Benzodiazepines or benzos are a classification of drugs consisting of Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan, among others. These drugs, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, can often lead to addiction. Medications like Xanax are often taken orally but can be used sublingually by people abusing it to speed up its effects. Benzodiazepines should only be used short-term, and their use should be monitored by a doctor. Individuals who abuse Xanax and other benzos may develop withdrawal symptoms that can be so dangerous and severe that they can be fatal. In such cases, it’s vital to seek treatment at a Xanax addiction treatment program.
Most doctors prescribe benzos for short-term use and decrease the dosage until the patient no longer needs it. This way, the patient does not become addicted. However, this practice is not foolproof. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center today at 866.520.4881 to learn more about our Xanax rehab center in Los Angeles.
Benzos like Xanax are addictive because they release dopamine in the brain. The substance controls the reward center of the brain. This increases the pleasurable feelings a person experiences while decreasing the negative emotions. In other words, it creates a euphoric state which, in turn, leads to addiction. Many men and women suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. As such, doctors widely prescribe benzodiazepines, including Xanax. As a result, a large number of consumers develop an addiction.
Addiction occurs when a person cannot function without taking the drug on a daily basis. When someone stops using benzos, the onset of withdrawal symptoms begins shortly after. When a person becomes addicted to benzos, they focus on using a larger dose than prescribed. They do this because they have to take more of the drug in order to achieve similar effects. Commonly the individual cannot afford to buy the drug illegally, so they resort to getting their fix from friends or family, often stealing Xanax or other benzos from medicine cabinets.
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Addiction to Xanax and other benzos produces both physical and behavioral symptoms. These are a few signs of benzodiazepine addiction:
One sign of Xanax addiction is taking larger doses of the medication than prescribed or taking it more frequently than directed.
If you stop taking Xanax suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors. If you continue to take the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms, this may be a sign of addiction.
If you feel like you need Xanax to function normally or find yourself obsessively thinking about the medication, this may be a sign of addiction.
Xanax addiction can lead to changes in behavior, such as increased secrecy or isolation, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and neglecting responsibilities.
If you continue to use Xanax despite experiencing negative consequences such as relationship problems, job loss, or legal issues, this may be a sign of addiction.
If you use Xanax to get high or for recreational purposes, this is a sign of addiction.
Some patients try to stop taking the drug themselves without seeking professional help. This can be highly dangerous and uncomfortable, which is why it is important to seek support during the initial withdrawal process. If you have noticed these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, reach out to Silicon Beach Treatment Center online today or by calling 866.520.4881.
We understand that it can be overwhelming to make the decision to get help for substance abuse. The caring team at Silicon Beach Treatment Center is standing by ready to help you begin your journey.
Some patients undergo outpatient treatment medically supervised by trained professionals. Often, this is the case when they have less severe symptoms or after they have completed inpatient treatment. Sometimes, this is the first step someone takes to treat a serious addiction. Outpatient treatment often includes family counseling, group therapy, a healthy diet, and an exercise program.
Rehab centers use several different therapies during the treatment process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (also known as CBT) is where the patient works with a qualified therapist to learn new ways of coping. This therapy helps patients address the stressful feelings that come with addiction. It teaches them to recognize connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. They learn effective communication skills and new ways of coping. In addition to this, therapy offers many exercises for when a patient returns home. CBT is also noted to help with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, and sleep disorders which may be related to substance use.
Facilities frequently teach patients meditation as a tool to reduce stress. Meditation focuses on concentration and breathing techniques. This simple tool is one of the ones that patients can use at home when they are discharged, and it can be practiced anywhere with just a few minutes each day. In addition to this, facilities encourage patients to develop a daily exercise routine (walking, biking, working out, etc.) during treatment. Patients are often provided with a quiet, dark room due to their sensitivity to the light when withdrawing from benzodiazepines such as Xanax.
Group therapy involves a number of different activities for patients to participate in. Some programs include art therapy with drawing, painting, making collages, or crafts. Other rehab centers offer equine therapy where participants work with horses and care for them. Furthermore, facilities may offer yoga and massage therapy. In conclusion, treatment depends on the severity and individual needs of the patient’s benzo addiction. For more information about the services offered through this Los Angeles Xanax rehab center, visit us online.
When someone suffers from a benzo addiction, it is essential to get them professional help. Our Xanax rehab center in Los Angeles will come to the house and perform an intervention to encourage the person to get treatment. This experience can lead to denial and anger in the patient. Therefore, it is not always an effective method.
Benzodiazepine and Xanax abuse is a widespread addiction, and countless numbers of people have been treated for it. It is a well-known drug often mixed with alcohol to intensify its effects at parties and concerts. Some teens steal the medication from family medicine cabinets, and this is how addiction begins frequently. No matter the way the addiction began, help is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction, call Silicon Beach Treatment Center today at 866.520.4881 to see the treatment options we have available and begin your road to recovery today.