Alprazolam, or Xanax, is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, a prescription drug class that produces a sedative effect. Xanax is a fast-acting drug mainly used to treat insomnia, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders effectively. GABA is a neurotransmitter that suppresses the activity of nerves. Xanax works by amplifying the effects of GABA to reduce the activity of these nerves, producing a sedative and muscle-relaxing effect. Combined with the release of extra dopamine, this makes you feel relaxed and happy.
Even with proper medical use, Xanax has the potential to become highly addictive. Its use as a recreational drug can be deadly, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances. However, at Harmony Hills, we can help you end Xanax addiction and begin to create healthy mental health habits. We can also provide relapse prevention therapy in Florida. If you or a loved one is struggling with co-occurring Xanax addiction and mental health disorders, seek out our mental health treatment programs at Harmony Hills today by calling 855.494.0357.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax?
By all indications, Xanax is a beneficial medication for people who are in acute distress. That said, it is not intended for long-term use because of the potential for addiction and withdrawal. The experience of withdrawal from Xanax can be unpleasant and set in quickly. Stopping the use of Xanax suddenly or trying to go cold-turkey can cause severe side-effects such as seizures, so detoxing from Xanax should always be medically supervised.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal will vary from person-to-person, and will also be influenced by your history of use. Following are some of the more common physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms of Xanax:
- Headache and blurred vision
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain, spasms, or twitching
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Tremors and shaking
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Anxiety and panic
- Paranoia and fear
- Nervousness or tension
- Social withdrawal
- Confusion or depression
- Heightened senses
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can begin within eight to twelve hours and last from weeks to months. Enrollment in a medically supervised drug detox at Harmony Hills is the best way to get through the beginning stages of Xanax withdrawal safely.
The Course of Xanax Addiction Treatment
Because Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, there is an increased risk for severe or even deadly withdrawal symptoms. These risks are compounded when Xanax is used in combination with alcohol or other drugs, which it commonly is. Therefore, the first step in recovery from Xanax addiction is always a medically supervised drug detox program. The drug detox program at Harmony Hills provides 24-hour care in a highly supportive environment.
Following your successful detox, you should move on to the substance abuse treatment program that best suits your needs. Harmony Hills offers a comprehensive continuum of care that includes education about addiction, therapy interventions, and life skills support. Through substance abuse treatment, you will discover the underlying causes of your addiction and develop the skills needed to live a sober, productive, and healthy future. Some of the therapies and treatments you will have access to include:
Substance abuse and addiction are often symptoms of underlying untreated mental health disorders, as individuals who are experiencing psychological distress turn to drugs and alcohol to ease their pain. At Harmony Hills, we know the importance of treating co-occurring disorders for lasting recovery from addiction. In addition to substance abuse and addiction treatment, we offer the following mental health treatment programs:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- Bipolar disorder treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Borderline personality disorder treatment program
- Schizoaffective disorder treatment program
- Self-harm/self-injurious treatment program
How Can You Manage Xanax Withdrawal and Mental Health with Treatment?
Having an addiction to Xanax is more than simply a problem; it’s also extremely dangerous. Not only does it put your health at risk, but it becomes increasingly difficult for you to function without the drug. With the help of a mental health treatment program, such as the one at Harmony Hills, it is possible to manage your mental health without Xanax. For instance, we can teach clients skills such as:
- Building healthy coping strategies
- Seeking social support
- Managing triggers for anxiety and panic attacks
- Developing a healthy lifestyle
We can also perform a professional Xanax detox to safely stop taking the drug. By doing so, you’re drastically reducing your risk of developing an addiction to Xanax. In addition, if you have been abusing alcohol or other drugs along with Xanax, the detox process will help eliminate these substances from your system as we teach you these strategies.
Reach Out to Harmony Hills for Xanax Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax addiction, treatment is available at Harmony Hills in serene and secluded central Florida. We offer evidence-based, holistic treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders on our 80-acre campus surrounded by natural beauty. We know that treatment should be enjoyable along with being hard work, so we offer amenities such as a full gym, hiking trails, and more. Reach out to us today by calling 855.494.0357. Our team is available 24/7.