Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are essential medications that are widely utilised for the treatment of various mental health problems. However, Xanax is considered to have a high addictive potential and should only be taken according to your doctor’s recommendations. What can start as a prescription to take the medication for a short time can end up as an uncontrolled habit that escalates into an addiction.

At Sierra Recovery, these evidenced-based forms of therapy are offered, and we welcome you to learn more about them and Xanax addiction treatment.

What is Xanax?

Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is a drug that belongs to the benzodiazepine drug classification. It is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are known central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This simply means they slow down brain activity.

These medications increase the levels and activity of a natural substance in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which results in its calming and relaxing effects. This is why it is effective for anxiety disorders. Due to its effects in regulating certain substances in the brain, it is used off-label in conditions such as depression, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), and chronic pain.

However, Xanax also causes significant side effects related to its action on the CNS; you may experience drowsiness, tiredness, sleep disturbances such as insomnia, memory problems, trouble concentrating, irritability, worsening depression, decreased mental alertness, and poor balance or coordination.

Is Xanax Addictive?

Xanax is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders. However, it has a high potential for abuse because of its calming effects and rapid onset of action. The drug works as fast as 30 minutes, and its effects may last up to 6 hours.

Misuse and dependency will most likely occur when it is used for a long time or taken in relatively higher doses than what is recommended by your doctor. Such dependency can lead to addiction if not recognised early.

For this reason, this medication is only given as a short-course treatment prescribed by your doctor for no more than 4 to 5 weeks. Moreover, the treatment must include proper health education to foster awareness of the possible addiction and risks of long-term and uncontrolled usage of the drug.

Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Xanax misuse/addiction, also clinically referred to as anxiolytic use disorder, is defined as the problematic use of the medication, taking more of Xanax or any other benzodiazepine than recommended by a healthcare provider or longer than intended. Intense cravings can also make it difficult to stop taking Xanax.

Addiction to Xanax may also drive a person to give up activities or commitments that were previously deemed important. Another noteworthy sign of Xanax dependence is continued drug use despite dangerous circumstances or even after noticing physical and psychological problems. Tolerance to the drug, or needing more of it to achieve the same effects, can also be observed, including withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop intake.

If you are experiencing two or more of these signs and symptoms within 12 months, then it meets the criteria for diagnosis of Xanax addiction and abuse.

Xanax Withdrawal Syndrome

When dependent Xanax users attempt to reduce or abruptly stop intake of the benzodiazepine drug, withdrawal syndrome can occur. Unlike other withdrawal syndrome from other substances, Xanax withdrawal is rarely life-threatening. However, it can be very uncomfortable or painful. The symptoms typically start within 24 hours (average 6 to 8 hours) of stopping the drug.

The most commonly reported Xanax withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, depression, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, muscle aches, poor concentration and memory, and restlessness. Occasionally, panic attacks may occur, and rarely, symptoms of psychosis.

The severity of an individual’s withdrawal symptoms can be thoroughly assessed by a trained mental health professional utilising appropriate tools. Additionally, a medical evaluation may also be done to look closely at possible underlying conditions that warrant medical therapy.

Xanax Overdose or Toxicity

Toxicity from benzodiazepines alone, including Xanax, is usually not life-threatening. However, when other CNS depressants are ingested, such as alcohol, you may experience respiratory depression and a compromised airway that can even lead to death if not recognised early. The classic presentation of toxicity in a patient with an isolated Xanax overdose includes symptoms of CNS depression such as altered mental status, slurred speech, and impaired coordination and movement. These patients are usually conversant with near-normal vital signs.

In overdose cases, there should be close monitoring of respiration, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Moreover, your doctor may give you intravenous fluids to ensure adequate circulation and prevent dehydration, and more importantly, an adequate airway should be maintained. Flumazenil, which blocks the effects of benzodiazepines, is also given to reverse symptoms of overdose.

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction can be treated successfully when using a multidimensional approach. It is important to address not only the physical aspects of the addiction but the psychological aspects as well.

Several treatment options are available depending on your needs, including residential/inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. The combination of medication and psychotherapy increases the chances of a successful recovery.

Pharmacotherapy

Medications have been proven to be useful in the treatment of both Xanax use and withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that anticonvulsants offer benefits in managing symptoms of withdrawal if there is no history of use of other drugs/substances. Some of these anticonvulsants are Carbamazepine and Pregabalin.

