Understanding Rehab for Xanax Addiction and The Recovery Process

What is Xanax?

Xanax, known by its generic name alprazolam, is a prescription medication classified as a benzodiazepine.[2] It is primarily prescribed to manage anxiety disorders and panic attacks due to its ability to produce calming effects on the central nervous system.

Xanax is widely prescribed in the United States. However, its popularity also contributes to its potential for misuse and abuse.” According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 5.3 million individuals aged 12 or older reported misusing prescription benzodiazepines, including Xanax, in 2019.[3] In 2019 alone, benzodiazepines were implicated in over 9,000 overdose deaths, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).[4]

Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States, Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.[5] This classification acknowledges its recognized medical use for treating anxiety disorders and panic attacks while also acknowledging its potential for abuse and dependence. As a Schedule IV drug, Xanax is subject to regulatory measures to mitigate the risks of misuse and diversion, including strict prescribing guidelines and monitoring of distribution channels.

Xanax Addiction and Abuse

Xanax’s addictive nature is largely attributed to its ability to amplify the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting brain activity. By enhancing GABA activity, Xanax induces feelings of calmness and relaxation, which can be reinforcing and lead to the development of addiction.[6]

The drug functions by binding to specific receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors, thereby inhibiting neuronal activity. This mechanism results in the alleviation of anxiety and promotion of relaxation—but prolonged use of Xanax can lead to tolerance, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects.

Xanax Quick Reference Chart

Statistics on Xanax Use, Misuse, and Addiction

A total of 30.6 million adults in the US — accounting for 12.6% of the population — reported past-year benzodiazepine use.[7] Among them, 25.3 million individuals (10.4%) used benzodiazepines as prescribed, while 5.3 million adults (2.2%) reported misuse. Notably, misuse accounted for 17.2% of overall benzodiazepine use. Benzodiazepine misuse has also been strongly associated with the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids or stimulants, highlighting the interconnected nature of substance misuse disorders.

From 2019 to 2020, benzodiazepine-related overdose visits per 100,000 emergency department visits increased by 23.7%.[8] This increase was observed both in cases involving opioid co-involvement (34.4%) and those without (21.0%). Over the same period, from April to June 2019 to April to June 2020, overdose deaths involving prescription and illicit benzodiazepines surged significantly. Prescription benzodiazepine-involved overdose deaths increased by 21.8%, while illicit benzodiazepine-involved overdose deaths skyrocketed by 519.6%.

From January to June 2020, 92.7% of benzodiazepine-involved deaths also involved opioids. Additionally, illicitly manufactured fentanyls were implicated in 66.7% of these fatalities, highlighting the lethal combination of benzodiazepines in tandem with potent opioids.

Xanax Addiction and Abuse

Xanax abuse can profoundly impact overall well-being, leading to a range of physical, social, and behavioral consequences:[9]

Physical Effects

• Respiratory depression: Xanax, a potent benzodiazepine, can suppress breathing, particularly when taken in high doses or combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. This can lead to dangerous levels of oxygen deprivation and potentially fatal consequences.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Xanax abuse may cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, contributing to discomfort and potential complications.
• Cognitive impairment: Xanax abuse can induce drowsiness, sedation, and impair cognitive function, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making.
• Risk of overdose: High doses of Xanax or its combination with other substances can increase the risk of overdose, potentially resulting in coma or death.

Social and Behavioral Effects

• Relationship problems: Xanax abuse can strain relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues due to erratic behavior, mood swings, and prioritization of drug use over responsibilities.
• Legal issues: Obtaining Xanax through illicit means or engaging in criminal activities to support addiction can lead to legal consequences, including arrest, charges, and incarceration.
• Financial difficulties: Supporting a Xanax addiction can be financially draining, leading to debt, unemployment, and financial instability.
• Social isolation: Individuals struggling with Xanax abuse may withdraw from social activities, isolate themselves from loved ones, and experience feelings of loneliness and despair.

Xanax Addiction and Mental Health

Xanax abuse can detrimentally affect cognitive function and emotional regulation, impeding daily functioning and exacerbating mood swings.[10] The sedative properties of Xanax can further exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression, creating a cycle of dependency and exacerbation of mental health issues.

People struggling with co-occurring Xanax addiction and mental health disorders encounter distinct treatment hurdles, necessitating integrated care that addresses both aspects simultaneously. However, the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse can act as a barrier to seeking help, underscoring the critical need for de-stigmatization efforts and access to evidence-based treatment modalities.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Treatment for Xanax abuse typically aims to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. The cost, duration, and process of addiction treatment can vary based on factors such as the severity of the addiction and the selected treatment facility, among other considerations.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of Xanax addiction rehabilitation can vary significantly, depending on the type of program (inpatient, outpatient, residential), treatment duration, geographical location, and amenities provided by the facility. Many treatment centers accept health insurance, which can help alleviate the financial burden of treatment. Additionally, some facilities offer sliding-scale fees or financial assistance options for individuals in need.

