Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is one of most prescribed medications in America, the most prescribed psychiatric medication, and highly addictive. There are a large percentage of individuals who need Xanax addiction treatment but may not want to admit it even to themselves. They may have begun using it during a stressful time in their life and appreciated how it relaxed them. What was supposed to be temporary may turn into an abusive situation. Their body has proceeded to become physically dependent upon Xanax, and they find that they need an increasing amount to feel the calm they are after. Xanax leaves the system quicker than other most other benzos, often causing withdrawal symptoms to appear before they are even officially due for their next dose. This reinforces the psychological dependency to it even if someone is following their doctor’s instructions. Anyone who finds that they would benefit from treatment to overcome their addiction to Xanax will find that it’s never too late for compassionate help.

What exactly is Xanax?

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine and is one of the most abused prescription and illicit drugs. It relaxes the central nervous system, creating feelings of happiness and security, then proceeds to change the chemistry of the brain.  It is frequently used to treat generalized (GAD) anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. It is a tremendously addictive with users quickly developing a tolerance. A severe addiction may witness the user taking 20 to 30 pills a day. Their brain has adjusted to its constant presence and cannot function normally without it at this point, and they will feel withdrawal symptoms when they don’t have access to the drug, which means that they have become physically addicted. 70% of teens who abuse Xanax discovered it by stealing it from a family member who started taking it because of their anxiety. Taking too much Xanax can be lethal; however, it can be particularly dangerous when combined with other substances, such as alcohol, which is known as polydrug abuse. 

How do I know if Xanax use has tuned into an addiction that needs treatment?

Someone who takes Xanax may be prescribed to take it three or four times a day. People want the best for their loved one, so when they notice that they are less anxious, they trust them not to abuse the drug that is helping them. Additionally, it is difficult to tell just how many they are taking, since everyone’s reaction is different. Each person’s reactions to the drug are based on the following:

• Weight and age
• Current medical conditions
• Frequency and amount of Xanax taken
• If other drugs were taken

When you are either analyzing your own behavior or someone you love to determine if there is a need for Xanax addiction treatment, some of the behaviors and symptoms to look for include:

• Mixing Xanax with alcohol and other drugs
• Taking it more often than prescribed
• Using someone else’s prescription
• An obsession with Xanax
• Physical symptoms
  • Sleepiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Lack of coordination
  • Decreased sex drive
• Psychological symptoms
  • Confusion
  • Manic mood swings
  • Memory issues
  • Easily annoyed
  • Talkative
  • Noticeable changes in behavior

The out of character change in attitude in those who are using a great deal of Xanax is enough to alert someone who knows and loves them. Even individuals who used to have energy can appear apathetic and lethargic.  

What is Xanax rebound?

 If someone started taking Xanax because of a mental issue from which they needed relief, they may experience rebound symptoms when they stop taking it. When rebounding, symptoms of the underlying issue, like anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia, are exaggerated. This usually lasts for approximately one week. If it was not a temporary situation, the underlying disorder may need focused treatment.

What happens in Xanax Addiction Treatment?

No drug addict intends to ever be labeled that — an addict. Some people are naïve enough to think that they can control the drug and they cannot become addicted if they do exactly as their doctor says. Xanax is an extremely addictive substance that does not discriminate whose life it ruins. Driving to and being admitted to a Xanax treatment addiction center is uncomfortable and filled with uncertainty, so it may help to know what can be expected. Every facility has minute differences, but there are basic processes in most drug rehabilitation programs, including:

