Doctors write millions of Xanax prescriptions every year because the drug can treat a variety of health conditions. As a result, more and more people abuse the drug, which puts them at risk for Substance abuse addiction. In fact, a significant number of people have developed and will develop the disease. Fortunately, they can get Xanax addiction treatment in Arizona.
How Xanax Is Addictive
As the most popular psychiatric drug in the United States, Xanax is a benzodiazepine (benzo). Since it’s a central nervous system depressant, doctors use it to treat anxiety, sleep issues, mania and seizures.
Xanax works by enhancing the effects of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters in the brain. This chemical controls levels of excitement in the nervous system. For instance, a low amount of GABA can result in anxious feelings. By stimulating the release of GABA, Xanax produces sedating and calming effects.
These effects are exactly why people abuse Xanax and other benzos. They feel the effects as soon as 25 minutes after swallowing the pills. However, the effects fade in just a few hours. Because of that, they take more pills to feel the effects again.
This repetitive cycle can quickly lead to tolerance, dependence and then addiction. When people develop addiction they can’t control how much Xanax that they take. If they don’t get a regular dose, they could suffer from withdrawal. For that reason, it’s difficult to stop using the drug outside of a Xanax rehab program.
What to Expect in Xanax Addiction Treatment in Arizona
Upon arriving at an Arizona Xanax addiction treatment center, people undergo physical and mental exams. The purpose is to determine the severity of the addiction and identify any underlying mental illnesses and offer a dual diagnosis treatment. With the results, the staff members can create a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. Having a tailored plan is important because the same treatment methods don’t work for everyone.
The next step is detox, which involves allowing the body to eliminate the drug toxins naturally. Suddenly stopping Xanax use often triggers a wide range of withdrawal symptoms. In order to mitigate these symptoms, the detox staff members can administer medications. Another approach is to taper the drug dose so that people can wean off the drug gradually.
When they’ve reached a stable state from detox, the Xanax addiction treatment program incorporates therapy. The goal during this phase is to address the cause of addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular and effective approach. It focuses on changing the distorted emotions and thoughts that lead to destructive behaviors.
Alternative or holistic therapies are useful as well. Meditation and yoga both reduce anxiety and help people control how they respond to triggers. In addition, Xanax addiction treatment in Arizona can include other therapeutic services, such as:
- Addiction education
- Trauma therapy
- Group counseling
- Family therapy
- Dual diagnosis therapy
- Relapse prevention training
Find Treatment That Meets Your Needs in Arizona
Don’t let Xanax addiction continue to threaten your life. Get Xanax addiction treatment in Arizona that can meet your needs and preferences. Call a facility in order to learn more about its services.