Xanax Treatment & Rehab

Some people abuse Xanax to the point of developing physical dependence. This is when the person’s body has grown accustomed to the constant presence of the substance. They will want to keep taking the drug just so they could feel “normal”. At this point, even if the person genuinely wants to quit, their fear of withdrawal may keep them from doing so.

The symptoms of withdrawal are also uncomfortable enough to keep users from quitting on their own, which is why a lot of them relapse and struggle to stay sober. In some cases, withdrawal can even be life-threatening. This is why proper medical treatment is important.

Quitting on your own, without the assistance of addiction experts and healthcare professionals, increases the risk of withdrawal significantly.

Xanax addiction treatment, much like treatment for other addictions, involves tackling the physical urge to take the substance and the psychological cravings for more Xanax.

Detox addresses the physical effects of addiction, allowing the patient to slowly wean off their Xanax intake. This process involves gradually lowering the patient’s drug intake until they are no longer dependent. During this, the patient’s withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed by medical professionals. They may use medications to help keep symptoms and cravings under control.

Detox is done in a safe environment where the patient can be comfortable enough to focus on their recovery without distractions from their usual stressors or triggers. This makes the withdrawal period a lot more manageable for the person in recovery. It also minimizes risk by making sure the patient has round-the-clock care. Detox minimizes the risk of relapse by making sure the person is no longer dependent on the addictive substance—in this case, Xanax.

The detox stage is only the first part of a complete treatment plan. The person also needs to undergo behavioral therapy and counseling so that their addictive behavior can be addressed. In therapy, they can understand the reasons why they abuse substances like Xanax and also learn how to readjust to the drug-free lifestyle. Therapy and counseling equips the patient with knowledge and skills that will help them stay away from harmful substances.

If detox is meant to help a person get sober, therapy is there to help them stay sober for the long term. They will learn healthy coping mechanisms that will improve their quality of life.

Therapy is sometimes done while the patient is undergoing detox, but it is more commonly done afterwards. The therapist works closely with the addicted individual to help them address the root issues behind their substance abuse.

Therapy and counseling may be done in various ways. There’s no single solution that works for everyone. Because addiction affects everyone differently, a personalized treatment plan is necessary.

On top of this traditional approach of detox and behavioral therapy, there are also alternative therapies that may be offered by certain rehab facilities. Each facility is different, so make sure you ask about what kind of programs they offer. Some offer group therapy sessions, others focus on individual therapy, while others have both. There are also less conventional treatment programs such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, and more.

Since Xanax helps people with anxiety, therapies that address the problem of anxiety may work well for people with a Xanax addiction.

Throughout the rehab process, the patient will be encouraged to make healthy lifestyle changes to help their body recover from the effects of addiction. Exercise, proper diet, plenty of sleep, and other health habits can help the patient stay on the right track. With a healthier body comes a healthier mind, which will keep them focused on their recovery goals.

When it comes to the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, the FDA has only approved Xanax. But because of its association with addiction as well as its high abuse potential, you may be looking for Xanax alternatives.

Before we go into some recommendations, the best thing to do is to seek guidance from a doctor, especially if you are planning on reducing or stopping your intake of Xanax. This is important, especially for someone who may be drug dependent, because withdrawal symptoms are a possibility. In some cases, withdrawal can even be fatal.

It is worth noting that aside from withdrawal and addiction Xanax abuse may also cause common side effects like slurred speech, disorientation, loss of coordination, confusion, sudden weight loss, memory impairment, slow breathing, serious injury, coma, and even death. Overdose is a very serious possibility, with the risk increasing if the person takes Xanax with other substances such as alcohol.

Talk to your doctor before taking Xanax with any kind of medication as it can interact with certain substances and cause an overdose.

For those struggling with insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT may help certain people. This may be a valuable alternative to taking Xanax. In any case, Xanax is only prescribed for short term use, so you may need a long-term solution. Cognitive behavioral therapy may work as a long-term answer to insomnia.

In terms of medications, diphenhydramine may potentially replace Xanax—but it is still important to talk to a doctor before taking this over-the-counter sleep aid. Do not take more than one product that contains any kind of sedative.

Green tea is a more natural solution. This beverage promotes relaxation and also improves mental clarity, which helps you sleep better. It may even suppress the alertness caused by caffeine.

There are also certain changes you can make to your sleeping patterns in order to sleep better even without medications or supplements. According to the American Cancer Society, people who struggle to sleep at night should avoid naps after 3:00 pm. Establishing a bedtime routine is a good way to condition your body into “getting tired” when you go to bed. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time throughout the week.

Avoid screen time and bright lights before bed, and do not drink caffeine or alcohol if it is already late in the day. Similarly, you should avoid having large meals before going to bed. You also need to time your workouts properly. It is better if you exercise regularly during the day but not before bedtime.

Clean your bedroom and keep it comfortable. Avoid lying in bed awake for more than 20 minutes at a time. This will prevent your body and mind from associating the bed with sleep.

If you still cannot sleep after making all of these changes to your sleeping habits, consider going to the doctor. They may recommend CBT or give you medication that is not Xanax.

As an addictive substance, Xanax should not be your day-to-day solution to anxiety and sleeping problems. You may find that it causes more difficulties for you down the road.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax addiction, look for an addiction treatment center near you today and learn about the programs that they are offering. The road to recovery begins today.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.