Outpatient Treatment With Housing
Too often, individuals invest their time in treatment only to relapse when they leave. This is often due to a sudden transition from a structured environment to a normal lifestyle often filled with temptations and stressors.
This is where outpatient therapy and sober-living come into play. Much like diabetes and asthma, substance use disorders are a chronic disease that requires continual maintenance. Outpatient therapy and sober living allow individuals to slowly transition into everyday life giving people the tools needed for long-term success.
Is Xanax Addictive Yes Know The Signs Of Xanax Abuse Symptoms
Most addiction is defined by drug use that continues despite the negative outcomes that its causing. For example, negative outcomes of benzo abuse could include a failure to meet family or work responsibilities. Personal characteristics that may change as a result of Xanax addiction include a persons hygiene, sleep patterns, behaviors, or group of friends.
Xanax abuse symptoms could also include noticeable behavior changes. Benzodiazepines are depressants, so someone abusing them may appear to be sleepy, confused, or clumsy. Once a person is addicted to Xanax, they may feel withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the mediation. Withdrawal symptoms largely mimic the symptoms the anxiety was treating, including increased panic attacks and other symptoms of anxiety.
The Complete List Of Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax, also known by the generic name Alprazolam, is a widely prescribed benzodiazepine.
In fact, it is the most widely prescribed psychiatric drug in the United States with about one prescription written every second.
That means that Xanax is widely available and easily attainable for many. While it does have legitimate uses, its highly addictive and often abused.
If you or a loved one became addicted to Xanax or you noticed yourself or them abusing your prescription, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug.
In this post, were going to go over all of the Xanax withdrawal symptoms that you can, and likely will, experience so you can know what to expect.
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How To Treat An Addiction To Xanax
A Xanax addiction has to be treated like any other drug addiction. Patients will need to cease consumption and then work through withdrawal, followed by a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program. There are many therapeutic approaches to recovery that can be effective.
Evidence-based recovery rehab will start with talk therapy.
This can help change behaviors, address any underlying history of trauma and work through mental health conditions that could be playing a role. Involving the family can also be helpful, as can group therapy. Alternative or holistic therapies ranging from fitness to acupuncture can play a role in boosting overall wellness and strength against relapse as well.
Unexplained Dizziness Or Disorientation
Dizziness and drowsiness are two main Xanax abuse side effects. A large dose can mean users feel completely disoriented. Confusion and memory loss are also common.
Pay close attention to see if your loved one is exhibiting these signs. Recognizing unexplained dizziness or slurred speech without alcohol present can definitely indicate Xanax abuse or addiction.
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Switching From Xanax To Valium
Some doctors may switch a Xanax user over to Valium for their taper. This will affect the Xanax taper schedule, but for good reason. Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine, meaning it stays in the body for a longer duration. As a result, it leads to fewer withdrawal symptoms overall. Additionally, Valium comes in less potent but larger doses, so it is easier to split.
Tracking progress on a Xanax taper chart becomes more straightforward when a substitute benzo like Valium is used. After all, its much easier to remove a single low-dose Valium pill from a regimen than remove a fraction of one Xanax pill.
Self-detoxing from Xanax can be effective. However, professionals advise that this should only be used as an intermediate step before treatment at a rehabilitation center. Either way, tapering is an ongoing effort, but the time put in is certainly worth the results.
Cbd For Xanax Withdrawal
The research into CBD for Xanax withdrawal is inadequate, but there could be much to learn from CBD for more generalized withdrawal symptoms and use with other addictive substances. There are already many initial investigations of CBD for addiction and withdrawal for substances such as opioids, cannabis, psychostimulants, tobacco, and more.
What the current research suggests is that, depending upon the substance, CBD may be beneficial for every phase of addiction: intoxication, withdrawal, and relapse phases. As of yet, there is no information available for alprazolam withdrawal and CBD. However, the data about CBD for opioid withdrawal, in particular, is compelling.
In the intoxication phase, CBD reduces the reward-facilitating effect of the drug. During the withdrawal phase, especially when combined with other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD could have a synergistic impact on the severity of the symptoms. In the relapse phase, for opioids and psychostimulants, CBD potentially reduces the risk of relapse and drug-seeking behaviors.
There is also significant research into CBD for thetreatment of anxiety disorders themselves. It’s actually one of the most supported areas of CBD research today. Notably, a recent review of the literature confirmed that Preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBDs efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD, with a notable lack of anxiogenic effects.
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The Experience Of Withdrawal
Many people experience irritability and agitation, which can cause problems at home, work, or school. You might be easily annoyed or short-tempered with family or friends. You may feel experience moodiness or depression.
Insomnia is another common symptom of Xanax withdrawal. Insomnia can be both mentally and physically taxing and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and agitation.
