Treating Xanax Addiction with Compassion and Science

La Jolla Recovery offers one of the nation’s most cutting-edge Xanax treatments, leveraging the latest evidence-based practices. Our facility is set in one of the most inspiring environments, nestled next to the sun and sea.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, we’re here to provide guidance and support in transitioning to a rehab program. We understand that this transition can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Our Xanax rehab center offers a comprehensive treatment plan that combines medication-assisted therapy with evidence-based counseling techniques such as ACT and DBT, as well as support groups. Our goal is to provide the necessary support and guidance to help you overcome addiction and achieve sustained sobriety.

With our assistance, San Diego can become your sanctuary for transformation and recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you embark on your journey toward healing.

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Understanding Xanax Addiction for a Successful Rehab Experience

Yellow Boys, Blue Footballs, Schoolbus, Xannies, Upjohn, Z-Bars, and Handlebars.

These are some of the street names of Xanax, the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medication in America. Half of all the Xanax sold worldwide is purchased in the United States. Alprazolam is the drug’s active ingredient, a short-acting benzodiazepine usually prescribed as a tranquilizer, meant to treat a wide array of social anxiety disorders.

It is available on the streets, through the dark web, and in online pharmacies. Some obtain it from friends or relatives with legal prescriptions.

Understanding Xanax: Usage, Prevalence, and Street Names

Xanax, the brand name for Alprazolam, holds the somewhat dubious distinction of being the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. The U.S. accounts for a staggering 50% of global Xanax sales. This widespread use underscores its perceived effectiveness in treating a range of conditions, primarily anxiety disorders. However, being in such high demand and sold through illegal channels has also made this medicine available on the black market, known by various slang and street names.

Alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax, belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines are known for their sedative effects and work on the central nervous system to produce a calming sensation. Typically prescribed as a tranquilizer, Xanax is used to manage various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. The World Health Organization has also recognized its use in the short-term treatment of anxiety-related insomnia and anxiety associated with depression. Alprazolam’s “short-acting” nature means it takes effect quickly but leaves the system relatively fast, which contributes to its therapeutic benefits and potential for misuse.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) included Alprazolam on its Essential Medicines List, highlighting its effectiveness in providing rapid relief and short-term management of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. However, this recognition contrasts with the fact that drug users often misuse it. It can be an affordable “quick fix,” which makes it appealing. Between 2013 and 2020, Alprazolam was linked to approximately 25,000 deaths annually in the United States.

Due to its widespread use and the potential for recreational misuse, Xanax has acquired several street names. Some of the common street names for this drug include:

  • Zanies or Zannies
  • Bars, Xanbars
  • Football, or Blue Footballs
  • Z-Bars
  • Handlebars
  • School Bus
  • Upjohn
  • BenZos

These nicknames often reflect the pills’ shape and color. For instance, “bars” refers to Xanax’s typical rectangular shape, while “footballs” refers to its oval shape. Recognizing these street names is crucial for healthcare professionals, educators, and family members in identifying potential medication misuse or diversion. A 2021 study by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics revealed that as many as 19 million people have been prescribed benzodiazepines. In a separate study, it was found that nearly 7.4 million adults misused benzos in a year. Additionally, according to the same source, between 5% and 30% of individuals seeking treatment for any drug cited benzos as their primary source of help. It is imperative to understand the risks associated with taking Alprazolam (Xanax). Given its high demand on the black market and the dangers of overdose or drug-to-drug interactions when used illicitly, it is crucial for harm reduction.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes, prolonged use of any medication, including Alprazolam, can lead to dependence, even under the supervision of a doctor. This dependence can cause physical and mental addiction, and as the WHO warns, it can be fatal. Therefore, specific at-risk populations should exercise extra caution and consult a medical doctor before taking Alprazolam.

While Xanax offers valuable therapeutic benefits for many individuals, its prevalence and potential for misuse necessitate informed awareness among healthcare providers and the public. Understanding its mechanism of action, the conditions it treats, and the street names it goes by is essential for addressing the complexities associated with this widely prescribed medication.

