Balneotherapy Together with a Psychoeducation Program for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Long-term benzodiazepine use affects a significant patient proportion, posing a public health challenge.
• Effective strategies for discontinuing long-term benzodiazepine treatment are limited.
• Benzodiazepine dependence requires innovative therapeutic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of a combined cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and balneotherapy program.
• To facilitate long-term benzodiazepine discontinuation in patients using them for over 6 months.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a spa-based intervention for benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Main Methods:

• Prospective multicentre cohort study design.
• Recruitment of patients with long-term benzodiazepine use for anxiolytic withdrawal.
• A 3-week intensive program including psychoeducation and daily balneotherapy.

Main Results:

• Benzodiazepine intake decreased by 75.3% at 6 months post-program.
• 41.4% of patients completely ceased benzodiazepine use.
• Discontinuation led to greater improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to dose reduction.

Conclusions:

• Balneotherapy combined with a psychoeducational program is effective for benzodiazepine addiction.
• The spa-based intervention demonstrates efficiency in facilitating benzodiazepine discontinuation.
• This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for managing long-term benzodiazepine dependence.