Category: Articles

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax Withdrawal – How Easy To Get In, How Hard To Get Out

Articles, Australia, Education, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Xanax Withdrawal – There is little doubt that Xanax has its uses, there is also little doubt that it can become highly addictive. For those who feel they are now dependent upon the drug, or those nearing this state, Xanax withdrawal must be considered.

We will take a look at the drug itself, why it is so potentially addictive and steps to be considered when going down the withdrawal route.

What is Xanax?

Its generic name is Alprazolam and it is known as a benzodiazepine which means it is a member of the tranquilizer family.

Who needs it?

Xanax is used to treat adults who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety disorders and those with related psychiatric disorders.

How does it work?

In works on a chemical messenger in the brain known as GABA and helps to increase its action by rebalancing your brain chemistry.

So what is the problem?

From the above, evidence from the medical community and first-hand user experience we can see that Xanax helps those with anxiety disorders, and does so effectively.

The problem is that long term use of the drug comes with some serious issues. Three of these are:

  1. Those using Xanax often find that they need to increase their dosage over time to achieve the same calming effects.
  2. This drug is ‘famous’ for the dependence and addiction issues it can cause.
  3. In terms of Xanax withdrawal, if a person ceases use abruptly there is a strong chance they will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. This is due to the way your brain chemistry goes through the process of rebalancing itself.

In certain cases such symptoms can be life-threatening, and unsupervised withdrawal from Xanax has caused death.

Fear:

The thought of having to stop using something you have become dependent on, and in many cases are addicted to is frightening.

Indeed experts have established that fear is the main reason addicts delay or deny withdrawal to any substance they are addicted to.

While this fear is understandable, it should be clearly understood that with expert professional help these fears can be explained and managed, and that you can overcome your dependence.

Self-withdrawal – Not worth the risk

It should be made very clear that there is no need or benefit for a Xanax user trying to withdraw on their own.

At best such an approach will simply compound withdrawal symptoms and make them unbearable. In all likelihood such a situation will lead to a continuation of the drug’s use and a longer addiction while at worst it could result in death!

Two sensible withdrawal options:

Due to the addictive qualities of Xanax and potential problems posed during withdrawal it is strongly advised that the addict seeks professional help during this process. Here are 2 options to consider:

Option 1 – Tapering

The first option for Xanax withdrawal we will look at is under the supervision of your doctor and is known as ‘Tapering’.

Tapering means gradually reducing the dose of Xanax by an amount, and over a certain period of time that will be determined by your doctor.

This gradual reduction and the time it takes very much depends on each individual. There is no ‘one fits all’ scenario for this withdrawal process.

While you are going through this process it is very important you visit your doctor on a regular basis, you report any unusual feelings or signs to them immediately, you try and eat as healthy a diet as possible and you avoid any other drugs use.

This tapering process is a gradual one and will take time, but it is very important to stay as positive as possible, be as patient as possible and let the process take as long as it must.

Option 2 – Rehabilitation Centre:

This option is felt by many to be the best route to take and is highly recommended for several reasons.

You will leave your normal environment and the pressures this brings with it. Such establishments offer first class treatment, support and encouragement in an environment that has been established for one purpose.

This purpose is to give you the best chance possible to beat your addiction and begin to live a normal, healthy life.

The friendly, professional staff have extensive prior experience and success in terms of treating addiction. In terms of Xanax withdrawal it is particularly important that you feel at ease during what can be a very testing period of your life.

Some of the best centres are actually known as Rehab Resorts and they have been established in an idyllic setting that will relax you and add to your strength of purpose.

Medically you will receive expert and supervised attention. In many cases the 12-step program may be used. This was originally established by Alcoholics Anonymous over 75 years ago and has been modified over time. The program has been extremely beneficial to those addicted to any substance.

Your rehabilitation program will be designed specifically for YOU. No individual is the same, this is clearly recognized by the staff and the treatment, methods and procedures of such a withdrawal program will be designed specifically with your needs in mind.

You will be in an environment that encourages you to talk about your experiences, fears and ambitions, and you will share and listen to others in a similar position. You will also be encouraged to set targets and goals, and just as importantly how to deal with any setbacks on your road to recovery.

Aftercare:

This is an absolutely vital part of your healing process. The best Rehab Resorts will offer extensive aftercare options as part of your Xanax withdrawal program. Such aftercare will be based on whatever is more convenient to you.

They will allocate a personal counsellor and offer a variety of options for aftercare. These can include identifying and interfacing with a certified therapist close to your home who will be responsible for your aftercare while regularly updating your Rehab counsellor.

If you live in a remote area they can offer support with certified therapists via telephone and internet, or you may feel more comfortable keeping direct contact with your Rehab counsellor via Skype.

Whichever option you go for there should also be an offer to re-visit the centre for progress checks and encouragement therapy as you require.

