Alprazolam Treatment and Rehab

Alprazolam(often better known by the brand name Xanax) is a powerful benzodiazepine with sedative characteristics responsible for slowing both heart and breathing rates and lowing excitement levels in the brain – all of which are disruptive to normal functioning of the body. It is usually prescribed as treatment for symptoms of anxiety and sudden panic attacks. While many patients are able to use the medication as prescribed without any problem, it can be easy to abuse the drug and, in some cases, abuse can lead to addiction.

Alprazolam Addiction Treatment: What is it?

For people addicted to alprazolam, treatment focuses on helping them to quit usage. You know you’re on the path to becoming addicted to alprazolam if you do any of the following:

  • Taking it when there’s no reason to do so
  • Taking more than the dosage recommended by medical personnel
  • Taking the drug for non-medical reasons

If any of the above describes how you use alprazolam, you could be struggling with addiction and you might be in urgent need of treatment and rehab.

Treatment for Alprazolam Addiction is a Necessity

When addicted to alprazolam, you’re exposing yourself to all the side effects of abusing the drug, which can range from minor health issues such as nausea to more severe ones like memory loss, damaged reproductive health and seizures (which can lead to death if left unchecked).

Alprazolam addiction is accompanied by a range of withdrawal symptoms that are triggered when you try to quit. Some of these are very challenging, which makes it very important to seek professional treatment when you need to stop using the substance. ​Withdrawal effects are diminished when treatment is carried out under the supervision of qualified professionals and any complications are promptly arrested before they become far-reaching.  Some of the withdrawal symptoms that need to be managed during alprazolam treatment include:

  • Seizures
  • Irritability and depression
    • Inability to sleep
    • Anxiety
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      Effective Treatment for Alprazolam Addiction

      To effectively treat alprazolam addiction, it must be tackled on two sides. Firstly, the physical compulsion that drives you to take the drug needs to be addressed. Secondly, the psychological craving for alprazolam must also be treated. To effectively treat the first problem, you need to undergo medical detox, which isaimed at getting you off alprazolam with the least possible level of discomfort. This is important,as the effects of withdrawal can be very painful and challenging. You may also be placed on medication that can fight symptoms, such as convulsions and strong anxiety.

      You will also be prescribed other drugs to make the withdrawal process as comfortable as can be. This is only possible with properly trained medical personnel that understand the addiction treatment process, backed by a detailed knowledge of your medical history. This is why attempting treatment on your own is dangerous. Apart from the obvious possibility of relapse, you could end up suffering a fatal seizure as a result of an ill-informed DIY detoxification process.

      To fight the craving for alprazolam, professionals address the psychological damage caused by the addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), provided by a qualified therapist, is one of the most effective methods of gradually halting the mental craving for alprazolam. With this system of counselling, you’ll be made to see how specific thought processes and behaviour on your part led to your current state of addiction. The therapist will work closely with you to help figure out healthier and more positive ways to tackle the issues that led to your alprazolam abuse. You’ll be taught coping mechanisms that will help fight off any lingering compulsions to take the substance.

      The CBT process is fashioned to seek out and address any co-occurring disorders. This is important to ensure there are no underlying mental health conditions that can scupper the treatment process.

      What to Expect from Treatment

      When you undertake alprazolam addiction and treatment, you’ll be able to address the main reasons why you’re drawn towards the substance. All the emotional, psychological and physical problems that are at the heart of your abuse will be properly addressed.  To do this, most treatment programmes cover the following:

      • Addiction screening and assessment
      • Alprazolam detox
      • Psychotherapy and behavioural therapy
      • Addiction education
      • Follow up and aftercare (to avoid relapse)

      Therapy and Specialised Treatment Options

      Although there are numerous conventional remedies for alprazolam abuse, many treatment centres explore different specialised methods of treatment. Some examples include:

      • Lifestyle changes, such as helping patients to leave challenging employment situations or relationships that trigger the abuse of substances such as alprazolam.
      • Use of essential oils that can relax the nervous system and help the fight against cravings.
      • Use of yoga and other concentration enhancing exercises.
      • Use of meditation.
      • Use of continuous therapy and counselling.