How Recreational Xanax Use Begins

What starts as primarily abuse-related prescriptions becomes a much bigger issue involving patients taking the drug recreationally and self-medication, such as coping with stress and anxiety.

When Xanax Starts Being a Problem

In the most severe cases, Xanax can produce problems urinating and weight changes.

Psychotic episodes, substantial cognitive loss, chronic depression, impulsive, aggressive behavior, abnormal nutrition patterns, and delirium are among the long-term effects of Xanax.

Some people don’t realize that Xanax can be about 15 times stronger than Valium (Diazepam).

Xanax Addiction Among Teens

Teen drug use during the summer often goes unnoticed. When school starts and students nod off in class, exchange pills in the restrooms, and fail tests, the problem becomes visible. Some teens view Xanax as a safer alternative to prescription opioids and heroin, with almost the same euphoric effects. The pills kids take, often found in their parents’ or grandparents’ bedrooms, can be as deadly as opioids such as heroin, especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol.

Like opioids prescribed for pain, benzodiazepines for anxiety eventually stop working, forcing users to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect.

Three FDA-approved medicines are available to treat the symptoms of opioid addiction: buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and Vivitrol, a long-acting injectable drug that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol.

However, no medicines exist to blunt the withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by benzodiazepine addiction. Instead, patients typically enter residential treatment, where a specialist gradually tapers them off the medication so benzodiazepine withdrawal doesn’t result in seizures and death.

As more adults are prescribed Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and other benzodiazepines to calm their nerves and fight insomnia, these pills are more available for teenagers.

Fentanyl today is replacing much of the street heroin and is a problem in itself. Some of them claim that heroin and Xanax are made for each other. Xanax’s high lasts longer than the dope’s (heroin), hence its increasing popularity. Learn more about our Fentanyl rehab.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is similar to other benzodiazepines. It increases the availability of the most potent and common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA. GABA produces a sedating effect. It removes stress, relaxes the muscles, calms the nerves, and stops anxiety. In search of reducing panic or anxiety, many people can become addicted, among other disorders.

Xanax modulates the functioning of the GABA receptor, further inducing the calming effect.

The best way to understand how Xanax works is to think of it as a super tranquilizer. Taking this drug, even in small doses, can significantly reduce anxiety and panic.

Prescribed Xanax and it’s Potential for Abuse

Xanax is sometimes prescribed as a substitute medication. The most common substitutes are other benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam), clonazepam, and Valium (diazepam). The only important distinction between the different kinds of benzodiazepines is how long they last. Ativan and Xanax are both short-acting benzodiazepines. Clonazepam and diazepam are long-lasting. Nevertheless, all benzodiazepines produce the same kinds of effects.

Drugs like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata (BRAs: benzodiazepine receptor agonists) are becoming alternatives to treat insomnia, panic disorder, and anxiety because of growing concern about benzodiazepine abuse.

Some doctors without knowledge of substance use disorder replace medications for patients suffering from panic attacks and anxiety. Zoloft is one of these pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, most of the substitute drugs are potentially addictive as well. Thus, moving from Xanax to another medication does not equal overcoming addiction. Switching pills or attending to other interventions without awareness of substance use disorder does not change the core problem.

Detoxing from Xanax the Right Way

Xanax: A cheap and available drug

Xanax Addiction

Since Xanax is a widespread prescription drug, it is difficult to believe its huge danger due to its short half-life.

This is the time it takes for the drug’s effects to peak. The shorter the half-life, the faster the results. 

As Xanax has such a short half-life, you can take the drug and start feeling good relatively quickly, usually in less than one hour. That’s why it is so dangerous. The effects of Xanax wear off almost as soon as they come on. People are ready to take another dose when they come down from the previous one. This increases the potential for both abuse and addiction.

Mixing Xanax  

People often mix Xanax with other substances (Morphine, OxyContin, and Vicodin). Sometimes, people blend it with methadone and heroin, too. But the most dangerous combination is mixing Xanax with alcohol.

