Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax is a very helpful and effective drug for people who suffer from anxiety, panic attacks or agoraphobia (fear of being in places or situations one may not be able to escape that can lead to panic). When a doctor prescribes Xanax he or she usually limits the number of doses to 30 or less and the number of refills to six or less in a year’s time.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a Schedule IV drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. It is habit forming and can trap almost anyone abusing Xanax in the prison of drug addiction. Taking Xanax (and other benzodiazepines such as Librium and Valium) gives the user a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. The drug acts upon the brain, reducing electro-chemical activity and quickly bringing a feeling of calm where anxiety lessens, fears are reduced and the body relaxes. One Xanax abuser said the drug gave him a feeling of “calm, peace, relaxation, happiness, serenity and a ‘don’t care’ attitude.” No doubt those feelings were much more welcome than unrelenting anxiety.
The Effects of the Drug
Unfortunately, the body gets accustomed to the effect of Xanax so that more and more is required to get those same feelings. What makes matters worse, Xanax brings two other problems. First, it is fast-acting. When an abuser takes the drug he or she gets quick relief from the anxiety or other issues they’re facing. Taking more Xanax to get more relief just seems to make sense. Second, the drug has a short-term effect. The good feelings don’t last very long. So again, the user often feels that taking more is the answer. As this cycle of overdosing continues, the drug brings about changes to the body, brain and thinking processes. The person becomes addicted and needs to seek the professional help of an addiction treatment center. Going “cold turkey” and trying to break Xanax addiction without medical supervision can lead to seizures that can be fatal.
Treatment for Xanax
Every person addicted to drugs has a unique set of needs. However there are some common elements in each treatment plan. At Delray Recovery Center these usually include…
- Detoxification – The body needs be returned to its normal functioning, which requires that Xanax be entirely eliminated from the system. During detox the patient is closely monitored and supported through the withdrawal stages that are sure to arise. Xanax detoxification protocols usually include special medications that reduce the discomforts withdrawal brings.
- Stabilization – Once detox is completed, the patient enters a support and treatment phase that includes counseling. The goal is two-fold: first, to help the person deal with a changed life that no longer includes Xanax; and second, to help the person learn new thought patterns and ideas consistent with a non-addictive lifestyle.
- Long Term Success – As therapy and counseling progress, each person may participate in group and individual counseling, holistic therapy and workshops that can include twelve-step methods and life-skills training.
- After-Care Treatment – Once the patient leaves drug rehabilitation and returns home to “real life,” additional workshops and individual therapy are usually helpful. The patient may be faced with finding a job, re-establishing relations with family and friends and other stressful or difficult situations where extra support is important to a full, drug-free recovery.
Contact Delray Recovery Center Today
If you or your loved one has found themselves in a losing battle with addiction, please seek help with Delray Recovery Center. You are not alone in this fight. We understand what you are going through and we are here to help.
Call us today at the toll free number at the top of the page. If voicing your struggle causes anxiety, please simply fill out our form. We look forward to hearing from you.
