Xanax Addiction
Table of Contents
Addiction treatment centers play a crucial role in treating Xanax addiction. Detox assisted by a medical professional is not only recommended, most would say it’s absolutely necessary. That’s because Xanax is incredibly difficult to quit and taper down from on your own. Xanax withdrawal can cause seizures and can even be fatal. Xanax is often overprescribed by doctors and, worse off, counterfeit versions of the drug are often laced with other drugs, including Fentanyl – DEA.gov. Fake Xanax is being sold online and in communities across the country, causing overdose death at rates we haven’t seen before. But, what exactly is Xanax and why is it so addictive?
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine (aka benzo) named alprazolam that is extremely effective at treating anxiety, panic disorders, and anxiety from depression. The effect Xanax has on users can be described as calming and even euphoric. Over time, those who have been prescribed Xanax to deal with anxiety and depression-related anxiety develop a tolerance to the drug and require more and more in order to get the same results. That is why, in addition to being effective, benzos, like Xanax, are notorious for being difficult to quit, and ruthlessly addictive. If you or a loved one is addicted to Xanax, getting professional help as soon as possible is crucial. Addiction to this drug is treated similarly to the way we treat addiction to other benzos. Treatment begins with detox, then residential treatment, and then Intensive Outpatient therapy.
Why Is Xanax Addictive?
Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are very difficult to quit or taper from. These drugs are prescribed to relieve anxiety and panic disorders, but eventually become mentally and physically addictive. Quitting alone at home is never advised. The withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax and other benzodiazepines, like Vicodin and Ativan, can be severe.
How Do You Know If Someone Is Addicted To Xanax?
If you or a loved one is abusing or addicted to Xanax, there are a few warning signs to look out for. Here are a few of them:
- Not taking the pills as medically directed
- Taking more pills than prescribed
- Saving pills to take a larger dosage later
- Seeking more pills when the supply has run out (or before the supply has run out)
- Doctor shopping
- Stealing pills
- Borrowing pills
- Stealing money to buy more pills
- Attempting to quit or taper but being unsuccessful
- Frequent tiredness or drowsiness
- Forgetfulness
- Brain fog
The Stages Of Xanax Addiction Treatment
Stage 1: Detox
Detox is the first stage of treatment. It involves being weaned off of the drug to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Xanax withdrawal can be painful and very dangerous, causing seizures or even death. Therefore, weaning down or tapering is the best thing to do. This is done in a professional setting that is monitored by trained medical professionals. Most often, detox is done with the help of medication-assisted treatment, which helps relieve the discomfort of withdrawal and helps contribute to an environment of success in quitting. Detox lasts between 7 and 10 days. In addition to physical detox services, during detox you’ll also receive therapeutic services. Once the 7 to 10 days are up, you’ll transition into the next level of care, which is either inpatient treatment or Intensive Outpatient. Inpatient care is usually recommended.
Stage 2: Inpatient
After you’ve finished 7 to 10 days of detox, you’ll enter into the next phase, which is inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment. This part of the process generally lasts for between 30 and 90 days. While in residential treatment you’ll learn to change bad habits and develop coping skills through intensive therapy in a residential setting. Although inpatient residential treatment is recommended, attending an Intensive Outpatient program is sometimes ideal if there are extenuating circumstances like work or family responsibilities. Even after inpatient care is complete, some form of outpatient care is recommended.
Stage 3: Intensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient treatment can be done after a residential program is completed or even instead of one. Outpatient treatment continues care to ensure a successful transition back into society and normal life. When choosing an Intensive Outpatient Program it’s important to understand what you need and want out of the experience. Working with a trusted provider who will give you the absolute best care is necessary.
Virtual Treatment Center: Who Are We?
At Virtual Treatment Center, we believe quality addiction recovery and mental health services should be easily accessible to those that want or need them, because ease of accessibility is what most often leads to success. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-tier virtual mental health teletherapy and addiction recovery services to all residents of California. Although we’re located in Orange County, our online teletherapy can be accessed throughout the state. In addition to providing addiction recovery services, we treat a variety of mental health issues and offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). Our teletherapy sessions are done via two-way, live interactive video or by telephone. Therapeutic visits are conducted on Zoom most often, or on other virtual platforms that adhere to HIPAA compliance requirements
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