Xanax Rehab In Louisville, KY

Xanax addiction can significantly impact a person’s life, but no one should have to face it alone. Many have struggled with Xanax addiction and have regained control of their lives with proper treatment. At our Xanax rehab in Louisville, Kentucky, we understand the struggles that come with Xanax addiction. Our compassionate team is here to help you recover.  

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a brand name for the generic drug alprazolam. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are depressant drugs that slow stimulation. It is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep issues.

Xanax produces a calming effect to reduce fear and anxiety in triggering situations. Because Xanax is primarily used to treat situational anxiety, it is intended to be taken on a short-term basis.

Who is at Risk for Xanax Addiction? 

When prescribed at the lowest possible effective dose and taken accordingly, Xanax may not become addictive for everyone. Some individuals are more susceptible to Xanax addiction than others because every person reacts differently to medications.

People from all walks of life can become addicted to Xanax after taking it when prescribed. Factors such as mental health, family history, and other medication use can contribute to the risk of Xanax addiction.

Individuals who have experienced trauma or severe anxiety may take this medication to cope with regular triggers. However, taking Xanax for an extended period increases the risk of developing an addiction. Since mental health problems often co-occur with Xanax addiction, our Xanax rehab in Louisville, Kentucky includes extensive therapy options. 

Contact Us Today

Addiction and co-occurring disorders don’t have to control your life. Louisville Addiction Center is waiting with open arms to give you the tools necessary for lasting change. Reach out to us today to learn more.

502-586-4554

What Makes Xanax Highly Addictive? 

Xanax is a short-acting drug, meaning that it works quickly. It reaches its peak within two hours and affects the neurotransmitters in the brain. This produces a rapid calming effect, providing fast relief from fear and anxiety symptoms.

However, with Xanax’s fast-acting effects on the brain’s reward centers, it is highly addictive. Eventually, an individual’s tolerance level will determine the drug’s efficacy. Since most people will develop tolerance to Xanax over time, the drug becomes ineffective at the initial dose.

Consequently, a person may start experiencing discomfort when the drug is not taken. Because Xanax withdrawal can be challenging without medication-assisted treatment (MAT), this creates a vicious cycle. As individuals feel worse, they are compelled to take more of the drug. This further solidifies addiction. 

Xanax Addiction From Prescription Use 

According to a 2018 Journal of Addiction Medicine article, there are “significant discrepancies between prescribing habits and risks” associated with benzodiazepines, including alprazolam (Xanax). This is largely due to the lack of relevant studies and data available for clinicians when prescribing this drug. Therefore, Xanax has often been prescribed for more extended periods than its intended duration of treatment.

When Xanax is no longer effective at the lower dose, a physician will determine if a client can safely increase their dosage within the recommended range. A doctor may also consider alternative medications depending on the estimated duration of treatment. Again, Xanax is intended for short-term use. 

Most physicians now agree that prescribing Xanax over the long term is rarely necessary, but many individuals have already been on the medication for years. Once a person develops a tolerance to the drug, there exists a higher risk of addiction with prolonged use.

Xanax Addiction in Teens and Young Adults 

Young adults and teens are particularly vulnerable to Xanax addiction. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception among young people that Xanax is safe to use. This stems partially from the fact that it is a widely-prescribed medication used to treat anxiety. 

Many teens and young adults are offered Xanax by their peers, either for recreational use or to relieve anxiety. Consequently, they start taking Xanax, not realizing how addictive it is.

Signs of Xanax Addiction

Physical Symptoms 

• Severe drowsiness
• Impaired coordination and poor balance
• Digestive problems
• Cravings
• Decreased personal hygiene
• Withdrawal syndrome in the absence of the drug

Behavioral Symptoms 

• Social withdrawal 
• Mood swings and irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Acting sedated or unaware of surroundings
• Legal and financial challenges
• Attempts to obtain Xanax illegally 
• Inability to fulfill social and familial commitments

Is Xanax Addiction Dangerous? 

In short, yes, Xanax addiction is dangerous. Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine that loses its desired effect with prolonged use. As users develop tolerance, they take larger doses to satisfy cravings. With dependency on the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, Xanax addiction creates a risk of fatal overdose. 

