Roughly 40% of people who take Xanax every day will develop an addiction. Xanax addiction treatment focuses on looking at the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Rehab often involves medical detox, relapse-prevention planning, and other factors to help people find long-term recovery and sobriety. As one of the most popular prescription drugs in the United States to treat anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax abuse and addiction are widespread. However, if you or someone you know is dependent on Xanax, rest assured there are various treatment options available.
What is Xanax Addiction?
When we talk about Xanax addiction, it’s important to distinguish between dependence and addiction – these are not the same thing. Dependence is more about the physical state in which your body needs the drug to function properly. People with dependence can experience mental and physical withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug. With addiction, people continue to use the drug despite negative consequences – there’s no control. Addiction has many causes and factors that play a role in its onset. Once someone becomes addicted to Xanax, it’s difficult for them to quit without treatment. Keep in mind that physical dependence can occur with or without an addiction to the drug; however, most people with addiction will have dependence regardless. In essence, dependence is a symptom of addiction.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Fortunately, Xanax addiction treatment can be highly effective. Xanax rehab requires comprehensive treatment services that address the psychological and physical signs of addiction. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our rehab programs involve a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that adapts to each patient’s needs.
Medical Detox
The first step to help someone struggling with Xanax withdrawal symptoms is to follow a detox protocol. Benzodiazepine detox often involved tapering down from the drug. In this case, a physician will manage the dose reduction or prescribe a lesser potent benzo. The goal here is to determine the severity of addiction rather than the drug to understand the treatment plan fully. Sometimes patients enter medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help their withdrawal process and reduce their symptoms. However, these are on a case-by-case basis and depend on a myriad of factors. MAT needs to be done under medical supervision to prevent substance abuse.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient treatment programs often incorporate a medical detox program to help during the withdrawal phase. Because patients live at the rehab facility throughout their treatment, they have access to medical and emotional support, critical during withdrawal. Once they complete detox, most patients move to traditional inpatient rehab or residential rehab programs. These are highly comprehensive treatment programs that can last between 30 to 90 days. They include medical support and intensive therapy in a highly structured environment designed to help people struggling with drug abuse. These programs can offer many services, but most likely will include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Support groups
Intensive Outpatient Rehab
These are dedicated and comprehensive treatment programs that resemble inpatient programs but allow patients to go home at night. With intensive outpatient programs (IOP), patients attend the rehab facility during the day for anywhere between 10 to 30 hours a week. They go through monitored check-ins and participate in therapies very similar to those in inpatient rehab. IOPs focus on physical and behavioral health to provide comprehensive treatment. These programs offer many services, but most likely will include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Support groups
- Relapse prevention
Effects of Xanax Abuse
In theory, Xanax is meant to be used as a short-term treatment for anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and other mental health disorders. Taking more than prescribed or using it for prolonged periods of time can lead to addiction. However, even those who follow their prescription can struggle with misuse and abuse. Xanax causes a sense of calmness and relaxation that can easily lead to tolerance and dependence. In addition, people who misuse Xanax often mix it with alcohol and other substances to achieve a more intense high. Over time, the effects of Xanax abuse can lead to physical and psychological effects, including:
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Concentration issues
- Changes in mood
- Aggression
- Cognitive problems
- Substance use disorder
Take Our “Am I a Drug Addict?” Self-Assessment
If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, take our complimentary self-assessment quiz below. The evaluation consists of yes or no questions that serve as informational resources to assess the severity of your cocaine use disorder. The test is confidential, free, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. [interact id=”5fb3f7135aec9b001621ea66″ type=”quiz” mobile=”false”]
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
People who abuse Xanax are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to lower their dose or quit. This is particularly true for patients who started taking Xanax to treat psychological symptoms such as insomnia or panic attacks. These symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Concentration difficulties
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Psychosis
- Suicidal ideation
How to Know If a Loved One Is Addicted to Xanax
When someone is abusing Xanax, there will be many noticeable changes in their behaviors. It’s easy to figure out if someone is addicted to Xanax by noticing the behavioral signs they exhibit. While these might vary from person to person, they often include:
- Engaging in risky behavior to buy Xanax
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Engaging in risky behaviors, like driving under the influence
- Maintaining stashes of Xanax
- Using more drugs than prescribed
- Obsessive thoughts and actions around Xanax
- Financial difficulties
- Doctor and prescription shopping to maintain levels of Xanax
- Secrecy
- Denial
- Relationship problems
Finding Xanax Rehab Centers Near You
Each type of rehab program has its strengths and weaknesses. Finding the right one for you or a loved one will depend on several factors, including:
- Location: Whether or not the rehab facility is near you is essential. People with a supportive home environment might benefit from seeking treatment close to home. At the same time, those living in a toxic environment can benefit from removing themselves from day-to-day stressors that might have contributed to their addictive behaviors in the first place.
- Amenities: Some rehab centers offer luxury accommodations with private hotel-style rooms, pools, yoga classes, and more. These amenities tend to increase the cost of treatment. Other treatment centers may have a focus on faith or religion, outdoor activities, and so on. If extras are essential to you, this will determine the choice of rehab center you attend.
- Insurance: Many insurance companies will cover some or all the extent of addiction treatment. However, it is essential to check with the rehab center to see if they work with your insurance and what your insurance will cover.
- Cost: Addiction treatment can be expensive. Consider how you can cover the cost of treatment. Some treatment centers will offer flexible payment options and plans to help you pay for whatever part of treatment your insurance doesn’t cover. Ask for flexible choices and payment plans to help you make a decision.
Recovery from Xanax Addiction Is Possible
Staying sober is a difficult task. Those triggers that may have caused you to use drugs in the first place may come back when you leave the rehab center. That is why having a plan for dealing with such triggers is vital for a sustained recovery. Many people find that meeting with a counselor after leaving rehab is enough to stay sober. Others need to keep in touch with a strong sober community, so they attend support group meetings like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to support their sobriety. In addition to these efforts, many rehab centers offer aftercare programs. These programs incorporate individual counseling and group therapy in a less intensive schedule to help people solidify their sobriety in early recovery. These programs might also include life skills training and development, relapse prevention techniques, and even help place people in sober living facilities. Recovery is a life-long process. The risk of relapse is very high in the weeks following rehab. So, relying on a strong support system and aftercare plan is paramount for long-term recovery. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our rehab programs incorporate everything you need to achieve sustained recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, reach us at 866-308-2090 today and speak with our admissions team to learn more about our programs.
