Xanax Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Xanax increases the dopamine levels in the reward centre of your brain, this increase happens no matter how many times you take Xanax, but as your tolerance levels rise, so too does the need to take more Xanax than prescribed.

Addiction to Xanax often occurs in conjunction with the abuse of another substance, Xanax enhances the euphoric effects of opioids (incl methadone), helps alleviate withdrawal and abstinence syndromes (such as between heroin ‘fixes’), tempers the high from cocaine and augments alcohol effects.

This type of abuse is known as poly-drug abuse and takes a multi-pronged treatment plan to guide you through withdrawal, rehabilitation and recovery.

If you would like to learn more about residential rehab or would like to speak to an expert regarding the different treatment centres here in the UK, please give us a call.

Recognising the Signs of Xanax Abuse

Generally, at normal prescribed doses, Xanax is well tolerated by your body, there may be increased drowsiness or dizziness. At higher doses, these effects are more pronounced. Chronic abuse can also include changes in your appearance, behaviour and performance, as well as:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Anorexia
• Headaches
• Weakness

With children and teens warning signs will be evident with abrupt mood changes and poor school performance (Benzodiazepine Abuse Overview)

Long-term misuse, abuse and addiction to Xanax has shown a marked decrease in cognitive function (A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal) up to 6 months after stopping use.

Due to its fast-acting effects, Xanax can also induce:

• Profound confusion.
• Severe coordination problems or loss of balance.
• Severe drowsiness and an inability to stay awake.
• Significantly slowed breathing.
• Unresponsiveness.
• Loss of consciousness.

Residential rehabilitation involves living at a Residential Rehabilitation Facility for the duration of the treatment programme, which typically lasts 30 days (or more, if needed), depending on the severity of your addiction to Xanax

Poor motivation is usually an indicator that a residential rehabilitation programme may be a good option. A lack of motivation may be the result of depression and anxiety, or the fear of withdrawal sickness upon quitting.
A private rehabilitation centre is best suited to:

• address and treat a dual diagnosis,
• medically assist with detox and withdrawal
• provide aftercare service to help you maintain your sobriety.

There is addiction treatment offered by the NHS (Find Drug addiction support services), unfortunately, there are long waiting lists and you may not receive the same focused treatment you would in a private facility.

As the prescribing doctor, your private GP may offer some guidance, depending on the severity of your addiction, and be able to help you with dosage tapering.

Choosing a Rehab Centre

A rehab centre that best suits your individual needs, the severity of addiction and offers the best treatment plan for you takes some consideration:

1. Where are they located? Being away from your environment may be more beneficial with less temptation
2. Do they have a decent CQC rating? All residential treatment centres in the UK are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (What we do | Care Quality Commission),
3. Is the treatment team credible, certified and experienced in dealing with Xanax addiction?
4. Does the centre offer a treatment program that you like? different treatment centres utilise different therapeutic models:
   • 12 Step Model -A spiritual abstinence-based programme pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (The 12 Steps of Recovery Programs)
   • Non 12 Step Model – These programmes focus on addiction’s multifaceted issue and offer a treatment programme that includes both physical and psychological therapy.
5. Medical – Does the treatment centre offer medical assistance to aid your recovery? Can the centre provide medication to assist with your withdrawal?

There is a wide range of treatment facilities available throughout the UK and we can assist in finding the best fit for you.

Secondary Addiction Treatment

Once your initial treatment (generally a 28-day inpatient programme) has been completed, the need for ongoing support for your life in recovery.

This is where the Secondary Addiction Care Service offered by The Priory can assist you with:

• Reintegration back into your daily life
• Relapse prevention
• Reestablishing a support network within your community and family
• Continuation of therapy
• Rebuilding your daily life skills
  Secondary Addiction Post Treatment Services

Paying for Treatment

Some private insurance providers do cover addiction treatment, if you have health insurance, you will need to check what costs are covered and if you will be liable for a copayment. If you are going private with no insurance a payment plan will have to be made, generally, a deposit will be asked for with payment over a couple of instalments the final one being on discharge.

For more information on the options available to you, please contact us.

Before Attending Rehab

Whilst addiction may seem hopeless and like you have been stripped of choices in your life, how and where you receive treatment, is always your choice.

Make sure you are committed to treatment

Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient treatment programme through a treatment centre, payments are generally non-refundable if you leave before completion.
Making sure you are ready to commit to your treatment is very important.

Speak to your GP about medication alternatives

As your prescribing physician, your GP should be consulted about medication alternatives to Xanax. And since your treatment may include tapering off of doses, your GP will be suited to monitor those doses over the period needed.

Talk to the treatment centre if your circumstances have changed:

• Your substance use disorder involves more than Xanax (polydrug use)
• Your support structure has broken down

Or any other issues that may mean an adjustment to your treatment programme