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Xanax (Alprazolam) Addiction Treatment

9 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team

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Xanax is undoubtedly one of the most popularly prescribed psychiatric medications in the United States, with more than 47 million prescriptions generated for it in 2011. The popularity of Xanax is partly because this medication is capable of treating a broad range of panic and anxiety disorders. Moreover, its depressing effects on the central nervous system have made it the drug of choice for multiple other issues related to stress and sleep.

However, the increased use of Xanax or alprazolam has also opened the door to a high risk of abuse, both by patients desperate for relief from their conditions and recreational users searching for an easy high. Unfortunately, as effective as Xanax is in managing various medical illnesses, it can also induce addiction in many of its users. Estimates suggest that up to 40 percent of people who use these pills end up developing an addiction to them.

Fortunately, Xanax addiction treatment is widely available across the country and can effectively help people achieve recovery and happiness.

If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax abuse and addiction, many dedicated Xanax rehab centers can help you make the changes necessary to begin recovery. While the treatment options for this addiction vary from center to center, most of them have a few common elements that help an individual:

Process and manage the initial withdrawal symptoms
Understand the root cause of their Xanax addiction
Identify and address any co-occurring mental health issues, like anxiety or depression
Learn coping strategies to continue sobriety and long-term recovery after leaving a rehab

Recovery from Xanax addiction moves on two fronts: psychological and physical. Medical detox allows the body to break physical dependence, while rehab will enable it to overcome psychological dependence through various therapies and medications.

Medically-Supervised Detoxification

Most individuals battling Xanax addiction begin with an in-depth assessment of their current health, followed by a transition into a Xanax detox center. These detox centers give patients an opportunity to slowly wean off the drug while treating and managing any withdrawal symptoms that may arise. Healthcare professionals may also use medication or other therapies to make detox more comfortable, safer, and bearable.

Some common Xanax withdrawal symptoms expected to arise during this phase include:

Tremors
Vomiting
Muscle pain
Heart problems
Headaches
Seizures
Sweating

The goal of treatment is to ensure a gradual tapering of the medication to avoid the life-threatening side effects that may arise due to immediate discontinuation. A team of experts, including a medical doctor, nurse, psychiatrist, and other health experts, constantly monitor patients for potentially fatal symptoms and provide round-the-clock care.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Patients can officially begin the treatment phase as soon as Xanax clears from the body. Most of them prefer inpatient rehabilitation, mainly if their addiction is chronic and severe or if they seek help for the first time. As a part of this rehabilitation program, individuals regularly participate in counseling and therapy in individual and group settings. These activities equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to address their psychological and physical dependence on Xanax.

Most rehab programs are entirely confidential and provide clients with a private space to focus solely on recovery. Living on campus at an inpatient rehab across the country can be extremely helpful to many, even those who live locally. The full-time care that these inpatient programs offer provides a supportive and encouraging environment for the Xanax addiction recovery process and 24/7 access to medical experts to ensure safety.

Outpatient Rehabilitation

An outpatient program differs from an inpatient program in that patients enrolled in the former do not reside at the center but commute daily to the rehab center. Most patients seek outpatient care either as a secondary step after completing inpatient treatment or as a primary step if they have less severe addictions or personal compulsions that do not allow them to leave their homes permanently for therapy.

An outpatient Xanax addiction treatment program may include a return to daily life and activities. This step offers patients more autonomy and independence than inpatient treatment. Moreover, with this treatment program, they can simultaneously maintain their family responsibilities and employment as they work on recovery. Outpatient care best suits those with a strong support system at home. Alternatively, those who live in high-risk environments with poor support systems would benefit more from an inpatient program followed by a sober living home.

Mentioned below are some therapies that most Xanax addiction treatment centers offer patients during formal treatment to overcome their substance use struggles.

Behavioral Therapies

The following behavioral therapies can particularly benefit Xanax addiction recovery:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals understand why they misuse Xanax and how to avoid its triggers.
Motivational enhancement therapy helps people positively deal with any uncertainties they might have about dealing with Xanax addiction.
Contingency management rewards a person for successfully achieving certain treatment goals, such as remaining drug-free or attending therapy regularly.
Family therapy allows someone with Xanax addiction to receive therapy and counseling alongside their loved ones to improve overall family functioning.
Twelve-step facilitation includes 12 weekly group sessions where people with Xanax addiction meet others with similar struggles and seek support and encouragement.

Tapering

To safely reduce the dose of Xanax that a person uses, experts often make use of an effective measure called tapering. Tapering means gradually decreasing the amount of a medication in a way that causes minimal distress or discomfort in the body. This gradual reduction gives the body enough time to adjust to the reduced presence of Xanax while managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in the meantime.

An effective way of practicing tapering is by dissolving their daily dose of Xanax in a large glass of water. Each day, they may use less and less of the tablet unless they completely stop using it.

Substitution

Just like Xanax works quickly to manage anxiety symptoms and other ailments, it is equally quick to clear out the body. As a result, many people are forced to use it repeatedly throughout the day, increasing the risk of developing a dependency. This habit also tends to worsen the withdrawal symptoms when an individual is in the process of lessening their usual drug intake.

