Help for Xanax addiction

Xanax addiction help is both physical and psychological. Protocol on providing help for Xanax addiction here.

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minute read

Xanax addiction help

Do you think you or someone you love is addicted to Xanax (alprazolam)? You are not alone. Xanax has a powerful effect on the body and a high dependency rate. Xanax is extremely effective in treating depression and panic attacks. But the added euphoric effect can inhibit people from stopping Xanax out of fear of increased anxiety or because they are trying to self-medicate. This is why informed doctors try to regulate its use.

So, what can you do to start treating Xanax addiction or withdrawal? Here, we look at some practical ways you can help someone you suspect has an Xanax addiction. We also provide hotline telephone numbers to help you find help for Xanax addiction or mental health services. Then, a section at the end for your questions about Xanax (we try to respond to each one personally and promptly).

How to help Xanax addiction

There are two ways you to provide help for Xanax addiction: address the physical and the psychological issues around Xanax use. In fact, you need to examine both elements of any drug addiction if you want to be successful in treating the cycle of addiction and maintaining abstinence. How to help Xanax addiction? End physical dependence AND address psychological cravings.

1. End physical dependence on Xanax

Your body can develop a dependence to alprazolam after only a few weeks of daily dosing. Dependence to alprazolam occurs quickly because as your body adapts to the presence of the benzodiazepine in your system, its functions inherently change. The brain and central nervous system make changes to accommodate for the depressant effects of Xanax. And when you suddenly stop taking Xanax or significantly lower doses, your body experiences withdrawal symptoms. What are symptoms of Xanax withdrawal? Insomnia, rebound anxiety and even tremors are possible.  The discomfort that Xanax withdrawal can cause often makes quitting Xanax difficult and contributes to continual relapse.

Therefore, the best way to end physical dependence on Xanax is to treat withdrawal symptoms from Xanax. You can do this with pharmacological interventions that ease withdrawal symptoms and disrupt chemical dependency. Medications such as clonazepam, antidepressants, buspiron or beta blockers can help address psychological manifestations and/or the more severe effects of Xanax withdrawal.

2. Treat psychological cravings for Xanax

While addressing the physical need for Xanax is important, it is equally important to examine and treat underlying psychological need for Xanax. Are you using Xanax to self-medicate or escape the stress of life? What are the unique environmental triggers that compel you to use Xanax? What repeated thoughts or beliefs do you have about Xanax?

Behavioral treatments that use psychological principles address the thoughts, values and beliefs that compel addiction. Rehab facilities, outpatient communities, one-on-one therapy, or relapse prevention groups can help you understand why you are abusing Xanax. Treating the psychological compulsion to use Xanax will also help give you tools and coping mechanism to steer you away from Xanax use. Talking to a therapist that can diagnose and address underlying anxiety and/or depression can also help when caring for Xanax addiction.

Getting help for Xanax addiction

Oftentimes, the most important step to getting help for Xanax addiction is recognizing you have a problem. Many times, Xanax supplies end and doctors bring to light overuse of Xanax. So who to ask first for help? Your prescribing doctor can help you get the help you need to treat drug addiction. Second, reaching out to specialty doctors, therapists and available hotlines can get you in touch which support and treatment.

It is important to remember that you can treat any drug addiction and learn to live free from a life that revolves around Xanax use. The longer you abuse Xanax, the longer psychological conditions go unnoticed and are reinforced. Not only is Xanax slowly damaging your body, alprazolam alters your brain chemistry to such an extent that you may have a harder time dealing with anxiety and coping with external upsets as they continue to manifest in your life.

How to help a Xanax addict

Many loved ones unknowingly contribute to addiction and enable users to continue using drugs. Through their actions, they let Xanax addicts think their behavior is normal. Having firm boundaries can be helpful in forcing the addict to look at their behavior and think about seeking treatment. Seeking help from support groups like Nar-anon or Al-anon, which are specifically designed for the addicts family and friends, can help you understand what’s the next best step. Asking for help from a family counselor or addiction therapist can also be effective in helping a Xanax addict and understand what triggers and effects someone anxiety and depression.

If a person is addicted to Xanax, s/he just can’t see how their addiction affects themselves or others. Formal or informal interventions can help place an addict in treatment. Involuntary treatment can possibly help Xanax addiction. However, desire to recover from Xanax use must lie somewhere in the addict’s consciousness: otherwise they will eventually replase.

Xanax addiction help and helplines

There are support groups all over the country that address prescription drug abuse and addiction. Narc-anon is a 12-step program for people who are addicted to narcotics. There are also non 12-step support groups out there which help with addition. Many non-profits and religious communities around the country offer their our own support and behavioral therapy.

The standard hotline you can call for any referral service is 1-800-662-HELP you can also call 1-877-767-8432 and you will get a Spanish speaking person that can help direct you to Xanax addiction treatment service. You can also go online and do you own search for SAMHSA treatment locator. Here, you can find exactly what you need to help the physical and psychological complications of Xanax addiction.

Many times there are other addictions present on top of Xanax. You can get help for those as well through the referral process. As Xanax withdrawal begins and anxiety resurfaces call : 1-800-273-TALK(8255). They are there to talk if you need help and feel like you want to hurt yourself or someone else. You don’t have to deal with addiction on your own.

Help with Xanax addiction questions

Still have questions about how to find help for Xanax addiction? Maybe you have experience helping treat Xanax addiction? If so ,please share your questions and experiences and we will respond to you promptly.

Reference Sources: U.S Department of Health: Guidelines
SAMHSA: Recovery resources
Drug Abuse: Treatment and Recovery 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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