Oro House Xanax Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, California uses proven, evidence-based methods for successful recovery, detox, and withdrawal from Xanax and other benzodiazepines.
Xanax is also known by its generic name Alprazolam, and is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It can also be used in the treatment of insomnia and depression.
Alprazolam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants often referred to as minor tranquilizers or sedatives.
Xanax works by increasing GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that produces a relaxing and calming effect.
Benzodiazepines are considered to be an effective option for the short-term treatment of anxiety and sleep problems.
But because benzos tend to produce dependence reactions in all of the conditions in which they are prescribed, they should only be used for periods of less than 4 weeks to avoid addiction and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Individuals who have used benzodiazepines for long periods of time should follow special guidelines and protocols for safely tapering off to avoid withdrawal and other health issues.
In the United States, Xanax can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription, and is produced in the form of a liquid, tablet, dissolving tablet, and extended release tablet
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XANAX USE AND MISUSE
According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults with benzodiazepine prescriptions in the U.S. increased by more than two thirds, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million.
A separate report available in the JAMA Network analyzed data from the 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and showed that Xanax was the third most commonly used psychiatric drug in the U.S. in 2013, followed by the antidepressants Zoloft and Celexa.
While this data shows that Xanax is one of the most prescribed psychiatric drugs in the United States today, other research shows that sedatives such as Xanax are also some of the most misused prescription drugs in the country.
The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that 2.0 million people aged 12 or older in 2016 were currently misusing sedatives or tranquilizers. Within that group, an estimated 618,000 people had a substance use disorder.
Xanax Addiction Symptoms and Dependence
Xanax can offer much needed relief for those suffering from a range of anxiety and mood disorders. At the same time, Xanax addiction and dependence can become a very real problem for those who misuse it (take it recreationally or not as directed), and even for people who use it exactly as prescribed by their doctor.
Taking Xanax in large quantities, as well as prolonged use of the drug, can result in addiction, tolerance, and dependence. As stated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, approximately 4 out of every 10 people who use benzodiazepines daily for more than six weeks will become addicted.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently added a warning label to benzodiazepines like Xanax informing people that these types of medications have a potential for misuse or addiction.
Xanax addiction symptoms can be similar to other substances, such as:
- Feeling ill when missing a dose
- Developing a tolerance and needing to take an increasing amount to achieve the same effect as when started
- Experiencing cravings for the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using it
Many people will experience these symptoms after they stop taking benzodiazepines or miss a dose, but some can even have problems in between regular doses. This is known as interdose withdrawal symptoms.
Anyone who is experiencing Xanax addiction or withdrawal symptoms should contact their prescribing doctor immediately for proper instructions.
It is never advised to stop taking Xanax or any kind of benzodiazepines cold turkey without the guidance of a physician because it can be dangerous or fatal.
Many doctors who prescribe benzodiazepines don’t have sufficient medical training to properly implement treatment and detox for xanax addiction or withdrawal so it’s necessary to
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Feeling agitated
- Sleep issues, including nightmares
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to lights and sounds
- Blurred vision
- Odd metallic taste in the mouth
- Shooting pain like needles and pins in the arms and legs
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety, depression, or paranoia
- Suicidal ideations
Signs of Xanax dependence
- Spending a lot of time engaging in activities related to the use of Xanax
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on its use
- Continued use despite emotional or physical health problems associated with use
- Decreased participation in activities once enjoyed
- Problems at home, work, or school
- Repeated trouble with the law
- Strain on relationships with family or friends
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Xanax Overdose
The use of Xanax may sometimes cause respiratory rates to slow, and can be highly dangerous when mixed with other depressants such as alcohol or opioids.
According to the same study in the American Journal of Public Health that noted the rise of benzodiazepine prescriptions, overdose deaths involving these drugs also climbed at an alarming rate during those years.
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers found that benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths rose from 0.58 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 3.07 per 100,000 in 2013.
This increase in overdose deaths may be due to a number of factors, including:
- Treatment spanning more days
- Higher doses
- People combining their prescriptions with illegally obtained tranquilizers, alcohol, or opioids
It should be noted that overdose from Xanax and other benzodiazepines alone is extremely rare and usually only occurs when mixed with other substances or alcohol.
Oro House Xanax Addiction Treatment and Detox
At Oro House, we understand that treatment for Xanax addiction, withdrawal, and detox follows the same protocols used for other benzodiazepines.
It’s imperative that a proper detox regimen takes place first, as benzodiazepine withdrawal can be serious, or fatal if not done correctly under supervision. Benzodiazepine detox also takes longer than alcohol or other drugs and we make the process as comfortable as possible.
Oro House is unique in the industry in that we use The Ashton Method, which is the safest and most effective form of treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal.
After detox is completed, a certified substance use professional performs an evaluation to determine the proper level of care to begin addiction treatment for Xanax. A recovery plan is designed that best fits each individual based on his or her unique circumstances to ensure a success.
Xanax Treatment Therapies and Services at Oro House
- Ashton Method for Withdrawal and Detox
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- PHP and IOP Outpatient Programs
- Aftercare Services
People use Xanax for overcoming mental health conditions like anxiety or depression and when its use becomes addictive, it requires dual diagnosis treatment for proper recovery of both issues.
Fortunately, our Doctorate and Master’s level team of healthcare professionals is well versed in treating these types of co-occurring disorders.
We also provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS) administered by our exceptional medical staff 24/7 to improve the safety and efficacy of treatment for our clients.
Oro House is licensed by the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) and Joint Commission Accredited to ensure the highest level of safe and effective care for our clients.
Our Compassionate Care Model® of treatment has won numerous awards, including being selected by Newsweek as one of the best addiction treatment centers in the United States four years in a row – 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 – and consistently the best in California.