Xanax (Alprazolam) Addiction Rehab in Pennsylvania

Xanax is a powerful prescription medication used to treat conditions including anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders. Unfortunately, the medication’s powerful calming effects also make it a popular drug for recreational use. Xanax addiction in Pennsylvania has grown into a serious problem over the past decade. What makes the drug so enticing?

Since Xanax and other benzodiazepines are prescription medications, people misjudge the risk these drugs come with. Addiction is a very real concern for anyone who starts using Xanax. Both prescription and recreational use come with that potential risk of dependence and addiction.

Studies show that rates of benzodiazepine misuse have held steady over the past 5 years. People are starting to realize the dangers that come with Xanax abuse but the problem still exists. Those who can’t control their use should turn to the help of Xanax addiction rehab in Pennsylvania. Treatment facilities are a crucial tool that can help people escape the cycle.

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax is one of the most common anti-anxiety medications used today. It isn’t only common for medical use but for recreational use as well. Xanax is a sedative-hypnotic drug with powerful effects. Clinicians prescribe it to patients who have severe anxiety and panic disorders. In some cases, it’s also used to help people with sleep disorders.

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a drug that’s part of the benzodiazepine class. Benzodiazepines function by interacting with the central nervous system to slow activity throughout the brain and body. Some other drugs in the benzodiazepine class include:

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Triazolam (Halcion)
• Estazolam (Prosom)

Of all the medications in the benzodiazepine class, Xanax is prescribed most often. Its interaction with the CNS slows activity in the brain and body. This creates a calming effect both physically and psychologically. Xanax relieves racing thoughts and reduces psychosomatic responses to anxiety.

The calm drowsiness induced by Xanax is pronounced in people who don’t suffer from anxiety. They experience a relaxed euphoria which makes it a popular drug for recreational use. With recreational use comes a wide range of street slang names for Xanax, including:

• Bars
• Xan
• Xans
• Xannies
• Z-Bars
• Xanbars
• Handlebars
• Benzos (short for benzodiazepines)

What Makes Xanax (Alprazolam) So Addictive?

Xanax is one of the most highly addictive prescription medications in use today. Even users with a prescription can find themselves dependent on or addicted to Xanax. It takes as little as a few weeks to develop a problem with the medication. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, six weeks of daily use causes Xanax dependence in 2 out of 5 people.

This is why Xanax is recommended only for short-term use. The medication has powerful physical and psychological effects, especially for people who use it recreationally. It calms and relaxes users, placing them in a euphoric, dreamlike state that keeps them using the drug to feel those effects.

Pop culture has also aided in the surge of recreational use with its glorification of Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Artists reference it in their songs and even in their stage names. This creates interest in and appeal for a drug that is highly addictive and dangerous.

Though people are starting to understand the dangers that come with Xanax abuse, plenty still use it. Almost 5 million people ages 12 and older in the United States reported abusing Xanax in the past year. Unfortunately, misuse can quickly turn into an addiction. If you or a loved one struggle with an addiction problem, Xanax rehab in PA is available.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Statistics in Pennsylvania

Xanax addiction in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. as a whole, continues to be a problem. The issue first came to a head at the start of the 2010s as overdose deaths skyrocketed. Research and studies show the growing impact of Xanax and benzodiazepines throughout the past decade. Statistics reveal shocking truths about use in the state and country.

• Xanax was one of the top 10 drugs associated with overdose deaths between 2010 and 2014
• 46.3% of people who misuse benzodiazepines report doing so to help them relax
• Benzodiazepines are most often used in conjunction with at least one other substance
• Treatment admissions for benzodiazepine abuse increased more than 500% between 2000 and 2010
• 45.5% of people admitted to treatment reported using benzodiazepines every day

Pennsylvania Drug Rehab Options for Xanax (Alprazolam) Addiction

People struggling to control their use have a few options for Xanax addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. There are different levels of treatment depending on their individual needs and the severity of their use.

Drug Detox

Medical drug detox is usually the first step for people with Xanax addiction. Severe Xanax dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms when quitting. Medical detox manages these symptoms and keeps the patient safe during the first few days of sobriety.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is the highest level of care in addiction treatment. These residential treatment programs provide care round-the-clock care for the duration of the patient’s stay. Inpatient rehab includes individual and group therapy, family sessions, holistic therapy, and more.

Outpatient Rehab Programs

Outpatient rehab in Pennsylvania makes treatment available to a wider range of people. Not all who need help can commit to or afford a full-time treatment program. Outpatient programs allow these individuals to receive the help they need.

Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs provide the same amount of day treatment as inpatient rehab while allowing patients to live at home. They’re a more flexible option while still offering the high level of care received during inpatient.

Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs are the most flexible option for addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. IOP typically meets a few hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week. They offer the same high-quality care but on an outpatient basis for those who need to balance existing responsibilities with treatment.