What is Xanax Used For?
Xanax belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines that mainly target the central nervous system (CNS). It’s commonly prescribed for a few different conditions:
Panic Disorder
Xanax prescriptions are frequently used to help people who struggle with panic attacks. They calm the CNS, which can reduce a person’s physiological symptoms that come from panic attacks. This often includes increased heartbeat, shakiness, and shortness of breath.
Anxiety Disorders
Some doctors also recommend Xanax to treat anxiety-related mental disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety. Xanax is prescribed to help relieve anxiety because it boosts the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical in the brain that calms nerve activity. This can reduce the worry and tension that often come with anxiety disorders.
Xanax is usually part of a larger treatment plan that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ins with a treatment provider.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Xanax and other benzodiazepines are sometimes given to people going through alcohol withdrawal to help treat anxiety and agitation. It works on the CNS to calm mental and physical symptoms like restlessness and tremors.
It can help prevent seizures in some cases as well. Doctors typically use it on a short-term basis and monitor patients closely to avoid dependence on this other substance.
No matter what Xanax is used for, it’s important to only take it as prescribed and to always be in close contact with your mental health provider or primary care physician. Even if you start taking Xanax for a legitimate purpose, it can turn into an addiction.
Is Xanax Addictive? Signs of Xanax Addiction
While Xanax is legal when taken as prescribed, this doesn’t mean it can’t lead to addiction. If you notice any of the following signs, you may want to consider Xanax addiction treatment:
- Using Xanax more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed
- Worrying about running out of medication
- Doctor shopping to get more prescribed Xanax
- Trying to quit but being unable to
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug
- Prioritizing drug abuse and obtaining the drug over your work and personal life
- Experiencing headaches, insomnia, or irritability when trying to cut back
- A loss of interest in the things you used to enjoy
- Relying on Xanax to cope with everyday stress or concerns instead of seeking healthier solutions
If you’re struggling with Xanax dependence, it’s a good idea to reach out for help for Xanax addiction today.
Short-Term Effects of Xanax Addiction
Xanax can ease anxiety in the moment, but it also brings certain short-term effects that may pose risks if misused:
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Delayed reflexes
- Difficulty remembering things
- Trouble focusing
- Mood swings
- Feeling tired even after a full night of sleep
- Irritability or agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slowed breathing, which can become dangerous at higher doses
If you notice these side effects after Xanax misuse, you should consider the possibility that it’s time to seek treatment for Xanax addiction.
Long-Term Effects of Xanax Abuse and Addiction
There are also longer-term effects of Xanax use that are important to be aware of. These often include:
- Developing tolerance that causes you to need higher doses to feel the same relief
- Constant fatigue
- Muscle loss
- Mental fog that interferes with daily responsibilities
- Worsening anxiety or depression
- Trouble with memory
- Having a hard time focusing
- Trouble in your personal and professional relationships
- Social isolation
- Heightened risk of overdose, especially if you are mixing Xanax with other substances
- Weight loss
If you’re experiencing any of these effects, treatment for Xanax abuse and addiction can help.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, especially if you’ve taken the medication for a long time or at high doses. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Feeling irritable
- Having trouble sleeping
- Vivid dreams
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Tremors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Seizures
Because you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax, it’s important to get professional help and detox safely.
Xanax Addiction Treatment Offered by Luxe Treatment Center
If you’re suffering from Xanax addiction, there is always help available. At Luxe Treatment Center, we provide the following Xanax addiction treatment programs:
Medically Supervised Detox Program
Medically supervised detox can provide a safe, comfortable way to begin recovery from Xanax addiction. It’s better than trying to quit cold turkey on your own. During detox, licensed medical professionals keep an eye on your withdrawal symptoms and make sure you aren’t experiencing any medical emergencies. Medical supervision ensures that you will be safe during the process if any issues come up.
Our staff can also provide medication to alleviate some of the severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms and cravings you are likely to experience during your time at our medically assisted detox facility.
Inpatient Xanax Addiction Treatment
Inpatient facilities provide a structured environment for individuals recovering from Xanax abuse. Patients usually live at the facility for 30 to 90 days. While here, they receive around-the-clock care from healthcare professionals and counselors specializing in substance use disorder.
Inpatient treatment programs often include individual therapy, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to address the physical and psychological aspects of drug addiction.
Other Types of Xanax Addiction Treatment Options
While we only offer medical detox and inpatient rehabilitation to treat substance use disorders, there are times when outpatient treatment for Xanax addiction may be suitable as well – either for those who don’t need full-time care or those who have already completed our inpatient treatment program.
You can usually choose from the following outpatient programs that treat Xanax addiction:
Partial Hospitalization Program
A partial hospitalization (PHP) Xanax treatment program provides up to 8 hours of treatment on most days of the week. However, it does not require you to spend the night at the facility.
Group therapy, individual counseling, and educational sessions that help explain drug abuse, recovery, and coping strategies fill the day, allowing personal time in the evenings.
By returning home after a day of Xanax addiction treatment, you can practice skills in a familiar environment. If anything difficult comes up while you’re at home, you can bring that back into therapy the next day so you can talk about it and figure out how to work through it in a healthy way.
Many people find this type of treatment for substance use disorders valuable after a higher level of care because it offers more freedom while still keeping them actively engaged in recovery.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) involves attending several therapy and counseling sessions each week while still living at home, usually at least 3 sessions per week for 3 hours each time. This Xanax addiction treatment option is helpful if you have a job, family, or other obligations but need more substantial support than basic outpatient care provides.
In this type of substance use disorder treatment, you’ll usually participate in individual and group therapy as well as develop coping strategies and learn relapse prevention skills.
Standard Outpatient Program
Standard outpatient treatment involves meeting once or twice a week for counseling and group sessions or sometimes family check-ins. Many people find this level of care to be a good fit once they’ve made progress in more intensive programs or when their struggles are not as severe. This treatment method lets you stay engaged in recovery while balancing work, family, or school.
No matter what type of treatment you need for Xanax addiction or mental health conditions, our team is here to help you get started.
How Much Does Xanax Addiction Treatment Cost?
The cost of Xanax addiction treatment can vary based on factors like the length of stay, the type of program – whether it’s an inpatient or outpatient treatment program – and the facility’s location. Inpatient programs will cost more because they provide the patient with a place to live. Some Xanax rehabs use a sliding-scale fee system or offer scholarships, giving those with limited finances a chance to receive care. If you’re not ready to take the step of getting help from an addiction treatment center, Narcotics Anonymous will have resources available for you.
Does Health Insurance Cover Substance Abuse Treatment?
The cost of Xanax addiction treatment varies based on factors like the level of care, length of stay, and whether you choose residential or outpatient services. If you have insurance coverage, most plans offer coverage for substance use treatment, which can help lower costs. Some Xanax rehabs also offer sliding-scale fees, making services more affordable for those with limited funds.
To get a better idea of how much you’ll be spending on Xanax addiction treatment, you can contact Luxe Treatment Center to verify your insurance coverage.
Contact Luxe Treatment Center to Learn More About Xanax Addiction Treatment
If you’re dealing with Xanax addiction – whether it’s you or a family member – it’s time to get the help and support you deserve. Our Xanax addiction treatment programs can provide you or a loved one with the guidance you need to overcome addiction issues.
We will help you navigate the recovery process, address any underlying issues contributing to addiction, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. For help getting started with benzodiazepine addiction treatment, contact Luxe Treatment Center today by calling (725) 215-3017 or completing our online contact form. We will explain all of your Xanax addiction treatment options so you can get started.
Resources: Narcotics Anonymous