Although Xanax overdose can occur all by itself, most overdose-related deaths involving Xanax occur in combination with some other drug. For example, mixing opioids and Xanax is extremely dangerous. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 12, 290 people in the U.S. died of a drug overdose involving benzodiazepines (such as Xanax) and opioids in 2020.

Xanax is also dangerous when combined with alcohol to increase its sedation effects. Since both substances depress the central nervous system, taking Xanax with alcohol can result in over-sedation and respiratory depression. This interaction can quickly become deadly. The risks of these combinations are often not taken seriously, since each substance is commonly used individually.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms 

Along with the dangers of addiction, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can also pose a medical risk. Depending on their severity, some of these symptoms may require medical intervention. Therefore, detoxing from Xanax is much safer with the help of experienced professionals.

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include the following: 

• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and sweating
• Hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle pain
• Agitation
• Tremors 
• Elevated heart rate
• Depression with suicidal ideation

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Medical Detoxification: This is the first step and involves the safe removal of Xanax from the body. Under medical supervision, the dosage of Xanax may be gradually reduced to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, other medications might be prescribed to manage and mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to treat benzodiazepine addiction. CBT helps patients recognize and cope with situations that might trigger the desire to use drugs. Further, it also aids in developing strategies to avoid drugs and prevent relapse.

Counseling: Individual, group, or family counseling can be beneficial. These sessions provide education, support, and strategies to maintain sobriety.

Medication: Sometimes, other medications might be used to treat symptoms of withdrawal, co-occurring mental health disorders, or to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Residential or Inpatient Treatment: In severe cases or where the patient lacks a stable home environment, residential treatment can be beneficial. Here, clients live in specialized facilities and receive round-the-clock care, therapy, and support.

Outpatient Treatment: This type is less intensive than inpatient treatment and is suitable for those with a stable living environment. clients attend therapy sessions and check-ins but can live at home.

Support Groups: Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or specific groups for benzodiazepine users offer community support and a platform to share experiences and coping strategies.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals with Xanax addiction might also have a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Whereas, dual diagnosis programs address both the substance use disorder and the mental health condition simultaneously.

Main Goals of Treatment

Safely Detox from Xanax: Ensuring the drug is removed from the system without causing severe withdrawal symptoms or complications.

Address Underlying Causes: Understanding and treating the root causes or triggers for the addiction, whether they are psychological, emotional, or environmental.

Prevent Relapse: Equip the individual with tools, strategies, and coping mechanisms to avoid returning to drug use.

Improve Overall Well-being: This includes mental health, physical health, social connections, and life skills.

Reintegrate into Society: Assisting individuals in returning to a productive, drug-free life in their communities, including finding employment, rebuilding relationships, and more.

Continued Support: Encouraging ongoing counseling or support group attendance to ensure long-term sobriety and address any potential relapse triggers.

The precise treatment approach varies based on the individual’s needs, the severity of the addiction, and any co-occurring disorders. A tailored treatment plan that encompasses various therapies and interventions is typically the most effective in promoting long-term recovery from Xanax addiction.

What Does Xanax Rehab in Louisville Addiction Center Look Like?

Our team focuses on the whole person in recovery rather than just getting a person sober. Our treatment programs include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient (OP) programs. 

We offer services to help our clients improve their lives. Since we understand that addiction impacts various aspects of life, we tailor our recovery program to meet each client’s needs.

MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) 

At Louisville Addiction Center, comfort is a top priority as we guide our clients through a safe recovery. We provide MAT in order to lessen clients’ discomfort during withdrawal. This medically monitored treatment involves administering medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. As a result, this can significantly improve the experience during recovery.   

Addiction and Mental Health Therapies 

We also offer the following therapies:

Family Therapy

With family involvement, we can strengthen familial relationships, establish better communication, and build trust between family members.

Trauma Therapy

This therapy emphasizes coping tools for traumatic life events and experiences.

Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy program treats the whole person’s mind, body, and soul to get to the core of addiction.

12-Step Recovery Program 

This comprehensive program helps develop tools that are crucial to the continued recovery process. Clients work on creating structure and self-discipline to strengthen their recovery.

Start Xanax Rehab in Louisville, KY Today 

If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction, there is hope. At Louisville Addiction Center, our team will guide you on the journey to recovery. Don’t wait. We understand making the first call is difficult, but it is an essential step in breaking free of addiction. 

Contact us today to get help through our Xanax rehab in Louisville, Kentucky.