859-681-7823Xanax addiction requires professional treatment due to the seriousness of complications and withdrawal. Our Xanax rehab in Lexington, Kentucky provides clients with the care they need to recover from Xanax abuse and addiction. Treatment can often involve a combination of behavioral therapies, medications, lifestyle changes, counseling for trauma, and peer support groups.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of the drug alprazolam, a type of benzodiazepine, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a calming neurotransmitter. Xanax should only be taken as prescribed and only for short periods to avoid addiction, dangerous interactions, and side effects.
Patients will develop a dependence when a physician prescribes Xanax for two to four weeks. Therefore, they will need a tapered-down schedule to stop taking them. Prescribed physical dependence is not the same as addiction.
As the most widely prescribed psychotropic drug in America, Xanax is also the most abused. It is highly addictive with a quick onset of tolerance and dependency potential after just six weeks. Dependency occurs in up to 44% of some users.
Attempts to step away from use can be daunting due to physical and psychological withdrawal. Additionally, as it is a fast-acting medication, its potency poses heightened risks. As a result, overdoses are common when taking larger amounts than prescribed or mixing with other substances.
What are the Effects of Xanax?
Short-term Xanax use can lead to numerous side effects such as:
- Impaired motor coordination
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Forgetfulness
- Dizziness
- Impaired judgment
- Nausea
Long-term Xanax use has been linked to more severe side effects such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in behavior. Also, Xanax can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Individuals who develop an addiction to Xanax may experience intense cravings for the drug and withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit.
Additionally, Xanax has been known to interact with other drugs or substances such as alcohol which increases the risk of adverse reactions or overdose even further. It is important for individuals who are taking Xanax not to combine it with alcohol or any other substance without consulting their doctor.
More serious complications from Xanax use can include:
- Respiratory depression can lead to coma or death
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Increased risk of suicide
- Cardiac arrest due to overstimulation of the heart muscle
- Seizures
- Breathing difficulty
- Overdose
Xanax Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Xanax misuse can lead to physical dependence and active addiction. This is characterized by increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken regularly. There are several signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction.
Physical signs of Xanax addiction:
- Trembling
- difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Dizziness
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of Xanax addiction:
- Inability to stop or reduce Xanax use despite negative consequences
- Cravings for Xanax when not taking the drug
- Compulsive drug-seeking behaviors such as doctor shopping or buying Xanax online or on the street
- Preoccupation with obtaining more Xanax
- Neglecting responsibilities in order to take the drug
- Increased anxiety or irritability when not taking the drug
- Impaired judgment leads to dangerous behaviors while under the influence
- Problems with relationships due to the use
Street Names for Xanax
- Xannies or Zannies
- Bars
- Z-bars
- Xanbars or Zanbars
- Handlebars
- X or Z
- Xans and Zans
Xanax Deadly Drug Interactions
Frequently, dangerous interactions occur when Xanax is used in combination with alcohol or other drugs. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant and has the potential to slow down respiration and heart rate. When combining Xanax with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, like opioids or benzodiazepines, these effects become more extreme. This can lead to serious health risks including respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Alcohol is especially dangerous when combined with Xanax. It increases the sedative effects of Xanax and causes it to be released into the bloodstream faster than normal. Furthermore, Xanax can increase the intoxicating effects of alcohol which leads to an increased risk of overdose.
Additionally, Xanax may make it harder for individuals to realize they have consumed too much alcohol. This makes them more susceptible to dangerous side effects such as impaired judgment, slowed reaction time, memory loss, and confusion.
Individuals who take Xanax should not combine it with any other medications without consulting their doctor first. Opioids are especially dangerous when taken together with Xanax as they both suppress breathing which can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. Also, combining Xanax with certain stimulants such as cocaine can also cause dangerous interactions such as rapid heartbeat or elevated blood pressure.
Xanax Overdose Symptoms
Many people with substance use disorders use more than one substance at a time. This is known as polysubstance use and the results are unpredictable and very dangerous. If someone combines Xanax with other drugs or alcohol, then the risk of Xanax overdose increases significantly. This occurs because these substances interact with one another to create extreme sedative effects.
Common Xanax overdose symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Shallow or labored breathing
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- In more serious cases, a Xanax overdose can lead to seizures and even a coma
What Does Xanax Withdrawal Look Like?
Xanax withdrawal can be a complex process with various symptoms that can vary depending on the individual and the length of time they were using it. Generally, Xanax withdrawal symptoms begin in as little as 12 to 24 hours after the last dose. Although, they may take up to several weeks to fully dissipate.
Common Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Sweating or chills
- Vision disturbances such as blurred vision or tunnel vision
- High blood pressure
Xanax rehab in Lexington, Kentucky is available to help individuals who are struggling with Xanax addiction. Our compassionate team will help clients safely overcome their dependence on Xanax and begin the process of recovery.
Accordingly, we provide a variety of therapeutic services. These include supportive therapy options such as individual and group counseling, medication management to help control withdrawal symptoms, and aftercare planning.
What to Expect at Xanax Rehab in Lexington, KY
At our Xanax rehab in Lexington, Kentucky, addiction specialists work together to create an individualized treatment program for each client. This may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those who are physically dependent on Xanax. Also, counseling sessions to identify and address any co-occurring mental health conditions that may have contributed to Xanax addiction. Furthermore, we provide education about healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress or anxiety that does not involve drug use.
The levels of care we offer:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program is a type of outpatient program for treating behavioral health concerns like addiction. PHP is perfect for those who need a high level of support yet are unable to reside in an inpatient facility. Lexington PHP treatment aims to provide patients with specialized treatment catered to each client’s individual needs.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
As compared to other forms of treatment, undergoing IOP allows for increased flexibility regarding the schedule of the recovery process. Those who choose this program are not required to live on-site at our facility. They can commute while still living at their own residences or a sober living housing unit.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Standard outpatient programs require the least amount of time per week. Most clients will see a one-on-one therapist or attend group therapy sessions. Some people attend both group and individual therapy. Either way, standard outpatient programs usually last about one to two hours per week.
Begin Your Healing and Recovery Today
At our Xanax rehab in Lexington, Kentucky, we understand that addiction is a complex condition requiring a personalized approach. Our staff works with each patient to provide the necessary support they need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Xanax addiction can be difficult to overcome without professional help. Our team is committed to providing compassionate and effective care. We want all individuals who come through our doors to find success on their journey of recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax addiction, please contact us for more information.
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Set yourself free from the struggles of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Reach out to our treatment team in Lexington, Kentucky today.