About 40% of people who take benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) are likely to develop an addiction to the drug. Xanax is a brand of alprazolam used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is also one of the most popular medications for anxiety disorders in the United States. Xanax incites feelings of calmness, and many use it to relieve stress, aid sleep, or get an easy high and, as such, can become dependent on it.
Signs You Might Have a Problem With Xanax
Xanax Addiction is characterized by:
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms, also known as rebound symptoms, occur when anxiety symptoms reemerge severely when you stop taking the drugs.
Physical withdrawal symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Loss of Appetite
- Seizure
- Slurred Speech
- Sweating
- Hypertension
Psychological symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- Increase in anxiety and panic, and paranoia
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Mood Swings
- Unable to control emotions and moods
- Depression and Thoughts of Suicide
Tolerance
Tolerance/ dependence is a common addiction feature where the user needs increasing doses to reach the desired effect.
Getting Help With a Xanax Addiction
Xanax abuse can come on unexpectedly, especially because Xanax can be prescribed by a doctor. If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, please don’t wait to see help.
There are addiction treatment centers around the country that offer Xanax addiction treatment. With the help from addiction treatment professionals, you can overcome a Xanax addiction safely. When Looking for a Xanax addiction treatment near you, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- The facility has qualified staff and licensed mental health and medical practitioners.
- The facility is certified and have accreditations
- They offer evidence-based treatment that has been proven to work in the past
According to NAADAC, you should read the addiction treatment facilities mission statement to understand their goals and how they can help you recover.
What Happens During Xanax Addiction Treatment
Treatment for a Xanax addiction can either be in 2 forms depending on the intensity of the addiction. This can include inpatient treatment, where you’re required to live within the facilities during treatment.
Another form of treatment is outpatient treatment. You are not required to live onsite at an outpatient facility and are able to live at home / maintain employment while undergoing treatment. Outpatient treatment is a great tool to use after inpatient treatment or if you have a milder addiction.
The first step of Xanax addiction treatment in many facilities is detoxification, which involves getting Xanax out of your system safely. Along with detoxing, you can expect the following:
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Initial Intake
This will likely happen before detoxification. The staff members at the treatment facility will get your full medical / addiction history. This will help the facility put together an individualized treatment plan for your recovery.
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Medications
Xanax addiction treatment may involve using drugs to treat the side effects of Xanax abuse like hypertension, cravings, and seizures.
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Individual Therapy:
Therapy is an essential part of the recovery process, especially if Xanax addiction is linked to a mental illness or psychological history. Therapy also helps change the user’s compulsive thinking, which will help them with recovery.
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Support Groups:
Group therapy and attending support groups are a common part of addiction treatment. It’s important for recovering addicts to know they’re not alone in their recovery, and others have experienced similar things as them.
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Family Therapy
Addiction is considered to be a family disease. Chances are while you are using, your actions at one point or another will affect your family. During Xanax addiction treatment, it’s important to address your addiction with the whole family so everyone can heal.
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Aftercare Planning
Unfortunately once you complete Xanax addiction treatment, your addiction doesn’t just go away. Addiction is a lifelong disease. Before you leave any addiction treatment program, the rehab will work with you to put together a long term aftercare plan to help you stay sober.
Get Help With Addiction at Anchored Tides Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, reach out to use today at Anchored Tides Recovery. We are a substance abuse and behavioral treatment facility just for women.
We aim to improve the quality of life for women living with mental illnesses or struggling with substance abuse.
Anchored Tides Recovery offers evidence-based treatment approaches, professional staff always on the ground, and a breathtaking structured facility.To start treatment or for more details on how we can help you, please visit our contact page!