How To Deal With Someone Addicted To Xanax?
Xanax, a benzodiazepine drug, is usually given to patients suffering from depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic attacks. However, it is one of the commonly abused benzo drugs, where the patient can never directly tell if he or she is dependent or addicted to it already.
In light of this issue, this article aims to share some insights on how you can deal with someone who is addicted to Xanax. Nevertheless, it is still best to avail professional assistance when it comes to the full recovery of the patient.
A Brief About Xanax
This medicine is usually in pill or tablet form which is mainly used for treating anxiety and depression. It has a popular street name of “Z-bars”, “bars”, and “purple footballs”.
In terms of its action, it provides a gradual euphoric feeling that eases one’s worries and sadness. However, the patient must be diligent enough to follow his doctor’s prescription as this drug is highly addictive.
What are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
For a person suffering from abusing this substance, he may not be able to identify his condition. It is the main reason why families and friends must extend help to increase awareness and acceptance from the patient.
If you have no idea on how to determine if an individual is overdosing with this prescription drug, here are some noticeable signs you need to observe from them:
Inability to speak well- Being alone
- Dryness of the mouth
- Excessive sleeping
- Dizziness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Inability to think well and focus
- Frequent headache
- Vertigo
- Confusion
- A weakness of the muscle
If you have observed a few of these symptoms, then it is about time that you need to calmly approach them, so they would know their condition.
How Serious Is This Problem?
Abusing this prescription medicine can cause severe side effects to one’s brain, respiratory system, and reflexes as the dose goes higher. Meanwhile, the severity of Xanax abuse is further heightened when the patient uses this with other substances such as alcohol, tranquilizers, cocaine, and opioids.
In line with this, the greatest damage it can do to the person is coma, cardiac arrest, and death. With that, it is always best to have an early diagnosis and treatment for an individual abusing this prescribed medicine.
How Will You Approach Someone Suffering from Xanax Addiction?
Always remember that people suffering from substance abuse are highly irritable and aggressive, so you need to be very patient and calm in reaching out to them. Meanwhile, here are some helpful tips you can follow when approaching your friend or loved one suffering from Xanax addiction.
- When approaching a patient, you need to do it from a standpoint that they are suffering from a treatable disease, rather than from having a weak disposition.
- Always have an understanding and empathetic approach when talking with them.
- Find the right moment to start a conversation and do it in a private and comfortable place for them.
- Avoid blaming them for their condition, instead, express genuine concern.
- Never have a judgmental tone when talking with them, instead, be subtle and calm.
- Avoid telling them about their substance abuse, rather help them realize they are suffering from it.
- Don’t forget to let them express their feelings and thoughts, with that, you can understand them even better.
- If your loved one or friend is not yet ready to accept their condition, don’t give up; instead, do it again some other time. Constant communication will slowly help them open up and realize their addiction problem.
These are just some of the practical and safe things you can do when you want to help your loved one, suffering from drug abuse. Moreover, have the patience and compassion to extend help for them.
Medical Treatments for Xanax Addiction
When the patient is already willing to undergo treatment, that’s the best time for you to approach professional advice from doctors or psychiatrists. They have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and formulate a suitable treatment program for the patient’s Xanax addiction.
Here are the typical treatments for individuals abusing this prescribed drug:
- Inpatient Treatment Plan
It is the best choice despite the higher cost of this program. Through this plan, the patient will be placed in a controlled facility where it is away from temptations, and there’s 24/7 medical personnel to cater to the needs of the patient.
Besides giving the right medicines, a lot of other activities happen inside the rehab center which provides a balanced life for the individuals. Some of these things include the following:
- Individual and Group Therapy Sessions
- Games that support socialization
- Spiritual activities
- Educational programs
- Outpatient Treatment Plan
In contrast, this treatment program costs less, yet it is highly suitable for patients who are not severely addicted to Xanax or have gained sobriety from their inpatient treatment.
With this, the individual is allowed to go back to their regular life and home, yet they are again exposed to temptations. Besides that, there will still be a constant intake of medication and a frequent therapy session with a psychiatrist or counselor.
The main challenge for this treatment plan will be the exposure of the patient to temptations that caused one’s addiction. In line, it is where emotional and moral support comes in to strengthen the person’s willpower to resist those risk factors.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy aims to help the patient gain self-awareness of one’s addiction and then formulate ways of positively countering it. The counselor will guide the person in practicing abstinence while developing positive habits that will counter the risk factors present in the environment.
Seek Professional Help Today
It is never easy to approach and help your loved one diagnosed with an addiction, so seeking medical assistance is a wise choice. Nevertheless, you need to help your loved one embrace his condition and the fact that he needs external guidance.
If you need further advice about this matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an addiction specialist.