Xanax Rehab In Louisville, KY

Xanax addiction can significantly impact someone’s life, but they don’t have to face it alone. Many have struggled with Xanax addiction and have regained control of their lives with treatment. With our Xanax rehab in Louisville, Kentucky, we understand the severe impact of addiction and can help them 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. Xanax 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. 

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.

What Are the Signs of Addiction to Xanax? 

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

What Does Xanax Rehab at 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.