Xanax is a prescription drug that is used to treat panic attacks and anxiety symptoms, but what starts as a helpful tool can become an escapist, addictive vice. Xanax can have dangerous mental and physical side effects when used excessively or for reasons outside of those prescribed by a doctor. Xanax addiction treatment can help patients regain control of their lives with a combination of thorough detox services and the modern drug addiction treatment modalities to best set a person up for successful recovery.
Xanax and other benzos can cause changes to the brain over time. Tolerance is also built up with longterm use, which makes these medications less effective and subsequently requires higher or more frequent dosages. Patients prescribed the drug can progress into a degree of tolerance and even dependence. Uncontrollable cravings are the trademark of any addiction. These cravings spur addicts to go to extremes to obtain the drug of choice, such as illegal activity and risky behaviors.
Xanax boosts the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, which abates anxious and fearful feelings but also slows down brain communication across the board. A person feels calmer, but reaction times and critical thinking are also mitigated.
As brain energy is re-routed towards GABA activity in the brain, less energy is available for other neurotransmitter functions, namely: acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These brain paths are responsible for everyday alertness, coordination, memory, emotional responses, and muscle tone. Xanax impacts the same neurotransmitters as alcohol in the brain. Consumed together, the detrimental effects are compounded and can cause sedation and confusion.
Overdosing can cause breathing difficulty. It is also important to understand overdose can result in a lower dose because of the synergistic effects when consumed with alcohol in the system. Its fast-acting nature also means short-interval relief. This means patients take it more frequently than perhaps other drugs, which is why it is easy to become addicted to this drug. In fact, people often experience a return of adverse psychological symptoms even between doses.
It can be fatal to abruptly stop benzo use. A patient needing treatment for Xanax addiction will need to go through a medically supervised, gradual detoxification treatment as its withdrawal can cause fatal seizures in addition to other symptoms.
Xanax detox centers can offer detox and rehabilitation programs. Holistic programs offer rehab for Xanax addiction that cultivates lasting wellness by addressing hidden issues that spurred substance abuse.
Xanax recovery is possible through the holistic recovery offered by drug rehab centers. There are many leading treatment providers in customizing recovery to align with each patient’s therapeutic and rehabilitation needs. At a good drug rehab center, you can find the following:
- Brain restoration and cognitive modalities, alternative therapies, nutrition, and skill-building
- Facilities across nationwide
- Flexible payment options
- Individualized treatment plans
- Treatment for dual diagnosis
There’s more to each person’s story beneath the surface. That’s why drug rehab centers are a holistic hub of doctors, therapists, alternative therapy experts, and residential attendants, all working in sync to personalize treatment to each person for long-term wellness.