      Finding an Exclusive Alprazolam Rehab facility

      A rehab centre that offers exclusive alprazolam treatment programmes is important for your recovery process. In such a facility, you can be certain that trained medical personnel know exactly how to help you make a full recovery, because they’ve done so for many of other people before. This is not to say that generic rehab centres cannot help with your addiction recovery journey. However, you have a better chance of success with rehab centres that have ample experience in terms of treating alprazolam addicts.

      What to Know aboutAlprazolam Recovery

      Most alprazolam treatment programmes begin with detox. This stage is geared towards easing the substance out of your body to prepare you for the treatment process. Detox is not treatment. If you do not expel the drugs from your body, it’s harder to begin recovery. Detox is generally completed on an inpatient basis, so as to protect you against all the effects of withdrawal.

      After the detox process, the next step in your fight against alprazolam addiction is inpatient or outpatient rehab. If the addiction is severe, you’ll be best served opting for inpatient rehab. This will also work best for you if you don’t have the right support system at home or if all your addiction triggers can be found in your immediate environment. Time spent at an inpatient rehab facility can be as long as 90 days, during which you’ll learn how to be happy without using alprazolam.  Outpatient programmes feature the same targets, but without the need to leave your home.

      When you’ve completed your inpatient or outpatient programme, the final step is aftercare therapy, where you’ll be monitored regularly to avoid the occurrence of relapse. You might be required to attend meetings, where you’ll meet other newly recovered individuals.

      At the end of an effectively structured alprazolam treatment process, you’ll be able to return to your daily life, free from all cravings.

      Getting treatment for your alprazolam addiction is vital if you’re looking to regain control of your life and. Therefore, choosing the right recovery centre plays a pivotal role in the whole process. There are different levels of treatment for alprazolam addiction that you may have to undertake to ensure complete recovery, depending on your particular situation. It’s therefore important to choose a recovery centre that ticks all the right boxes.

      Detoxification

      Proper detox from alprazolam is a long process. Quitting abruptly on your own (‘cold turkey’) is not recommended, because of the severe withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering is how professionals ensure proper detox, without subjecting you to a high level of risk, as far as withdrawal symptoms are concerned. During the detox process, you’ll gradually curtail your alprazolam dosage and begin to increase the time between doses, until you no longer need to use it.

      In some cases, you may be placed on certain drugs that can hasten the detox process. This is why alprazolam detox can only be effectively carried out under the supervision of qualified personnel. If you go through a ‘quick jolt’ detoxification process, your brain will think it has been wounded, triggering a slew of reactions aimed at fighting the injury, such as severe panic and startled reactions, nerve pain, muscle aches, short-term memory loss and fatigue, amongst others.  With a medically assisted detox, you can achieve sobriety and avoid any health complications, as medical personnel are always on hand to counter the life-threatening effects of withdrawal.

      Inpatient or Residential Treatment

      If you’ve already tried and failed in your bid to quit alprazolam abuse, or if your addiction is especially severe, an inpatient treatment programme will be best for you. Such programmes are for people who are battling a chronic or severe addiction. When you feel unable to handle the recovery process on your own, then doing so in a controlled environment is your best option. Depending on the severity of the addiction and the presence of any co-occuring disorders, the inpatient rehab process can take between 30 to 90 days from start to completion.

      Outpatient Treatment

      If you’re yet to develop a severe dependence on alprazolam, an outpatient treatment process may be best for you.  If you’re unable to commit to an inpatient programme as a result of your work or family commitments, you can also consider the outpatient option. However, even if you’re considering an outpatient programme, it might be beneficial to complete a 30-day alprazolam detox to achieve the best possible result.  Staying away from your usual environment and spending time around professionals that understand your condition could be all you need to start your journey to sobriety.  You’ll be separated from all the daily stresses that could trigger your alprazolam cravings.

      Aftercare

      After you’ve completed your treatment programme, you need to continue receiving therapy and aftercare for a while longer. This may entail regular visits to the rehab centre or attendance at local recovery meetings that are scheduled near to you. A rehab facility that doesn’t feature aftercare programmes might not be a good option if your risk of relapse is high.

