Help with Xanax addiction is in high demand as more and more people across the United States are relying on prescription drugs. While Xanax addiction is a problem among all age groups and in every state, it is a particular problem among young people. This medication was initially developed to aid patients with panic disorder and severe anxiety. It is a form of benzodiazepines, a family of psychoactive drugs including Valium. Why would someone abuse this drug? Because like other benzodiazepines it acts on the user's central nervous system; Xanax slows the neurotransmitters inducing a calming and drowsy effect on the user.
This medication has a depressant effect on the user's brain. It affects the area that regulates wakefulness and alertness (similar to the effects caused by alcohol consumption). Many who abuse the drug claim that it makes them feel like they are "buzzed" or even "drunk." Xanax enhances the action of receptors that inhibit central nervous system function; inhibiting the action of the receptors whose job it is to stimulate the nervous system. Look at it this way; if your nervous system were a car, Xanax would help press down on the brakes while making it harder to press down on the gas.
When the drug is abused it creates a sense of euphoria in the drug user.�' Addicts know that if they crush the Xanax pills and inhale the resulting powder it will hit their brain's pleasure center creating an intense feeling of wellbeing. This intense euphoria becomes harder and harder to achieve over time. The reserves that were once full and ready to be tapped have now been depleted due to repeated Xanax use. It takes time for these reserves to build up again and allow the drug user to experience the same amount of pleasure from their drug use. As they continue to take the medication their body builds up a tolerance to it and a physical dependency develops. The drug user will experience psychological cravings for Xanax even when the drug toxins no longer remain in their body.
If you or your loved one needs help with Xanax addiction it is important to make contact with a treatment professional. This may mean contacting your doctor or touching base with a counselor or staff member at a drug rehabilitation center. Speaking to a professional in the field of drug addiction will help you further understand Xanax addiction and what the next step is. Depending on the level of dependency, you may need to enroll in a medically assisted drug detox program before you enter a drug rehabilitation center.
Xanax addiction detox and withdrawal must be done by medical professionals. This medication can have severe side effects if discontinued abruptly, so going through the detox process in a professional setting is a must. The staff at the detox program will make sure that the withdrawal and detox process is conducted with as little pain and discomfort as possible. Some of the more intense side effects of Xanax withdrawal include insomnia, anxiety, depression, and potentially fatal seizures.
The next part of getting help with Xanax addiction is receiving counseling on drug addiction and recovery techniques. While every treatment program is unique, they are all working to accomplish lasting sobriety for their clients. While in recovery, you or your loved one will address the personal issues that led to drug abuse and addiction. These issues will be worked through and handled so that they do not cause further problems once you leave treatment. You will also learn recovery techniques and tools to prepare you in case of impending relapse. The rehab center will educate you on drug addiction and how to maintain your sobriety once you return to your daily life.
While there are many different types of treatment available of varying lengths, research shows that 90 days is when most addicts really see the improvements they are looking to achieve by enrolling into drug treatment. 90 days may seem like a substantial amount of time but lasting sobriety is worth the investment. After the 90 day point more treatment can provide further progress in one's recovery and solidify the gains made.
When looking at different approaches take into consideration a few key points: