Xanax Addiction Treatment Center Washington

Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication in the United States. It is used to treat generalized anxiety and panic disorders. However, its clinical usefulness is offset by the fact that it is highly addictive. That’s why there is a need for a Xanax addiction treatment center in Washington.

In this article, we explore the abuse liability of Xanax and why it continues to be such a frequently prescribed medication. We also talk about the side effects of the drug and list some of the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction. Last but not least, we help you choose the best Xanax addiction treatment center Washington offers.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (generic alprazolam) is categorized in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines or benzos. Benzos are primarily used for treating anxiety. Benzos are also sometimes used to treat insomnia, muscle tension, seizure disorder, and alcohol withdrawal. The need for a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington arises because Xanax is highly addictive. It is also the most commonly prescribed psychotropic substance in the United States.

More than 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. It is no surprise then that benzodiazepine prescriptions have been growing in number, having quadrupled between 2002 and 2015. In 2020, the benzo market in the US is estimated to be worth nearly $4 billion. Alongside this is a growing need for a specialized Xanax addiction treatment center Washington to help those who develop a dependence on this addictive drug.

Xanax is the second most common drug involved in ED visits related to drug misuse. Benzos are implicated in roughly one-third of suicide attempts or intentional overdoses. If a person has developed alprazolam dependence, it’s important to get help promptly at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington.

How Does Xanax Addiction Occur?

There are two ways in which Xanax addiction can occur:

1. When a prescription is received for a medical condition
2. When the drug is taken long-term for recreational purposes

The amount of Xanax an individual should take depends on their medical condition, age, and how their body responds to the treatment. The dosage should only be given for one or two weeks, but sometimes, it may also be prescribed and taken on an as-needed basis if the individual suffers from panic attacks or anxiety disorders. However, this type of use can also lead to addiction, even if the drug is prescribed by the doctor. It is thus important for the doctor to monitor the patient’s use of Xanax closely.

Another way Xanax addiction can happen is if someone takes the drug regularly for a long time purely for recreational reasons. The feeling of euphoria that the drug causes can be so intoxicating, especially to those suffering from anxiety or depression, that the individual can consume it more frequently, and if their body develops a tolerance, in higher amounts than they should.

Although Xanax addiction can affect anyone, there are certain groups of people who have a greater risk than others. These people can:

• Be in the 18-25 age bracket
• Have co-occurring mental conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder
• Have a history of alcohol abuse
• Have a family history of substance use disorder

Is Xanax Addictive?

Yes, it is. Xanax triggers changes in the brain’s chemistry by releasing higher amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects feelings of pleasure.

With the continuous use of the drug, the brain becomes dependent on it, perceiving it as necessary to function properly, and develops tolerance to it. This increased dopamine release also makes the drug more rewarding, which results in a stronger desire to consume it more frequently and in higher doses each time.

What are the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction?

It can be difficult to know if you need to go to a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington. Some of the signs that are red flags and should raise concern include:

• Using Xanax without a prescription regularly.
• Experiencing intense cravings for Xanax that make it difficult to focus on anything else.
• Needing higher doses of Xanax to achieve the desired symptom relief.
• Taking more of the drug than intended.
• Spending excessive amounts of time obtaining and using Xanax.
• Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when Xanax is not available. (These withdrawal symptoms can be effectively managed at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington).
• Undertaking dangerous behaviors to obtain Xanax, such as violence or stealing.
• Engaging in risky behaviors while using Xanax, such as driving while impaired.
• Continuing to use Xanax despite negative consequences on behavioral and mental health, relationships, and work.

If you have two or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to seek care at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington.

What are the side effects of Xanax?

Xanax is prescribed because it eases anxiety and relaxes muscles. However, with prolonged use, it can lead to a rebound effect, meaning the symptoms the medication is supposed to treat can come back with greater severity when you stop taking Xanax. In addition to its desired effects, Xanax can cause various side effects. These symptoms are commonly noted in people seeking care at a Xanax addiction treatment center.

• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Poor coordination
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Clinical teams at a Xanax addiction treatment center also note various psychological symptoms in people with alprazolam addiction. These include memory problems, reduced inhibition, and confusion. What’s more, Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, can impair a person’s concentration and focus, thereby increasing the risk of motor vehicle accidents and falls. Getting help at a Xanax addiction treatment center can prevent many of the negative consequences of drug abuse.

Xanax’s Long-Term Health Implications

While the short-term effects of using Xanax may manifest as injury, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and even overdose, there can be long-lasting effects if the drug is consumed for longer periods.

Long-term Xanax misuse does not just lead to respiratory depression, slowed heart rate, and extreme drowsiness but also life-threatening implications such as overdose or even death. These effects cause multiple problems affecting a person’s mental and psychological state, such as:

• Depression
• Psychosis
• Aggression
• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Sudden weight gain

Physical dependence on Xanax can lead to withdrawal symptoms if a person who’s been using it habitually tries to quit cold turkey. These withdrawal symptoms can be mildly uncomfortable or severe, so undergoing detox with the assistance of trained professionals is recommended.

Xanax Withdrawal

When someone who’s been taking Xanax for legitimate medical conditions or using it for recreational purposes attempts to stop taking it suddenly, serious withdrawal symptoms can start to occur within just a day. Withdrawal symptoms can also occur even after a week’s use of the drug.

Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Memory or learning issues
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Crawling sensation under your skin
• Mania (sudden increase in activity or talking)
• Changes in the nervous system
• Muscle tremors
• Psychosis
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in hands, arms, and feet
• Ringing in ears
• Muscle twitching
• Unusual movements
• Suicidal thoughts
• Blood pressure changes
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing

Xanax Addiction Treatment Options

Overcoming Xanax addiction may be challenging, but there’s hope! Effective treatment programs are available, all of which have one ultimate goal: achieving abstinence from Xanax use. These treatment options include, but are not limited to, inpatient rehab programs, detoxification (detox), and behavioral therapies to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

While outpatient programs are suitable for people with less severe drug addictions, staying at the rehab center for substance abuse treatment is considered best for those who suffer from severe addiction. Inpatient rehab treatment typically involves staying at a residential facility and receiving round-the-clock medical supervision from healthcare providers.

Medical Detox

The effects of Xanax withdrawal can be severe and even dangerous, so starting treatment with detox is the ideal first step. Detoxing means you will be made to stop a harmful drug gradually. This is especially necessary in the case of Xanax because quitting abruptly can be dangerous. The doctors will slowly taper your Xanax dose over weeks, monitoring you for withdrawal symptoms like seizures. You may even receive medication as part of the treatment plan to manage discomfort and prevent complications during this process.

Behavioral Therapies

Therapy is key to staying drug-free after detox. Unlike medication that eases withdrawal symptoms, therapy, specifically behavioral health therapy, teaches you to manage your addiction and practice self-restraint when temptation calls.

Therapists might use one or more of these behavioral therapies in a one-to-one or group therapy session:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy focuses on helping you understand the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behavior and how it influences your addiction.
• Motivational Interviewing: This counseling is more like a Q&A session. Your therapist will ask you questions that boost your motivation to embrace change.
• Contingency Management: This therapy aims to create motivational incentives to modify behavior.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): This therapy aims to help you regain emotional control over your thoughts and actions.
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy helps change behavior that is rooted in irrational thoughts.

How to recognize Xanax abuse in a loved one?

If you’re worried that a friend or family member may be abusing Xanax, there are certain signs to look for. If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to get a consultation at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington. It is worth remembering that many people who abuse Xanax try to hide their addiction from loved ones. Also, the symptoms of Xanax addiction can easily be mistaken for usual life stressors such as a demanding job. However, it is important to recognize the addiction and get help at a Xanax addiction treatment center to limit the damage the drug use can cause. You should be vigilant for the following symptoms in a loved one:

• Behavioral changes such as being overly secretive or aggressive.
• Mood changes such as depression and anxiety.
• Disheveled appearance.
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Unexplained sleepiness.
• Health issues such as nausea, vomiting, headaches.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.
• Poor performance at work or school.
• Financial troubles such as missing money or stealing.

If you’ve noticed these symptoms, do not delay seeking help at a Xanax addiction treatment center. Your actions today could save the life of your loved one.

What to do if a loved one has Xanax addiction?

It can be devastating and overwhelming to discover that a loved one has become dependent on Xanax. However, help is available at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington. The first step is accepting reality and doing something about it. Remember, drug abuse changes the brain circuitry and makes it difficult for the person to quit. It’s important not to be judgmental or to blame the person abusing Xanax. If you feel you cannot motivate the person to quit, you should seek professional help. The staff at a Xanax addiction treatment center Washington are experienced in helping people understand the serious negative consequences of Xanax abuse and encouraging them to enter rehab.

Discover Recovery Xanax Addiction Treatment Center Washington

Realizing there is a problem and asking for help is the most critical thing you can do to help yourself or a loved one. Discover Recovery is a leading Xanax addiction treatment center Washington located in Long Beach. We are a residential rehab facility staffed by an experienced and caring team of medical professionals. Our Xanax addiction treatment center offers you or your loved one a supportive and safe environment in which to quit using the drug.

During the withdrawal from Xanax, patients can experience a range of distressing symptoms, including a return of their anxiety and panic attacks. For this reason, it is important to undergo medically supervised detox at a Xanax addiction treatment center. During the medical detox, the dose is gradually reduced, and symptoms are managed. This makes recovery smoother and decreases the risk of relapse.

Medical detox at our Xanax addiction treatment center in Washington is followed by behavioral therapies to help the person learn coping strategies. This helps them handle life stressors and anxiety without relying on Xanax.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax abuse, talk to us at Discover Recovery Xanax addiction treatment center Washington today. We can help you quit the drug and move forward towards a drug-free future.