Xanax is a powerful sedative drug that raises levels of pleasure chemicals in the user’s brain. The flood of chemicals causes extreme pleasure, calmness, and suppressed appetite, which relaxes some people and energizes others. Repeated drug use causes the brain to adapt to higher levels of chemicals. As a result, the user gets agitated, depressed, and uncomfortable when they don’t have the drug. Signs of Xanax use include drowsiness, falling, being uncoordinated, and memory problems. Users most commonly take the medication by mouth, but some people snort, smoke, or inject it. To learn everything you should know about Xanax, please reach out to the healthcare professionals at BoardPrep Recovery Center® today by calling 866.796.4720.
Xanax Use Disorder and Addiction
Regular use of Xanax usually causes severe addiction. Those who are addicted to Xanax typically take the drug in larger amounts and for extended periods of time than they intend. Those who are addicted to Xanax may experience symptoms such as:
- They may want to cut down or quit the drug but not being able to do so.
- The person may be spending a lot of time obtaining the drug.
- They may experience cravings or a strong desire to use the drug.
- They’re repeatedly unable to carry out responsibilities at work, school, or home due to Xanax use.
- They continue to use the drug despite social problems caused or made worse by using Xanax.
- They’ve stopped or reduced vital social, work, or fun activities due to using.
Recurrent use of the drug in physically hazardous situations is also a sign of addiction. They may consistently use the drug despite knowledge of physical or psychological difficulties from using Xanax. Some people also have a physical tolerance as defined by a need for increasing amounts of the drug to achieve intoxication or less effect with continuing use of the drug. They may also have physical withdrawal symptoms or substance use to avoid withdrawal.
Treatment of Xanax Use Disorder and Addiction
Moderate to severe Xanax use disorder and Xanax addiction usually requires brief detoxification and inpatient treatment at a partner facility to support quitting. Inpatient treatment separates the user from the drug and related stressors and triggers. After initial medical detoxification and inpatient stabilization, levels of care for continued treatment are assessed with six dimensions:
- Acute intoxication or withdrawal potential
- Biomedical conditions and complications
- Emotional, behavioral, or cognitive needs and complications
- Readiness to change
- Relapse/continued use with continued problem potential
- Recovery environment
Experts recommend extended programs including life skills, coping skills, dual diagnosis conditions, and sober housing. These services serve to augment treatment. Research shows that the best long-term results when treating Xanax addiction occur by starting with a minimum of 90-days of intensive and primary treatment. Once this is complete, it is best to decrease the program’s intensity. Afterward, experts usually recommend structured recovery support for two years while the brain continues to recover and restore normal functioning.
Everything You Should Know About Xanax and Addiction’s Impact on the Brain
Xanax addiction hijacks the reward center of the brain. Using the drug elicits extreme and temporary pleasure. It also produces intense and lasting mental pre-occupation. For an individual who is addicted to Xanax, the pursuit of that pleasure becomes all-consuming. As a result, dopamine supercharges certain brain connections, while the connections between good judgment and behavior become much weaker.
The Defensive Brain
As addiction takes hold, the thinking part of the brain gets pre-occupied with obtaining dopamine provided by the drug. The addicted brain responds to the idea of cutting back or quitting the drug as a threat to survival. The brain quickly dismisses the idea, rationalizing and justifying reasons for continued use. The brain crafts excuses, making continued drug use seem like the right thing to do. The person still thinks. However, the thinking and problem-solving part of their brain becomes more and more driven to figure out how to keep using the drug. Eventually, the person’s obsession with using takes over all the brain’s resources.
How Can Xanax Addiction Treatment Help?
Trying to quit Xanax feels like food deprivation or ending a meaningful relationship. Without proper treatment, structure, and support, most people relapse. The pursuit of dopamine’s pleasurable effects is all-consuming. Regular Xanax use changes the brain’s chemistry and structure, but with the proper treatment and follow-up, normal brain function will be restored over time. With rigorous treatment, diligent follow-up, and supportive monitoring, lasting recovery becomes possible.
Everything You Should Know About Xanax Addiction Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
When you reach out to BoardPrep Recovery Center®, you will experience a safe and confidential process that is designed to help you heal from addiction. Our team works primarily with board-certified professionals, including healthcare professionals, airplane pilots, and lawyers. Our evidence-based and holistic approach to care is designed to treat the whole person, including body, mind, and spirit.
Xanax addiction treatment for professionals is different than traditional treatment. We understand that you have a career, a family, and other responsibilities. That is why we offer programs that are designed to fit into your busy life. We offer a variety of therapeutic treatment options, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
These therapies give you the tools you need to overcome your addiction.
Seek Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
At BoardPrep, we understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. That is why we offer a comprehensive and individualized approach to care. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. To learn more about our Xanax rehab for professionals, call 866.796.4720.
