. Aftercare can include continued individual therapy and participation in self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. How long someone stays in an addiction treatment program can depend on everything from the extent of their drug misuse to the costs. There’s no one program that’s right for everyone. Most treatment centers will personalize programs to the needs of the individual to increase the chance of success. It’s also important to look for programs that treat physical dependence through detox.

Ultimately, treating addictions like Versed is challenging, but possible. Addiction is viewed as a treatable condition. However, effective Versed addiction treatment has to look at all factors. This includes medical, social, psychological and vocational considerations. A person struggling with addiction also needs to remain committed to a program that lasts for enough time.

To learn more about the principles of effective treatment and to get answers to questions such as how to pay for rehab and how to choose a program, contact The Recovery Village.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.