Xanax rehab treatment: What to expect

What kinds of treatments can you expect when going to rehab for Xanax addiction? A brief (but thorough) review here.

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What to expect during Xanax rehab treatment

Xanax is a commonly prescribed brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazapine that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders as well as insomnia. Prolonged use of this drug, though, can lead to an addiction. In fact, Xanax is not meant to be prescribed for more than six (6) weeks at a time.

Individuals who become addicted to this drug will often need to enter a Xanax rehab treatment program to overcome it. Physical dependence on Xanax can lead to serious effects, and medical supervision is recommended during the tapering and withdrawal process…to start! So, who needs to seek help in the first place

Xanax addiction characteristics

Not everyone who takes Xanax is psychologically hooked on it. In fact, physical dependence or tolerance to alprazolam alone are not enough to diagnosed an addiction. These physical side effects may simply be the result of taking Xanax long term. Instead, addiction is characterized by:

1. Patterns of use (taking more than prescribed or in ways OTHER than prescribed)
2. Compulsion or craving to use
3. Continued use despit negative consequences

What happens in a Xanax rehab

Participating in a Xanax rehab treatment program can help you address the real reasons you seek help from Xanax. It helps uncover the psychological and emotional issues at the heart of drug abuse. What happens during rehab?

The following services and stages are typically offered by most Xanax rehab treatment programs.

  • Drug screening and assessment
  • Clinical removal of Xanax from the system
  • Interventions such as psychotherapy and behavioral therapy
  • Education
  • Follow up and aftercare

Keep in mind that while many rehabs are inpatient, RESIDENTIAL settings…you do not need to necessarily choose a 28 to 90 day rehab. Outpatient programs can be equally helpful, less expensive, and allow you to continue your daily responsibilities. Still, when we consider “rehab”, most people think about a separate clinic during which they can entirely focus on recovery and getting better.

Stages of Xanax rehab treatment

STEP 1: Assessment of drug abuse

An initial drug screening and assessment will be performed when a person enters any Xanax rehab treatment program. This first stage of treatment is used to determine the extent of a person’s addiction and to plan out the rest of a person’s treatment. This stage typically includes interviews, drug testing, and completion of standard questionnaires.

STEP 2: Clinical removal of Xanax from the system

Xanax withdrawal can be rough and include symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Medical detox programs that specialize in benzodiazepine withddrawal are recommended for individuals who are physically dependent on Xanax so that you can taper off the drug and minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

STEP 3: Psychological and behavioral treatments

The cornerstone of Xanax rehab treatment is psychological treatment(s). This usually includes sessions of individual behavior therapy combined with group sessions. Because co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are often present during Xanax addiction, special attention will be given to these areas when necessary. Your family may be asked to join in family therapy sessions, where applicable, so that you can address the family system and dynamics together.

STEP 4: Education sessions

The more a person learns about addiction and treatment, the better equipped they will be to fight it. This is why most recovering Xanax addicts will be required to attend several education sessions and workshops during treatment.

STEP 5: Preparing to leave and aftercare

Before leaving, addiction specialists will help recovering addicts create an exit plan. This is a written plan that helps you better understand what to expect after Xanax rehab treatment and includes goals to work toward. An exit plan will also usually include the steps you need to take in order to reach these goals.

Aftercare should also be expected after Xanax rehab treatment. Most people will attend outpatient therapy and counseling sessions for several weeks or months. Attending these sessions can help you maintain abstinence and learn how to cope with everyday stress without the drug.

What to expect when visiting someone in Xanax rehab treatment

When visiting someone in Xanax rehab, you’ll be able to chat with them and find out how their treatment is progressing. They will be able to give you some insight into the program they are in, and you can update them on what is happening at home. You may also be invited to sit in on a group or individual therapy session, or participate in family counseling. Not only is this a great way to learn more about addiction and recovery, but it’s also a great way to reconnect with your loved one and show your support.

Every facility has different policies for visiting someone in Xanax rehab treatment. Typically, though, most facilities have set visiting hours on the weekend. Many facilities, however, will make exceptions for out of town family members that are in the area for a short time.

During your visit, you will also usually be asked to leave certain personal items at home or in your vehicle. This can include cell phones and medications. Also, don’t be surprised if you’re searched or asked to leave your bag at the front desk during your visit. To better understand what to expect when visiting someone in Xanax rehab treatment, you should contact the facility that your loved one is in directly.

Can you leave Xanax rehab treatment before completion

As with other types of addiction treatment, Xanax rehab treatment is completely voluntary. This means that you can leave Xanax rehab treatment before completion. However, we strongly encourage all recovering addicts to finish the recommended course of treatment.

There are a number of advantages of completing rehab treatment, the most important of which is lowering the likelihood of relapse. Those who complete Xanax rehab treatment are much less likely to return to using this drug. By the time they have finished their treatment program, they will have gained the necessary tools and knowledge needed to cope with the problems that may arise during recovery.

Xanax rehab treatment expectations

Taking the first steps toward recovery is always a little nerve wracking. However, it’s important to realize that there is a great deal of help and guidance available for recovering Xanax addicts. You’re not alone, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have any other questions about Xanax rehab treatment expectations, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below, and we’ll try to respond quickly and personally.

Reference Sources: NIDA: Principles of drug addiction treatment
NIDA: Approaches to drug addiction
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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