      Alternative Treatments

      The best rehab centres know that each patient responds differently to various therapy models, which is why they include alternative treatment options such as meditation and yoga. Such options will be worked into your daily routine, which makes them highly effective. Alternative treatment could feature camp therapy programmes, during which you’ll be helped to develop survival skills whilst engaging in self-reflection. Such programmes are often used at the early stage of the addiction treatment process.

      All-Age Rehabs vs. Specific Age Group Rehabs

      If you opt for a rehab centre that offers combined-age rehabilitation programmes, you’ll be exposed to a wider perspective with regards the addiction recovery process. On the other hand, rehabs that handle specific age groups mean that only factors and situations that will influence someone in your age bracket are considered. Most people choose rehabs that offer specific age programmes,as combined age group programmes can lead to the feeling of isolation when you cannot relate to others (both other patients and professionals).

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      Short-Term vs. Long-Term Treatment

      Long-term addiction treatment is far more effective when it comes to equipping you with all the tools you need to navigate the addiction recovery process and achieve full sobriety. However, with long-term treatment only, you’ll be required to undergo far-reaching changes, such as leaving employment for a while and being away from your family for extended periods. Short-term rehab on the other hand doesn’t feature such difficulties, but it may not be enough for people who have a deeper addiction. Short-term treatment could also be cheaper.

      Specific Gender vs. Mixed Gender Programmes

      When undergoing treatment in a gender-specific programme, you might well feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics that affect your gender more. It’s a well-known fact that different genders react to substance abuse in different ways, so a gender-specific programme couldprovide a faster route to success.  If you’re more likely to benefit from listening to unique viewpoints on the other hand, a combined gender recovery programme may be better for you.

      Location

      When undergoing recovery far from home, you may be detached from the environmental triggers that feed your alprazolam addiction. This gives you a clean slate to restart your life. However, being far away from your loved ones could add to the stress of the recovery process. Staying close to home means you can be around loved ones, but it can also make it harder for you to detach completely from the enablers of your alprazolam abuse.

      Individual or Group Therapy

      If you’ll be best served undergoing treatment on your own, individual therapy could work for you. This is for people who want some level of privacy and those that don’t want to deal with the awkwardness of being around other rehab patients.  In some cases, individual/private rehabs are important due to a patient’s public position or celebrity status. However, group therapy can go a long way in aiding your recovery process by exposing you to other people experiencing the same things as you. The combined energy could be all you need for complete rehabilitation.

      Private Alprazolam Rehabs and Confidentiality

      Private alprazolam rehabs are clinics that offer bespoke and individual treatment. The best ones practice a high level of confidentiality at all times. You don’t need to worry about personal details or stories about your addiction being leaked to the outside world.

      Risks of Treatment

      The major risk of alprazolam treatment is the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. These include: muscle cramps, diarrhoea, blurred vision, nervousness, sweating, agitation, headaches, extreme sensitivity, convulsions and seizures. These further underline why you should not attempt to make a full recovery on your own.  Alprazolam treatment and rehab has the best chance of working when undertaken in a medical setting.

      The Risk of Relapse for Alprazolam Addicts

      When you undergoalprazolam addiction treatment, the focus is on helping you to learn coping strategies that will help counter the cravings when they occur. In your individual and group therapy sessions, you’ll also be taught how to handle stress and other problems in healthier ways, instead of resorting to alprazolam abuse. One of the things you’ll learn is that by reducing stress and anxiety, you can help avoid a relapse. End any relationships that lead to stress and anxiety and focus on engaging in healthy habits, such as exercise and good nutrition. You also need to continue attending outpatient and support group meetings regularly.


      FAQs

      What is Alprazolam Addiction Treatment?

      Alprazolam addiction treatment refers to a collection of processes you have to go through as an alprazolam addict to beat the addiction and return to a healthy normal life. The treatment process begins with medically assisted detox and ends in aftercare and post treatment therapy to prevent a relapse.

      Are There Any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

      As with all benzodiazepines, it’s dangerous to attempt getting clean from alprazolam on your own. There are no scientifically backed remedies for staying at home and going ‘cold turkey’ with alprazolamaddiction, and attempting to force it could prove fatal. You should only get clean through a proper, medically-assisted rehab and treatment facility in the presence of qualified personnel.

      What Recovery Programme is Right for Me?