Symptoms may come and go during your Xanax taper. At various points, you may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or hand tremors.
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Feelings of unreality
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Panic attacks
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal typically appear within 8 to 12 hours of your last dose. If you fail to taper your dose, your withdrawal symptoms will grow increasingly intense. Withdrawal is generally at its worst on the second day, and improves by the fourth or fifth day however, acute symptoms can last significantly longer.
Unfortunately, that is not the end of it for some people.
Estimates suggest that about 10% to 25% of long-term benzodiazepine users experience whats known as protracted withdrawal.
Protracted withdrawal is a prolonged withdrawal experience marked by waves of mild psychological symptoms that come and go over the course of several months. Protracted Xanax withdrawal can last up to one year.
Physical Signs Of Xanax Use & Misuse
Physical signs of Xanax use may be the most obvious indicator that someone is high on Xanax, but some of these symptoms only occur when the person is currently under the influence of the drug and taking a higher dose than recommended. As a result, if you are not around the person at this time, you may not see any Xanax use symptoms.
Some of the physical symptoms of Xanax use are also similar to those of other drugs. For this reason, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish which drug your loved one is abusing.
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Xanax Addiction Recovery In Baton Rouge
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, the time to get help is now. Thankfully, there is help available at Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital. We provide some of the most cutting-edge, specialized care for drug and alcohol addiction.
At our world-class treatment facility, located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we specialize in treating all types of addiction, which includes Xanax and other benzodiazepines. The first step towards recovery at Baton Rouge Behavioral Hospital is a drug and alcohol detox. Detox from Xanax can be extremely dangerous, which is why we take every precaution to make sure you can safely come down from the effects of Xanax under 24/7 medical supervision.
Once detox is complete, we offer a variety of different treatment methods to help you understand the root causes of your addiction, and find alternative ways to cope with the stresses of life. Some of our treatments include:
The Negative Impact Of Xanax Addiction
When individuals take Xanax with a legitimate prescription and under appropriate medical supervision, there can be positive benefits. However, those individuals who abuse Xanax are likely to suffer from several negative effects. These can include health problems, cognitive concerns and major interferences in relationships, finances, and career.
Physical issues resulting from Xanax abuse can be dangerous. Just some of the common side effects that individuals suffer from are:
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Constant fatigue
In addition to the physical effects of regular Xanax use, addiction can cause other serious problems. Xanax addiction frequently causes users to make procuring and taking the drug a priority. The addiction will come before work, before family, and before friends. This causes all areas of life to suffer, and it can lead to broken relationships and career failure.
It is also important to address the financial side of prescription drug addiction. Over time, physicians may not want to prescribe Xanax to patients, particularly those who require increased doses to accommodate their new tolerance to the drug. This might mean paying cash when visiting clinics or purchasing expensive Xanax pills illegally through drug dealers.
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Can You Work With Your Doctor To Implement A Tapering Protocol
You may have noticed the warning label on the Xanax prescription container that advises against stopping the medication abruptly. This warning is there with good purpose because quitting Xanax suddenly can be very uncomfortable and, in some instances, dangerous. Xanax affects the central nervous system, and immediate cessation of use precipitates withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking hands, body tremors, insomnia, agitation, and extreme anxiety. The correct method to use when approaching a Xanax addiction is to wean yourself off the medication slowly through a tapering protocol prescribed by your physician. In theory, you can continue to work during the taper, but, understand that you may be uncomfortable during this period and have some difficulty performing your job. Many people elect to admit themselves to an inpatient treatment facility to cope with Xanax addiction, and you might want to consider that option.
How Xanax Causes Dependency And Addiction
Doctors usually start patients who have never taken benzodiazepines on low doses of Xanax, such as 0.25 milligrams or 0.5 milligrams. Everyone who takes the drug regularly will develop tolerance, meaning theyll require higher doses to feel the same therapeutic effect. Patients with a high tolerance to Xanax may require doses greater than 4 milligrams per day, increasing their risk for dependence.
Dependence occurs when a person experiences physical or mental withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking a substance.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable shaking
- High blood pressure
Being dependent on Xanax is not necessarily a bad thing. People who need anti-anxiety medication to control anxiety or panic disorders may be dependent on Xanax and never experience negative consequences. As long as they communicate with their doctor about their treatment, they can develop a plan to discontinue Xanax when necessary.
In many cases, people addicted to Xanax believe they need it to relieve anxiety. But the anxiety that they experience when they stop taking the drug is actually a symptom of Xanax withdrawal. Many Xanax users refer to this phenomenon as rebound anxiety.
Large doses or misuse of Xanax can lead to dangerous side effects, including:
- Blurred vision
- Delirium
- Paranoia
But people with a valid prescription may develop an addiction to Xanax because they dont know how to stop taking the drug on their own. They continue taking it to avoid withdrawal.