Xanax and Alcohol 

Withdrawing from both alcohol and Xanax is very challenging. People with a substance use disorder who mix alcohol and Xanax go through agitation, seizures, panic attacks, and even delirium.

Xanax Dual Diagnosis 

Sometimes, psychological disorders occur with another condition. For example, someone could be suffering from both addictions to Xanax and drinking alcohol or panic disorder simultaneously (dual diagnosis). It is fundamental to avoid making one condition worse while treating the other in such cases.

The client’s background determines how co-occurring disorders (bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression) are treated. If one disorder were a precursor to the other, treating the first condition may automatically relieve the second.

If Xanax is mixed with other substances, such as heroin or fentanyl, we can attend the proper detoxification and therapies afterward. Otherwise, we must treat both conditions simultaneously. At La Jolla Recovery, we do this with additional medications and interventional treatments. These are usually either group or individual talking therapies.

Are You Addicted to Xanax?

Xanax Addiction and its Treatment

All benzodiazepines are dangerous drugs whose misuse needs to be addressed. Xanax addiction is particularly troublesome because of its short half-life.  

Seek professional treatment for Xanax abuse and avoid self-treatment.

Few people make it through the most challenging part of withdrawal in less than a week. You have a higher chance of succeeding if you are one of them.

Suppose you can´t stop taking Xanax even after your prescription has expired. You find yourself going to another doctor to get a new medication or attempting to purchase Xanax online. In that case, you may have developed psychological dependence.

Is Rehab necessary after the Xanax detox is over? 

Detox is a treatment that focuses on the physical addiction to Xanax. Rehab is intended to address the mental and psychological background. If you skip Rehab, you will fool yourself and deal with the same psychological issues before the detox. A comprehensive rehab program is the only way to get over those things.

Once severe withdrawal symptoms are overcome in detox, mental cravings are addressed in each patient’s treatment plan. Therefore, people struggling with Xanax addiction must attend a comprehensive inpatient program like the one available at La Jolla Recovery Xanax rehab. We make a personal therapist to discuss your issues through counseling, which is complemented by group therapy.

Clients will explore the patterns of thought and behavior that led to Xanax abuse in the first place. We also remain our patients´ trusted recovery resource after they leave treatment through a tailor-made aftercare plan. If you are coming out of Texas, New York, Arizona, or Florida, we want to ensure you feel at home and have an opportunity to be clear from the triggers you faced before. Are you addicted to other drugs, such as heroin, prescriptions, or cocaine? Let us help.

Detox from Xanax Today
Xanax Treatment

Withdrawing from Xanax

Entering a detox facility for Xanax and a residential treatment facility afterward at La Jolla Recovery, you or your loved one will undergo proper detoxification and rehabilitative therapy.

Our treatment in a residential setting is medically supervised 24/7.

The distraction-free environment afforded by residential treatment lets clients focus all their attention on rehab. In a dual diagnosis, such as mental health disorders, the proper focus on these symptoms will be addressed for a sustained recovery and reduced relapse afterward.

Here, you can’t go down the street and meet your dealer. Possible treatments include contingency management, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), counseling, group support, relapse prevention training, and motivational therapies.

Detoxing from Xanax Correctly

Detox is the mechanism by which the body cleanses itself of chemicals. Gradual tapering is far more efficient than stopping cold turkey, so a clinical support team and medical supervision are vital for reducing discomfort and increasing outcomes.

This is why we provide round-the-clock medically supervised Xanax detox; however, our staff approach detox from a therapeutic standpoint, too. For example, they may seek counseling to help calm a patient’s anxiety.

You need not adhere to the twelve steps or AA to flourish; at our Xanax detox, we will meet you where you are, whether needing non-spiritual tools such as Practical Recovery.

Detox from Xanax at La Jolla Recovery

Let Us Help with Xanax Detox and Experience Life Again in San Diego

An evidence-based model for Xanax addiction in San Diego.