Xanax Detoxification
Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is a short acting drug used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and neurosis. This CNS (central nervous system) depressant is also used as an adjunctive treatment for depression. Xanax is easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and since both dependence and tolerance can occur in using this drug for medication, it should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription. The doctor’s advice should be taken with regards to changes in dose or discontinuation of the medication as withdrawal symptoms may be experienced by the patient.
Abuse and misuse of Xanax poses a particularly high risk to patients:
- Who has a history of alcohol or drug abuse and/or dependence?
- Who are emotionally unstable?
- Who has severe personality disorders?
- Who has chronic pain and other physical and mental disorder?
Treatment for addiction to Xanax is multi-phased and requires a long period. It is extremely difficult for the patient as well as for the people around him or her. One of the most difficult facets of the treatment is making them realize the fact that they have a problem and admitting to themselves that their addiction is destroying their life and devastates their relationship with their family and loved ones.
Xanax detoxification is a process of eliminating drug toxin from the body as withdrawal symptoms are controlled. Gradual reduction and elimination is used to prevent seizures and other problems during detoxification which can be accomplished within 14 days in general but depends largely to the patient’s condition if longer treatment is required. Recovery can be achieved through pharmacological intervention which acts upon the neurotransmitters in the brain destroyed by Xanax. During a Xanax detoxification treatment, several processes are involved:
- Diagnosis
- Detoxification
- Brain nutrition
- Psychotherapy
During the Xanax detoxification treatment, experienced difficulty in the withdrawal symptoms can be eliminated by using pharmacological intervention. Good nutrition, proper sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques and prevention of relapse should also be focused upon during this process. Patient’s diet is enriched with amino acids that aids in the correction of nutritional deficiencies which is usually the case in this illness.
Psychotherapy is an essentially important process in the Xanax detoxification treatment. This program is uniquely designed for each patient to help them restore their relationship with their family, friends, colleagues and loved ones which are affected with their addiction. They are informed of the facts surrounding their illness and coping skills are taught to enable them to successfully be renewed and restored on their way to recovery. Support and acceptance from family and loved ones are imperative because the process usually takes time and much difficulty will be encountered along the way. However, to enable the success of the program, the patient must be willing to cooperate with counselors as he or she undergoes this treatment.