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Getting Treatment And Starting Recovery
When youre ready to get help for Xanax addiction, youll want to consider the many different treatment options available. Each person is unique and may have developed an addiction to Xanax for different reasons. Finding the right program that meets your needs and budget is crucial.
Typical treatment options for Xanax addiction include:2,5
- Inpatient treatment:Inpatient treatment occurs in a 24-hour residential facility. Treatment programs are highly structured and designed to provide maximum support for recovery. Treatment ranges from 30 to 90 days and may be longer in severe cases. Inpatient treatment for Xanax addiction usually includes some combination of medically supervised detox, counseling, therapy, 12-step or other support groups, relapse prevention and aftercare planning.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient rehab programs usually have the same type of treatment approaches as inpatient facilities, but care takes place in an outpatient facility on a part-time basis and usually scheduled a few times per week.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms & Side Effects
The experience of Xanax detoxification and withdrawal can be unpleasant, but it is a necessary step that paves the way for long-term healing.
Xanax has a half-life of about 11 hours, meaning that it takes about 50 hours for the body to remove it altogether. This may seem like a long time, but Xanax has one of the shortest half-lives compared to other benzodiazepines. Therefore, withdrawal symptoms can set in more quickly compared to similar drugs.
To stop taking the drug, Xanax use should usually be tapered for safety. Stopping it Cold-turkey can lead to severe side effects like seizures.
To safely stop taking Xanax, a person should always consult a medical professional. People with a legitimate prescription should speak with their prescriber. People taking it without a prescription should consider substance use disorder treatment.
- Physical Withdrawal Symptoms:
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What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Also visit the online treatment locator.
How Long Does It Last
In comparison with other benzodiazepines, the body absorbs Xanax quickly, so its effects come on rapidly. Within about 1â2 hours, the concentration of Xanax in the blood reaches its peak.
The effects of the drug usually appear within 1 hour, with one small scale study finding an average onset time of 49 minutes with oral administration.
Xanax also leaves the body quickly. Its half-life is 11.2 hours in healthy adults, meaning that the body removes about half of the Xanax that it has absorbed in just over 11 hours.
Doctors often prescribe Xanax to take three times per day, spread out over the course of the day.
high abuse potential , especially for individuals with a history of substance misuse or abuse.
As the body absorbs Xanax quickly, its effects occur faster than those of other benzodiazepines. Xanax also has a short half-life, which means that its effects disappear quickly. These characteristics increase its addictive potential.
After taking Xanax for a long time, the body gets used to the substance, so a person may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Reducing Xanax slowly over time reduces the severity of these symptoms.
The manufacturers recommend decreasing the dosage by no more than 0.5 milligrams every 3 days. A doctor will determine the most appropriate discontinuation schedule for the individual, as the experience may differ from person to person.
Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax may include:
- mild feelings of dissatisfaction
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Find Xanax Addiction Treatment In South Carolina Today
Recovering from an addiction to Xanax can be extremely difficult. Attempting to get sober from any type of benzodiazepine without professional help is never recommended, as withdrawal symptoms may become life-threatening. The good news is addiction recovery centers like South Carolina Addiction Treatment are here to help. Contact us today for more information on how to get started!
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Is Xanax Addictive Benzodiazepine Risks
Drug use is on the rise, especially in Louisiana. In 2020, Louisiana led the country in overdose deaths, with nearly 1,930 deaths . One type of drug that has been growing in popularity is benzodiazepines. These drugs are often used to enhance the effects of alcohol in social situations such as parties and concerts. Due to the recreational popularity of this drug, many people are unaware of just how dangerous it can be. One question popular among people who use Xanax is, is Xanax addictive?
To better understand why Xanax is addictive, its important to understand what it is, and how it affects your body.
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Therapeutic Benefits Of Xanax
In these circumstances, it is understandable that your physician would prescribe Xanax. Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that works very quickly and effectively to reduce anxiety and help with sleep. Physicians often prescribe these medications to help patients feel better when they are very distressed, and generally patients find them helpful in the short term.
Xanax can calm people quickly and effectively and can help promote relaxation and sleep when taken as prescribed. For those who only take the dose given by their doctor, and who only take the drug for a brief period until things settle down, these medications can be part of a coping strategy which includes emotional and practical support, as needed.
What Is The Substance Abuse Cycle
Substance use disorders are complex chronic health conditions affecting a persons brain, body, and mental health. A person affected by a SUD falls into a harmful cycle of behaviors centered around getting and using substances. This cycle includes three phases: intoxication, withdrawal and preoccupation. Each one feeds into the next, making it increasingly difficult for a person to manage their use.
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