Neurochemical rebalancing for stimulant addiction involves several key components. First, a comprehensive neurochemical deficiency assessment, spanning across four pages, is conducted. This assessment helps identify specific areas of neurochemical deficiency. Next, a personalized approach is taken to provide individuals with tailored amino acids and supplements. Additionally, an abstinence-based symptom sheet is utilized to monitor and track 25 different symptoms that are correlated with neurochemical imbalances. Based on the information gathered, the amino acid protocol is then adjusted accordingly to address individual needs.

Clients will receive the amino acids and cofactors they need to help restore healthy brain chemistry. For those struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, we usually supplement with the amino acid GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid). This helps to reduce or eliminate cravings and eradicate uncomfortable side effects of recovery, also known as post-acute withdrawal.

Excessive use of benzodiazepines can harm the body in multiple ways. In order to repair the damage that has been done, it’s important to prioritize restoring physical health and wellness:

Improve Nutrition and Teach Healthy Habits: Proper nutrition is essential for restoring physical health after excessive use of benzos. The body needs fuel to repair itself and regain strength. At Bridging the Gaps, we understand that healthy eating is essential to replenish important nutrients. Proper nutrition helps to stabilize mood, reduces cravings, and improves energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Our clients work with a nutritionist to create healthy, balanced meals and learn how to shop for healthy foods and effectively read nutrition facts. The goal is to establish healthy eating habits here that will help our clients when they eventually leave and navigate recovery outside of our walls.

Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise plays a vital role in restoring physical health after benzodiazepine addiction. Not only does it help strengthen the body, but it also releases endorphins which can improve mood and reduce stress. Our clients exercise every morning and attend a private Yoga class once a week with a certified instructor. We prioritize exercise for several reasons. First, exercise releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – common triggers for relapse. It can also help regulate sleep patterns and improve quality of sleep. Lastly, engaging in physical activity also provides a healthy outlet for emotions, reducing the risk of turning to benzos as a coping mechanism.

Promote Healthy Sleep Hygiene: Sleep is essential for the body to heal and repair itself. Many people begin taking benzodiazepines due to insomnia and sleep disturbances, but long-term use of these drugs may actually make sleep problems worse. Benzos can disrupt the natural sleep architecture by decreasing REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is essential for memory consolidation and emotional processing. With prolonged use, individuals may experience rebound insomnia when attempting to discontinue the medication, as their body has become reliant on it for sleep. Incorporating good sleep hygiene practices is crucial for improving overall health. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine, heavy meals, and electronics before bed can help regulate sleep patterns. Getting enough quality sleep can also aid in mood stabilization, reducing cravings and improving overall mental health. We encourage our clients to maintain proper sleep hygiene.

People who have experienced trauma may develop coping mechanisms like substance use to deal with the overwhelming emotions and feelings associated with their trauma. This can include turning to benzodiazepines as a way to self-medicate and numb painful memories or emotions. The clinicians at Bridging the Gaps are dedicated to helping our clients work through these painful events and uncover the hope that lies within.

The first few weeks of group psychotherapy and individual sessions aim to educate the client about their disease, help them begin to address some of the behaviors or thoughts that lead them to use, and begin to build community.

After about 4-6 weeks of stabilization, clients who have suffered significant trauma will begin working on processing these events. The caring, compassionate clinicians at BTG are trained and experienced in trauma-informed care and trauma treatment techniques. Instead of asking, “what’s wrong with you?”, trauma-informed clinicians instead seek to understand what happened to you. Using trauma treatment tools like Brainspotting and DBT, we help our clients to work through their trauma and understand what they need to adequately heal.

At BTG, we believe that the opposite of addiction is connection. We know that the key to long-term success in recovery is having a supportive sober community to help guide you through difficult times. Our clients attend AA or NA meetings and select a sponsor while they’re in treatment with us. Upon completing treatment, we have an Alumni Program that allows our clients to stay in touch and navigate recovery together.