In addition to this, flumazenil, which can be injected through the fat tissue or directly into the veins, has been shown to help patients safely and effectively withdraw from benzodiazepines to a lower dose or abstinence.

Psychotherapy

Studies show that the addition of psychotherapy or talk therapy with a gradual dose reduction of the drug increases the chances of efficiency compared with dose reduction alone. One of the most widely utilised is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); CBT is a talk therapy wherein your therapist helps you identify dysfunctional thinking and habits, develop effective coping strategies, and eventually help in addressing the root cause of addiction.

Other therapeutic approaches, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), standardised interviews (interviews with pre-determined questions), and relaxation techniques, can also be utilised. These therapeutic approaches in psychotherapy sessions provide essential tools for maintaining long-term recovery.

Stabilisation and Maintenance Therapy

Patients who are at high risk of relapse or harm, showing signs such as unstable psychiatric diagnoses or erratic/uncontrollable behaviour during treatment, will benefit from stabilisation and maintenance therapy. Managing these clients can be challenging and may warrant referral to a specialist addiction service.

This type of therapy involves the substitution of the drug with another medication designed to prevent intoxication and withdrawal syndrome. This approach allows individuals to participate and engage in the other treatments for their recovery before slowly tapering the dose.

Relapse Prevention

Upon completion of the treatment programme, aftercare support, such as relapse prevention strategies, ensures greater success rates for recovery and abstinence. These strategies include identifying high-risk situations, adopting healthier coping mechanisms, and developing personalised therapeutic plans for managing triggers.

Therapy does not end with outpatient or inpatient rehab. To ensure recovery, you must have a solid support network and establish healthy habits and coping mechanisms to overcome stress.

Therapies Utilised at Sierra Recovery

Here at Sierra Recovery, we offer diverse therapeutic methods to facilitate your rehab journey. Competent healthcare professionals will examine and craft a treatment plan to cater to your needs.

Medically Assisted Detox

Medically assisted detox is usually done at residential treatment centres with the help of a multidisciplinary team composed of physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, and behavioural health professionals.

At Sierra Recovery, we provide 24/7 close medical supervision during detox. This ensures the utmost safety of the individual through constant monitoring, addressing medical concerns, and watching out for complications.

Group Therapy

This approach provides peer support and fosters solidarity through shared learning experiences. We connect you with others and help you practise social skills in a safe environment. Our competent therapists facilitate group sessions, which can be an optimal avenue to gain diverse perspectives and learn problem-solving approaches.

At Sierra Recovery, we understand that many people do not speak openly about their mental health problems because of the stigma involved. Group therapy can break barriers of isolation and shame associated with Xanax addiction.

Family Therapy

We involve your family members in your recovery; with everyone’s consent, these sessions aim to repair strained relationships and build a strong and reliable support system vital for long-term recovery.

Family therapy focuses on family dynamics and helps to enhance communication among all members. Each session is facilitated by our therapists, who will ask questions and help navigate the complex relationships that have been affected by addiction. These sessions can be challenging but are all designed to help families think together.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT helps you develop mindfulness and a clear mind to help you set, pursue, and sustain your recovery goals. The DBT our treatment centre offers is designed for substance use disorders. This is a type of talk therapy that aims to promote abstinence and prevent relapses. The ultimate goal of DBT is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living.

Other Therapies for Xanax Addiction Treatment

Other therapies are available for Xanax addiction, and these include complete abstinence or a carefully monitored tapering programme. This approach must be done under strict medical supervision. Medical professionals may also include motivational interviewing (MI) techniques that help individuals build an internal drive to change for the better. Remember that one-on-one sessions are heavily based on the patient’s motivation. Hence, MI gives value to treatment by strengthening the commitment to change.

In addition to this, a holistic approach complements traditional treatment by addressing the needs of the individual as a whole, the mind, body, and spirit, help manage stress and anxiety more naturally, and may even help reduce or avoid medication in developing coping mechanisms; these include meditation, yoga, art, music, and even acupuncture. This highlights that a multidimensional approach is the key to successful treatment and recovery.

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction, or any form of addiction for that matter, can be crippling and impact lives negatively. At Sierra Recovery, we recognise the complexities of addiction and dependence, and we welcome you to share your burden with us. Our competent mental health professionals provide personalised care and holistic treatment plans to support your healing and recovery journey.

Professional help is essential in overcoming any form of addiction. We are ready to hear your story and walk with you toward sobriety.