To make detox possible in people with Xanax addiction with minimal side effects, some experts may swap the medication with another type of benzodiazepine with a longer half-life. This switch allows clients to taper off the medication while keeping the withdrawal symptoms at bay.

Luxury rehabs have been popularizing among the general population in recent years. These rehabs are willing to go beyond the means of a standard rehab, emphasizing a healthy lifestyle in dealing with addictions. Treatment plans at these rehabs are more comprehensive, their locations are more secluded, and their staff members have broad experience and higher qualifications. Most of these luxury rehab centers operate in beautiful areas surrounded by nature where the quietness and fresh air only enhance the quality of treatment.

The environment inside luxury Xanax rehab centers is relaxing and comes with dedicated spaces for activities that most standard rehabs lack. The treatment plans available in such facilities may involve using these relaxing spaces to avail multiple therapeutic and recreational benefits. Their inpatient programs allow clients to stay at luxurious and private accommodations while engaging in their activities full-time. These rehabs’ changes in scenery can be crucial for your recovery journey against addiction. Moreover, constantly being in an environment of therapeutic activities and sobriety also increases the chances of healing while minimizing the risk of a relapse.

Apart from conventional counseling sessions and therapies, luxury Xanax rehab centers offer a broad range of therapeutic activities to do in their spare time to support recovery. High-class addiction experts carefully design these activities and equip patients with new abilities, skills, self-confidence, and self-belief. Most executive rehabs also base their treatment on a holistic approach, with mandatory participation in physical movement, yoga, meditation, and other mindfulness-based activities. Some other examples of the activities that a luxury rehab may offer include:

Art and music
Massages
Indoor and outdoor facilities like gyms, climbing centers, and basketball courts
Yoga
Gardening
Equine-assisted therapy
Psychoeducational lectures
Biking and hiking

Another benefit of joining a high-end rehab for alprazolam addiction is the amenities that come with it. These centers offer typical five-star amenities, including housekeeping, personal chefs, concierges, personal drivers, and more. These facilities allow clients to focus wholly on their recovery in a home-like environment without worrying about managing daily life chores.

Even though a luxury rehab comes with additional costs, it provides a comprehensive treatment that many need to overcome their drug addictions. As withdrawal from Xanax can be very severe and may lead to death, it is worth considering the extra cost you may save your or your loved one’s life.

FAQs

Why do people use Xanax?

Xanax or alprazolam is particularly popular among the masses because of its sedating and calming benefits. Initially used to calm down panic attacks and anxiety, the medication now holds approval for treating many other conditions, such as agitation, mania, seizures, difficulty sleeping, withdrawal from alcohol, and muscle spasms.

How do I know I need to join an Alprazolam addiction rehab?

Benzodiazepines like alprazolam are highly addictive. Almost forty percent of those who take it for at least six weeks or more develop an addiction to this medication and require professional help. Look out for the following signs of addiction to check if you or someone you love needs Xanax addiction help:
A constant need to take increasing amounts of alprazolam beyond the usual prescription limit
Trying to acquire more of this medication without a valid prescription
Experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal effects upon discontinuation of the medication, such as mood swings, insomnia, and dizziness

Are there any risks of joining a Xanax addiction rehab?

Most people may feel scared as they enter Xanax addiction treatment. There certainly are some risks that accompany treatment, so experts highly recommend not attempting therapy at home without professional support. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works in a similar mechanism to valium. Withdrawing this medication as a part of treatment can lead to a broad range of withdrawal symptoms. While these symptoms are mostly mild, some may develop them in more severe forms, posing a huge risk to the patient’s health and safety. However, going through this process under the supervision of experienced medical personnel can significantly minimize these risks as these experts constantly monitor withdrawal symptoms. It can provide appropriate medical and therapeutic treatment as necessary.

HOW THE BALANCE CAN HELP WITH Benzodiazepine

The Balance RehabClinic is a leading provider of luxury addiction and mental health treatment for affluent individuals and their families, offering a blend of innovative science and holistic methods with unparalleled individualised care.

A UNIQUE METHOD TREATING Benzodiazepine

a successful and proven concept focusing on underlying causes

ONE CLIENT AT A TIME

TAILORED LASTING APPROACH

BIOCHEMICAL RESTORATION

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY & HOLISTIC

TECHNOLOGY BASED TREATMENT

TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY

Benzodiazepine TREATMENT LASTING APPROACH

0 Before

Send Admission Request

0 Before

Define Treatment Goals

1 week

Assessments & Detox

1-4 week

Psychological & Holistic Therapy

4 week

Family Therapy

5-8 week

Aftercare

12+ week

Refresher Visit

Benzodiazepine Insights

latest news & research on Benzodiazepine

Seven sets of pills arranged on a table with tweezers.

What are Benzodiazepine (Benzos)

Benzodiazepine is a family of psychoactive drugs. They operate on the nervous system causing a change in mood, cognition, behaviour, or perception. While benzodiazepines may work as a treatment for anxiety, sleep and agitation in some patients, long-term use can result in a worsening of the very symptoms the medications are meant to treat.