Xanax Addiction Treatment

Alprazolam, better known as Xanax, is a benzodiazepine. It is a commonly prescribed medication in the US, used to treat general anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia. Though it is not available via the NHS in the UK, it can be privately prescribed and can become incredibly addictive if abused.

People that become addicted to Xanax may not know where to turn for help, thinking their situation is hopeless. Ocean Recovery is a rehab centre that provides expert treatment for people with drug addiction. Rehab treatment allows you to end your physical dependence on Xanax. You will have the time and help better understand your addiction and learn how you can overcome it.

Xanax Facts and Statistics

Xanax is a powerful tranquillizer that has a sedative effect on users. Taking it will make you feel calmer and relaxed. It is easy to abuse Xanax as you become used to the feelings of pleasure and relaxation that the drug gives you. Eventually, you start taking more to achieve the same effect.

Doing this will build up your tolerance to the drug. When you stop, you will now begin to experience withdrawal symptoms – locking you into an addictive cycle.

Another benzodiazepine you may have heard of is Valium. Xanax acts much faster than Valium and is around ten times stronger. Because of this, the feelings of sedation are more intense and it kicks in much quicker – making it easier to become addicted.

Xanax has grown more popular in the UK. According to data from 2018, 22% of all global trades of Xanax over the dark web come from the UK.

Its growing popularity may be due to increased use among younger people. In a government report that was last updated in March 2021, more 15-year-olds are using benzodiazepines. The percentage has gone from 0.5% in 2014 to 1.7% in 2018. In Scotland, this went up to 2.8% and is supported by increased reports of Xanax use in schools.

Signs of Xanax Addiction

If you are not sure that you or someone you know is suffering from Xanax addiction there are many common signs to watch out for.

Physical Signs:

• Trembling
• Sleeping more
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Psychological Signs:
• Increased agitation
• Mood swings
• Concentration difficulties
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Behavioural Signs:
• Lack of interest in hobbies
• A decline in working performance
• Isolating yourself from family and friends
• More secretive behaviour
• A decline in personal hygiene

A clear sign of being addicted is that you begin suffering from withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Xanax. You may begin to experience things like insomnia and paranoia. If you are also taking more Xanax to get the same effects then that means your tolerance for the drug has increased – this is another clear sign.

If any of these signs are familiar to you or someone you know then it might be time to start looking at a drug rehab to enter.

The Dangers of Quitting Xanax on Your Own

If you have decided that you want to quit using Xanax, you may be tempted to stop immediately without any help. This is known as going cold turkey.

Going cold turkey is easier said than done and it can be very dangerous.

Your body has become used to Xanax in your system and suddenly stopping your use will bring on withdrawal symptoms. You can expect to experience trembling, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations and headaches. If you start having severe withdrawal, you may suffer from seizures, psychosis and hallucinations.

These symptoms will appear quickly and can be difficult to cope with.

If you are attempting this unsupervised then withdrawal can be very dangerous. Sometimes, withdrawal can be fatal and if you are alone there is no one to get you medical attention.

The safest way to quit Xanax is to do so under some form of supervision, preferably in a professional setting like a private drug and alcohol rehab.

What Rehab Treatment Options are Available for Xanax Addiction?

Luckily, you don’t have to go through recovery alone. There are many treatment options out there. Inpatient rehabs like Ocean Recovery provide a bespoke addiction treatment programme – meaning your treatment is catered towards you.

Detox

Drug detox is like going cold turkey but under medical supervision. It takes 7-10 days and you will stay in a designated detox room before moving to your proper room in the facility. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms will be measured using CIWA-Ar and our staff will monitor your blood pressure, and pulse and note general observations to ensure you are doing fine.

Therapies

Our therapy programme at Ocean Recovery consists of a combination of traditional and holistic sessions. Addiction counselling, psychoeducation and CBT-based group therapy will help you learn more about your addiction and develop coping skills. Well-being therapies such as yoga, mindfulness walks and meditation are there to boost your mental health and alleviate stress.

Aftercare

You will have access to continued support after leaving rehab. Aftercare sessions are held twice a week, which you can dial into via Zoom. These group support meetings can help you build upon the skills you learn about in rehab. In these meetings, you can build a support network and become better at identifying when a potential relapse may be coming.

How Will Rehab Help with Xanax Addiction?

Rehab can be your best chance to fight back against Xanax Addiction.

Breaks the Cycle

Rehab can act as a full stop to your addiction. Half the battle is admitting the problem and breaking the routine of finding drugs and taking them. Rehab allows you to put an end to this part of your life.

Learning Coping Skills

Being caught in addiction makes you feel helpless. Rehab provides you with tools that can empower you. With more knowledge about your addiction and strategies to fight back, you can begin to see how addiction can be beaten.

Improving Self Confidence

Xanax addiction may have destroyed your mental health and made you feel worthless. Rehab can begin to build you back up. Your determination and self-belief are the best weapons against addiction. By building up your self-confidence, you can better overcome addiction.

Speak to Our Team for Help

If you are ready to come to Ocean Recovery and begin the admissions process, then speak to our team now. Call 01253 847 553 to start your recovery journey today.

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/05/xanax-misuse-uk-dark-web-sales-health

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-drug-situation-focal-point-annual-report/uk-drug-situation-2019-summary