How is Xanax Addiction Treated in Delray Beach?

Xanax addiction treatment in Delray Beach

How is Xanax Addiction Treated in Delray Beach?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication that is used to treat a range of anxiety and panic disorders. While it is effective when used as directed, the medication can be highly addictive if abused because of its relaxing and calming side effects. Xanax addiction can cause mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social dysfunction that seeps into every aspect of a person’s life.

People who struggle with Xanax addiction can benefit from a drug treatment program in Delray Beach.

Who Can Benefit From Xanax Abuse Treatment?

The sedating, calming effects of benzodiazepines like Xanax make them appealing to people who are looking to get high or self-medicate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Xanax abuse can spiral into full-blown addiction in as little as four weeks. Anyone who is abusing or addicted to Xanax can benefit from a drug treatment program.

Signs of Xanax addiction are:

  • Taking high doses of Xanax on a regular basis
  • Needing to increase one’s dose to feel the effects of Xanax due to an increasing tolerance
  • Having withdrawal symptoms when not taking Xanax
  • Lying to friends, family members, and medical professionals about drug use
  • Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other substances to increase the effects
  • Isolating from loved ones and avoiding responsibilities or activities one once enjoyed
  • Trying to stop taking Xanax but being unable to do so

According to national emergency department room data, Xanax (alprazolam) is the second most common prescription drug, and the most common benzodiazepine, to be involved in ER visits related to drug abuse.[1]

Individuals can avoid the adverse short- and long-term effects of Xanax abuse by seeking treatment as soon as possible.

What is Xanax Addiction Treatment Like in Delray Beach?

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment usually consists of:

Medical Detox

Xanax (alprazolam) works by increasing the reuptake and effects of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is responsible for regulating the central nervous system and responding to stress, anxiety, and fear. People who are addicted to Xanax are used to having an excess of GABA in their brain, so suddenly removing Xanax leads to an abrupt decrease of GABA.[2] As a result, the GABA receptors go into overdrive, and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms begin.

Xanax withdrawal is not only unpleasant, but it can be severe and even life-threatening. Some people who stop taking Xanax experience convulsions, seizures, panic attacks, and hallucinations. Unless they obtain medical help quickly, these symptoms can become fatal. This is why medical detox is the first step in treating Xanax addiction.

During detox, patients are monitored all day and all night. Nurses regularly check their vitals and doctors can prescribe medications to help wean individuals off of benzodiazepines slowly and safely, avoiding adverse side effects.

Xanax withdrawal can last 1-2 weeks, so individuals may spend 7-10 days, in total, in a detox facility. Once medically stable, individuals can transition to an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.

Group and Individual Counseling

Addiction treatment programs consist of both group and individual counseling. Counseling should address symptoms that are regularly seen in patients with Xanax addiction, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, and restlessness. While both individual and group counseling plays an integral role in treating Xanax addiction, most of the time in rehab is spent in group therapy.

Group counseling sessions come in all different sizes and formats. Patients may participate in small, intimate groups that discuss personal experiences and goals. They may also participate in large group sessions that focus more on psychoeducation. Group therapy allows patients to connect with, learn from, and relate to other like-minded individuals. Groups can reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and shame–all of which are normal to feel when recovering from addiction.[3]

Individual sessions, on the other hand, are reserved for one-on-one sessions between the patient and his or her primary therapist. During individual counseling, the therapist evaluates the patient’s progress and makes adjustments to his or her treatment plan. The patient is also given the opportunity to speak confidentially with the therapist about any topics which are difficult to speak about in a group setting.

Counseling sessions are individually tailored to meet patients’ unique needs while considering their background, beliefs, experiences, and culture.

Behavioral Therapy

There are many different kinds of behavioral therapy used in Xanax addiction treatment. Behavioral therapy aims to identify and eliminate maladaptive behaviors by replacing them with healthier coping skills. Behavioral approaches are effective for substance abuse treatment because they engage patients in treatment, provide incentives for recovery, modify poor attitudes and behaviors, and promote life skills that reduce the risk for relapse.

Different types of behavioral therapy used to treat Xanax addiction include:[4]

A focus on mental health is often implemented because of the high rates of comorbidity between Xanax addiction and mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.

Aftercare

Xanax addiction is treated on a long-term basis to effectively prevent relapse and instill healthy behaviors. As a result, inpatient and/or outpatient rehab is only part of the recovery process. Patients who continue treating their addiction with some form of aftercare are more likely to stay sober.

Types of aftercare patients may participate in include:

  • Sober living
  • 12-Step fellowship
  • Alumni group
  • Continuing care program
  • Individual therapy

Find Treatment for Xanax Addiction in Delray Beach Today

Florida Recovery Group utilizes innovative approaches to design alcohol and drug addiction treatment plans specific to your needs. Your recovery is our primary objective and our multidisciplinary team of highly trained addiction professionals will provide a safe, trusting environment to help you bridge the gap between today and your future.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction, give us a call today.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4020178/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64223/
  4. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/evidence-based-approaches-to-drug-addiction-treatment/behavioral-therapies