Are you or a loved one struggling with Xanax use? You’re not alone. Benzodiazepine addiction, including Xanax dependency, affects millions of Americans each year. In fact, over 30% of opioid overdoses also involve benzos. Recognizing the dangers and seeking help are crucial first steps toward recovery. Fortunately, Bold Steps Behavioral Health offers tailored treatment for those seeking help. This includes medical detox, therapy, counseling, 12-step programs, sober living arrangements, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and standard outpatient treatments. Take the bold step and reach out to us today at (717) 882-5989.
Understanding Xanax
- Xanax Usage & Effects
Xanax (alprazolam) is a powerful benzodiazepine medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. It works by slowing down brain activity, inducing feelings of intense relaxation and sedation. However, even when taken as directed, Xanax can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
- Signs of Addiction
As tolerance increases, individuals may find themselves taking higher doses or using Xanax more frequently than intended. Other signs of benzodiazepine addiction include mood swings, strained relationships, disorientation, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or insomnia when stopping use.
- Dangers of Xanax Misuse
Perhaps the greatest risk of Xanax misuse is respiratory depression, which can be fatal when combined with other depressants like alcohol or opioids. Overdosing on Xanax alone is relatively rare but still dangerous, potentially causing seizures, coma, and death in severe cases.
Xanax Effects And Abuse
Xanax (alprazolam) is a potent benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety disorders. However, it carries a high risk of dependence and addiction – nearly 125,000 emergency room visits were caused by Xanax overdose. Even when taken as prescribed, long-term use can lead to drowsiness, memory issues, and poor coordination.
- Tolerance & Dependence
Tolerance develops quickly with Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This increases the risk of physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures if stopped abruptly.
- Signs of Abuse
- Doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions
- Using Xanax without a valid prescription
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Obsessive thoughts about obtaining more
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence
Medical detox under supervision is recommended to safely manage withdrawal during recovery from Xanax addiction. Outpatient treatment programs can provide therapy and counseling for overcoming substance abuse.
Benzo Addiction Statistics
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are highly addictive substances with significant potential for misuse. The numbers paint a concerning picture:
- Widespread Misuse
- According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 3.9 million Americans aged 12 and older (1.4%) misused benzodiazepines in the past year.
- Around 5.2 million adults reported misusing these drugs, with young adults aged 18-25 being the largest group of misusers.
- Over 6 million Americans abuse Xanax recreationally, often combining it with other drugs –a potentially fatal practice.
Outpatient Treatment Programs for Benzo Addiction
- Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) offer a flexible, outpatient approach for treating benzodiazepine addiction. These programs provide comprehensive therapies, drug testing, and support while allowing individuals to maintain work or family obligations. IOPs can be tailored to each person’s recovery needs, making them a viable option for those seeking outpatient benzo addiction treatment.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs
For those requiring more intensive care, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) deliver rigorous medical monitoring and therapies during the day while allowing participants to return home each evening. PHPs can be especially beneficial during the initial stages of benzo detox when withdrawal symptoms may be most severe. These programs provide around-the-clock care in a structured environment to ensure a safe, medically supervised recovery process.
- Outpatient Detox and Therapy
Outpatient detox under medical supervision is often recommended for benzodiazepine addiction due to the potential for dangerous withdrawal symptoms like seizures. Alongside detox, various therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management can help address the psychological aspects of addiction. These evidence-based approaches aim to modify unhealthy thoughts and behaviors while providing positive reinforcement for recovery milestones.
Therapy and Counseling for Benzo Addiction
- Evidence-Based Approaches
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) equip individuals with tools to manage emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and modify negative thought patterns fueling benzo misuse. Motivational Interviewing (MI) cultivates intrinsic motivation for change.
- Comprehensive Support
Individual therapy, group counseling, and family programs address benzo addiction’s multifaceted challenges. These services foster self-awareness, build support networks, and facilitate lasting recovery from physical and psychological dependence.
Recovery Programs for Benzo Addiction
- Support for Recovery
12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous offer a structured framework and peer support system to aid recovery from benzodiazepine addiction. Based on admitting powerlessness and turning to a higher power, the 12 steps guide individuals through self-improvement and lifestyle changes.
- Comprehensive Approach
While not a standalone treatment, 12-step programs complement other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This comprehensive approach addresses the psychological patterns and denial that enable addiction.
- Sober Living Facilities
Sober living environments provide a crucial bridge between intensive addiction treatment and a return to everyday life. At Bold Steps Behavioral Health, our sober living facilities offer a safe, structured, and supportive space where individuals can continue their recovery journey. In these environments, residents live alongside others committed to sobriety, fostering a sense of community and accountability.
FAQ: Is it OK to use Xanax every day?
- Risks of Long-Term Use
Xanax (alprazolam) is intended for short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Prolonged daily use can lead to physical dependence and addiction, increasing the risk of adverse effects like cognitive impairment, respiratory depression when combined with other depressants, and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
- Side Effects and Dangers
Long-term Xanax use is linked to serious side effects such as slurred speech, confusion, memory problems, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It can also cause substantial cognitive decline that may not resolve after discontinuation. The risk of overdose is heightened when mixed with alcohol or opioids.
- Treatment Recommendations
For these reasons, benzodiazepines like Xanax should generally not be prescribed continuously beyond one month. Safer alternatives include psychotherapy, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and non-addictive sleep medications. Medical supervision is advised when tapering off Xanax to minimize severe withdrawal effects.
Conclusion
As you consider treatment options for benzo addiction, remember that recovery is possible with the right support. Outpatient programs offer flexibility while providing essential therapy, counseling, and medical oversight. Whether you choose a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient treatment, or standard outpatient care, the key is to find an approach that fits your needs. Combine professional treatment with peer support through 12-step programs or sober living environments for a comprehensive recovery plan. With over 30% of long-term benzodiazepine users experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seeking help is crucial. Take the first bold step towards reclaiming your life from Xanax addiction and reach out to us today at (717) 882-5989.