Length of Treatment

In general, the duration of Xanax addiction treatment spans from several weeks to several months or longer. Short-term detoxification programs typically last from a few days to a couple of weeks, focusing on safely managing withdrawal symptoms. Longer-term rehabilitation programs may extend for 30, 60, or 90 days, providing intensive therapy, counseling, and support to address underlying factors contributing to addiction and facilitate sustained recovery.

Xanax Addiction Treatment Levels of Care

Everyone’s treatment needs are unique—which is why Xanax rehab centers usually offer several different levels of care that can best align with your specific needs:

• Medical Detoxification (Detox): Detoxification, often known as detox, is the intentional removal of harmful substances like drugs or alcohol from the body. This procedure usually occurs under careful supervision in environments such as medical facilities or specialized detox centers. The main goal of detox is to safely navigate through the physical symptoms of withdrawal, all while preparing individuals for subsequent stages of treatment and rehabilitation.
• Medically Managed Care: Medically managed care integrates medical expertise with therapy to support patients throughout their recovery process. This level of care provides vigilant monitoring by medical professionals who tailor treatments and collaborate with other team members. By addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions of patients’ conditions, this holistic approach promotes comprehensive healing and long-term well-being.
• Inpatient Residential Treatment: Inpatient residential treatment involves individuals residing full-time at a specialized facility as part of their rehabilitation program. With continuous care provided by healthcare professionals, these programs typically include individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, and recreational activities. By immersing individuals in this structured environment, inpatient treatment facilitates focused recovery efforts, intensive therapy sessions, and the development of coping skills essential for maintaining long-term sobriety.

Therapies Used in Xanax Addiction Treatment

Alpas offers several evidence-based approaches to treat Xanax addiction:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely embraced therapeutic approach focusing on addressing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with mental health conditions, including addiction. Through collaborative sessions with a therapist, individuals are guided to challenge distorted thinking, acquire coping strategies, and effectively manage cravings. This empowering method enables individuals to gain insight into their thought processes and behavior patterns, fostering positive changes and facilitating sustainable recovery.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) integrates mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies within a cognitive-behavioral framework. Initially developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has expanded its applications to address a range of mental health concerns, including addiction. It emphasizes the cultivation of skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Therapists utilize a combination of individual sessions, group training, coaching, and assignments to impart coping skills and promote emotional stability in individuals undergoing treatment.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a counseling approach centered on amplifying motivation for behavior change. Therapists engage in collaborative conversations, demonstrating empathy and utilizing reflective listening techniques to assist individuals in aligning their behavior with their desired goals. MI seeks to empower individuals by reinforcing their readiness and commitment to making significant changes in their lives.
• Contingency Management: Contingency management is a therapeutic strategy that utilizes rewards to incentivize desired behaviors, such as maintaining sobriety. Individuals receive incentives for achieving treatment goals, such as attending sessions or passing drug tests. These rewards, which can include vouchers or prizes, are designed to enhance motivation and encourage adherence to treatment objectives.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) is a counseling approach aimed at increasing motivation and commitment to behavior change. Through structured discussions and feedback, MET addresses ambivalence about changing behaviors by helping individuals clarify their values and goals. By fostering confidence in their ability to change, MET prioritizes internal motivation for positive transformation rather than delving into the root causes of addiction.
• Experiential Therapy: Experiential therapy employs interactive activities to facilitate emotional processing and personal growth. Departing from traditional talk therapy, it integrates hands-on approaches like role-playing and art therapy. By engaging in these activities, individuals can express emotions and acquire coping skills within a supportive environment that encompasses the body, mind, and spirit, thereby fostering profound personal transformation.
• Relapse Prevention: Relapse prevention plays a critical role in recovery, helping individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and create plans to prevent relapse. In this therapy, participants learn to recognize warning signs like stress and emotional triggers and acquire skills to manage them effectively. By fostering self-awareness and providing practical tools, relapse prevention therapy addresses the root causes of addictive behaviors, thereby promoting long-term sobriety.
• Twelve-Step Facilitation: Twelve-step facilitation is instrumental in addiction recovery by engaging individuals in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These programs utilize group meetings, step work, and peer support to foster a sense of community and accountability. Active participation in these programs allows individuals to establish and maintain sobriety while gaining valuable tools for long-term recovery.