      The first step to determining the kind of recovery programme that’s right for you is to subject yourself to an addiction assessment. This process will help the specialists decide if you would be best served going with an inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment programme.  It will also determine the intricacies of treatment, as the best rehabs tailor specific programmes for their clients. 

      What are some Common Alprazolam Withdrawal Symptoms?

      Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of alprazolam include: blurred vision,muscle pain,tremors, diarrhoea, headaches,numb fingers, insomnia, sensitivity to light and sound,loss of appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, panic and seizures.

      Why do People Start Taking Alprazolam?

      Alprazolam is often prescribed medically for use in the treatment of panic and anxiety. However, its addictive properties mean that many people take the drug not to treat anxiety, but replicate the feeling or ‘high’ that comes with using it.

      How is Alprazolam Used and Abused?

      Alprazolam is usually taken orally. People abuse it by taking it without prescriptions and consuming as many pills as they need in order to feel ‘high’. 

      What is the Alprazolam‘High’like?

      The alprazolam‘high’ varies from one person to another. In many people, the ‘high’ is a feeling of calmness and euphoria, which may be accompanied by slurred speech. In others, this is accompanied by heightened concentration that gives way to confusion and forgetfulness,as the effects of the drug wane.

      What are the Practical Dangers of Alprazolam Use?

      If you abuse alprazolam for a long period of time, your brain will start to lose its natural ability to function without it. Alprazolam can take control over your emotional responses, consciousness, memory, thought processes and muscular coordination. This means you could experience trouble with speech, keeping your balance and concentrating at home and in work. Alprazolam can lead to a reduction in appetite and ultimately weight loss.  Since alprazolam is effective at deeply impacting brain processes, prolonged usage can lead to brain damage.

      How long does Inpatient Alprazolam Rehabilitation take?

      Addiction treatment timelines are largely dependent on the specifics surrounding each case.  Before a timeline can be placed on a programme, detailed assessment is conducted to ensure all aspects of the addiction are covered. The duration will be further impacted if there are co-occurring disorders present that also need to be treated.  However, most inpatient alprazolam rehabilitation programmes take between 30 to 90 days, from start to finish.

      What are the Risks of Addiction to Alprazolam?

      The risks of addiction to alprazolam include depression, psychotic experiences, delirious states, cognitive deficits, as well as aggressiveness. Another common side effect with alprazolam abuse is memory impairment. This issue only affects your short-term memory, but it can have a lasting effect. When the problem is allowed to deepen, you will find it difficult to concentrate and pay attention to what you’re observing or reading.

      Is It Possible to Avoid Addiction and Rehab?

      Yes. The best way to avoid addiction to alprazolam is to only use it according to prescriptions from qualified medical personnel. As soon as you begin to notice the first signs of dependence, you need to talk to your doctor for a possible change in medication or other solutions that will help you avoid becoming addicted.

      Why is Treatment Necessary?

      Treatment is very important to avoid continued damage to your brain processes. Also, note that deepening alprazolam addiction can lead to a thirst for other substances in a bid to sustain the ‘high’ effect. When you allow the addiction to worsen, there’s always the danger of exacerbating the effects and possible overdose.

      What Types of Treatment Are Available?

      The different types of alprazolam treatment are often combined for a more holistic solution. These include detoxification, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and aftercare.

      Can AlprazolamCause Liver Damage?

      Alprazalom can trigger copious amounts of liver enzymes in the body and this can permanently damage the liver. This is another reason why combining alprazolamwith alcohol and any other substances that can have an impact on the liver is extremely dangerous.

      How can I tell if Someone is Abusing Alprazolam?

      You may notice if someone is abusing alprazolam if they show all or some of the following symptoms: drowsiness, concentration problems, memory problems, slurred speech and unnatural sensitivity to light and sound.

      Can you Die from Combining Alprazolam and Alcohol?

      When you take alprazolam in combination with alcohol, you risk multiplying its effects and this can lead to an overdose. Death will follow if the symptoms of overdose are left untreated.

      What Happens During Treatment?

      During alprazolam addiction treatment, the emphasis is placed on finding out why you abuse the substance, making you see the dangers of your actions, teaching you coping mechanisms and ensuring you no longer crave alprazolam. This starts with a comprehensive detox and culminates in proper aftercare.

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