• Detox
  • This is the elimination of the substance from the body. Detox from Xanax is best gone through with medical monitoring due to its life-threatening potential. Duration depends on the amount and frequency of use. Anxiety and irritability start as soon as the last dose wears off, so in six to 12 hours. These rebound symptoms worsen but peak between one and four days, accompanied by shaking, muscle pain, sweating, and more. Weeks one to two see improvement but symptoms will still persist. At 15 days and longer, someone may only see mild anxiety. Some previous users experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that may fluctuate over the next two years. This is also called PAWS (post-acute withdrawal symptoms).
• Rehabilitation
  • Most recovery only occurs when someone changes their thoughts and behaviors about life. Emotional responses to the past may have led to and maintained the Xanax addiction, so it may require resolving traumatic events or anxiety. Coping skills assist in dealing with life’s stressors and help someone maintain their sobriety.
  • Once the physical dependence has been cleared, working out the anxieties related to their life will help them stay sober. Some of the goals of rehab may include:
    • Easing the rebound anxiety that is common in patients using Xanax.
    • Treating underlying trauma that led someone down this abusive path. If they submit themselves to the vulnerability that happens in therapy, they will have a freedom that they never realized was possible.
    • Treating someone with a dual diagnosis, or mental health component. Mental health and substance abuse are closely intertwined. 
    • Teaching the family how to be supportive to limit the number of relapses. 
    • Attending group therapy for the necessary support when they are struggling. This helps them learn from others’ experiences, as well as help others.
    • Applying learned therapies that are healthier methods to cope with anxiety and manage stress. Learning how to recognize and avoid or handle triggers as they arise will help maintain sobriety.
  • Aftercare and Recovery
    • Everyone’s story of how they are constantly overcoming their Xanax addiction varies, as does their story how they became addicted. Some recovered better in their home environment, but many addicts require inpatient rehab and a gradual transition back into society. They may benefit from the services of a halfway house or sober living home instead of returning home to the triggers that threaten their sobriety. Relapse is a common problem so when it happens, it is important for to not feel like a failure. The most important part of relapse is knowing that they need to get to help immediately, whether it is a meeting, counselor, or someone in their support system. It is, sadly, a part of this already difficult process.

How do I choose a Xanax Addiction Treatment program?

Immersing yourself in treatment is crucial to a successful recovery. Every person needs to surround themselves with activities that remind them how they once enjoyed life. This may be the best way for them to maintain interest in in how to stay away from Xanax. Discovering what complements your needs comes about when you ask the right questions.

• Do they specifically treat Xanax addiction?
• Is their program inpatient or outpatient and how long is recommended? 
• Is there involvement of a mental health component?
• What types of therapies do they offer? A combination creates the best success.  
  • Faith-based therapy (like Jewish and Catholic)
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
  • Cooking therapy
  • Equine therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapy, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation
• What is their success rate?
• Is the staff appropriately trained?
• Do they offer job skills training or career assistance for aftercare?
• Do they help create an aftercare plan with 12-step programs or halfway houses?
• What is the cost of treatment? Do they take insurance (even Obamacare and Medicare) and, if not, what are the financial options?

How do I pay for Xanax Addiction Treatment?

Deciding that you need help is huge. Figuring out how to pay for it can cause enough anxiety to back out of the whole plan; however, there are always options. Everyone deserves a chance to live their best life and each program wants to make sure you have that opportunity. Outpatient rehab runs from $5,000 for 90-days of treatment to $10,000 for a luxury one. Inpatient rehab requires residing at the location so may cost around $6,000 for a 30-day program. It can also carry a price tag up to $20,000 for distinguished programs. 60- and 90-day programs can cost between $12,000 and $60,000. Prices of outpatient depend on the frequency and duration of the visits. Payment options include: 

• Health insurance – Most common payment method with coverage depending on the insurance:
  • Medicaid and Medicare
  • Obamacare, or the ACA (Affordable Care Act)
  • Private insurance
  • Military insurance, such as that used in VA centers.
• Scholarships and Grants – SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) supplies information, as well as opportunities to save on the cost of rehab.
• Sliding scale fees – monthly payments designed according to a patient’s income level.
• Savings - IRAs, 401k plans, and home equity loans
• Fundraising – GoFundMe and other Crowdfunding organizations. People can also pay the facility directly.

Knowing what to expect when you or a loved one are about to enter a Xanax Addiction Treatment program can ease some of the anxiety that normally surrounds this process. Many patients do not go in of their own accord and may experience relapses; however, there is always hope and the compassionate staff at a rehab facility only wants their patients to achieve and maintain a successful sobriety. It is never too late to live a fulfilling life without Xanax, and there is always hope.