How Xanax Addiction Treatment Works

With more and more benzodiazepine prescriptions being written, more and more Americans are seeking Xanax addiction treatment. Non-adherence to a schedule or non-compliance to dosage can quickly lead to drug abuse. Xanax is, after all, a very potent and strong prescription drug. It’s meant to be taken for up to 4 weeks only, but some patients do end up elongating their Xanax use and getting addicted.

Xanax can do quite a number on your central nervous system (CNS). Those who abuse Xanax may have significant damage to their body and mind. Abnormal neurochemical levels in the body can lead to mental health issues. Some patients claim that they get depressed after taking Xanax. This isn’t a surprise considering the fact that Xanax can affect serotonin, dopamine and GABA levels.

As a result, it’s crucial that those who have a Xanax addiction get the addiction treatment they need. Each treatment center will offer a wide variety of treatment options. But, what treatments actually work? Which ones are most effective? We’ll explore how Xanax addiction rehab works in this article. Get a better idea of the type of treatment that will work best for you or your loved ones.

Taper Off of the Drug

The best way to treat Xanax abuse and addiction is to slowly taper off of the medication. Those who attempt to quit cold turkey are more likely to experience intense withdrawal symptoms. Their anxiety may return, and they may even experience seizures. Medical professionals at the treatment center will work around each patient to develop a safe tapering plan. The proper rate of the taper and the length of the tapering process will vary from patient to patient. It depends on how long the patient has used Xanax, and the amount they took.
The medical professionals will slowly lower the Xanax dosage and let patients adjust to the smaller dose. They will see how the patients are responding. If they start to experience intense withdrawal symptoms, then they are tapering off of the drug too quickly. Since Xanax withdrawal symptoms can become dangerous, there’s also medical support available at the drug rehab centers.

To help deal with Xanax abuse, some rehab centers may recommend medical detox. There are several different types of medications used to treat this type of substance abuse. Some are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and some aren’t. The prescription medications that aren’t approved by the FDA will target specific symptoms. Medical professionals will prescribe these drugs at their discretion.
For example, if a patient is struggling with insomnia, the treatment plan may include sleeping pills. The sleeping pills can help ease insomnia and help patients obtain a higher quality of sleep. With that said, there isn’t a set protocol. Whether the Xanax treatment will include other medications is up to the rehab center. It may also be affected by what’s covered under your private insurance plan.
The prescription medications that the FDA approves are weaker benzodiazepines, like clonazepam and clonidine. These benzodiazepines are less addictive. They can help ease withdrawal symptoms and are easier to wean patients off of. To determine which medication is best for each patient, the rehab center will need to conduct a thorough physical and psychiatric assessment. The rehab center tailors each treatment plan to the needs of each patient.
It’s important to note that up to 30% of Xanax users that do not receive medical treatment for Xanax withdrawals will experience grand mal seizures. This type of acute withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. It’s vital that the Xanax addiction and treatment program will help patients avoid these symptoms as much as possible.

Choosing Between an Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment Program

Other than developing a functional tapering schedule, it’s also important to consider the type of treatment program to choose.  Both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can help someone who is addicted to Xanax get sober. They mainly differ in the level of care provided.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Most experts recommend that Xanax users opt for inpatient treatment. With this type of treatment program, patients will move into the treatment facilities. They receive 24-hour medical supervision and assistance. Inpatient treatment offers a wide range of behavioral therapy and medication services. Inpatient treatment programs can be separated into the following:

• An inpatient hospital. Patients live in secured units in hospitals or medical facilities. The Xanax treatment in these situations tends to be even more intense. The treatment length usually spans up to several weeks.
• Long-term residential treatment. These treatment facilities more closely resemble a home than a medical facility. Patients stay in these drug rehab facilities for longer periods of time. They follow certain rules and are in a highly structured environment. They learn how to change their thought patterns and beliefs through behavioral therapy. They also take classes to learn independent living skills.
• Short-term residential treatment. These programs are similar to long-term residential programs, but they’re quite a bit shorter. They’re used to help patients transition into an ongoing outpatient treatment program.

Inpatient treatment is best for patients with a moderate to severe addiction to Xanax. It’s also ideal for patients who will likely experience intense withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Patients who are struggling with a mild to moderate Xanax addiction can consider an outpatient treatment program. Unlike with inpatient treatment programs, patients are able to leave the facility whenever they want. They can schedule their treatment based on their availability. There are quite a few different types of outpatient rehab programs. They include:

• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs). Patients receive around 30 hours of treatment each week. They usually go to the center during either the day or at night. It’s like having a full-time job. This type of program is often also called a day/night program.
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). These are a step down from PHPs. They require a lower time commitment of only 9 hours of treatment each week. Most experts recommend getting at least 3 hours of treatment three times a week.
• Standard outpatient program. There are no time commitments involved with this type of treatment program. Patients can seek treatment whenever they want.

Patients can still receive some level of medical detox from an outpatient treatment program at an addiction treatment center. This type of treatment program is best for those who cannot commit to an intensive treatment plan. They have a lot more freedom and flexibility.

Speak with Our Addiction Specialists to Discuss Your Options

Drug addiction is difficult to beat. It’s the same for a Xanax addiction. Although Xanax is effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders, it’s also incredibly addictive. Xanax abusers will need to seek substance abuse treatment. It’s best to have help from the professionals. Those who attempt to quit by themselves may be putting their lives at risk. After all, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be intense and life-threatening.
If you’re not sure which treatment options may work best for your needs, contact one of our addiction specialists today. We’re here to answer any questions that you may have about Xanax abuse treatment. We can help you determine whether you need dual diagnosis treatment and what your addiction treatment options may be.  We’ll also go through your health insurance plan for you to help you find out what you’re covered for. Let us help you win your battle against addiction.