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.
What Is Benzodiazepine Addiction?
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.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Addiction to Xanax and other benzos produces both physical and behavioral symptoms. These are a few signs of benzodiazepine addiction:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Moods swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Tremors
- Sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Confusion or a lack of concentration
Some patients try to stop taking the drug themselves without seeking professional help. This can be highly dangerous, which is why it is important to seek support during the initial withdrawal process.
Treatment for Xanax Addiction
Some patients undergo outpatient treatment medically supervised by trained professionals. Often, this is the case when they have less severe symptoms or after they’ve 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 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.
Facilities frequently teach patients meditation as a tool to reduce stress. Meditation focuses on concentration and breathing techniques. It’s one of the tools patients can use at home when they’re discharged. 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.
Seeking Help at Silicon Beach Treatment Center
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 convince 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. If you of a loved one is struggling with benzo addiction, help is available. 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.