The flexibility of aftercare options offered is something you should look closely at before deciding which Rehab Resort is right for you.

Xanax withdrawal can be achieved, it must be achieved, and YOU can do it:

If you are currently addicted to Xanax please do not think you are alone, and please do not think withdrawal is something which cannot be achieved. Professional caring help is out there and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Just as importantly, this treatment, encouragement and support will not only be for the here and now, it will include vital aftercare and support that will give you every chance of leading a happy, healthy and normal life.

prescription-drug-abuse-dara

The Early Warning Signs To Heed – Prescription Drug Abuse

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

There is a telling paradox relating to those who become dependent upon prescribed medication. The professionals who assess and then authorize a course of this treatment are generally the ones turned to if the patient becomes dependent upon the medicine given.

These medical professionals also have to deal with patients who are suffering from addiction to prescribed drugs caused due to excessive and unauthorized use.

High potential for dependence:

This very serious and widespread problem refers to those who use prescription drugs in ways that are not intended. We will look at this from two angles:

Those who are legally prescribed:

Patients assessed by medical professionals may be deemed to need a course of prescription medication to help with their condition. If this is the case they will be clearly advised on the recommended dosage and frequency of use.

While all patients will begin a course of treatment following these guidelines, the unfortunate fact is that many do not stick to them.

This is not because they are rebellious. It is because these powerful pills and medicines react differently from user to user. Many benefit from a course of treatment, others find themselves unable to resist taking more than the recommended dosage and do so on an increasingly regular basis.

This is due to the effects the pills and medicines are having. If this excessive use is allowed to continue then dependency can become a real issue.

Those who’s supply come from alternative sources:

There are millions of users who have experienced the effects prescription drugs can offer. This is thanks to previously approved use. Anyone from this group who want more of the same often have no justification for repeated prescriptions.

There are also many who regularly experiment with illegal substances that are keen to sample the effects offered from prescription medication.

In the vast majority of cases the drug in question will have been purchased via the thriving black market. This source appears to have an endless supply of illegal and controlled drugs available.

These pills and medicines offer a high potential for addiction due to the initial pleasant feelings and ‘highs’. Unfortunately, these feelings need to be chased

The result is that many get into a habit of taking excessive quantities over far longer periods than are legally recommended. Fairly quickly users find they cannot do without their ‘fix’.

This never ending, but rapidly expanding cycle of abuse leads to addiction and the devastating effects it brings.

One group of users with serious problems:

The numbers of people worldwide who are regularly using, dependent upon, and fully addicted to prescribed medication number millions and affect men and women of all ages.

In terms of those with dependence issues created by the purchase and use of these substances via unregulated routes there is a clear trend.

It is the younger generation that have a particular problem, and this problem continues to grow.

Examples of prescription drug abuse:

We will give two examples of the wrong way to take prescription medication The first is at the lower end of the scale but is important to understand why it is mentioned. The second example tops this type of drug abuse. It should be crystal clear as to why this route should be avoided at all costs.

Lower end abuse:

Take those who pick up a painful ache or sprain while working or playing sport. Rather than booking a doctor’s appointment they will find a family member or friend who is currently being prescribed painkillers and ‘borrow’ a few to ease their pain.

While this type of use may seem unworthy of concern it is important to understand that each person reacts differently to the medicines and pills prescribed. Potential allergy problems also need to be taken into account.

If your health professional has assessed your past and current condition and issues a prescription, they are doing so because that particular medication suits you and your current situation.

Those popping any pill they can lay their hands on to ease what they see as a temporary problem need to be aware of this. Whether they view their current condition as trivial or not, it is strongly recommended they seek a professional opinion and accept any prescription treatment offered from that. This is a far better and safer route rather than experimenting with medication supplied to others based on their needs.

Top of the tree – Out of your tree!

The most serious and concerning use of prescription medication abuse relates to those who will beg, steal, borrow and purchase these prescription pills from the thriving black-market.

They are seeking the powerful ‘highs’ offered when excessive amounts of the drugs are taken at once. There are various ways in which the pills are consumed; this includes the desperate and quite frightening method of grinding the pills into powder and either snorting or injecting them.

It goes without saying that as this type of use continues it will become a compulsion. Users will be aware of the extremely negative effects this abuse is creating, but will be unable to stop abuse without the assistance of some serious professional rehabilitation assistance.

Mixing Xanax and Alcohol

Mixing Xanax and Alcohol Is Dicing With Danger

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

It is never a sensible idea to mix drugs with alcohol, but in the case of those people who combine Xanax and alcohol it must be made clear that this is a potentially deadly mix.

Let’s take a look at why this ‘cocktail’ can be so lethal, the problems it can cause and why it really is something to avoid.

Xanax – what is it?

The generic name for Xanax is Alprazolam. It is a benzodiazepine, this means it belongs to the family of tranquillisers.

Xanax – what is it and what is it used for?

This prescribed medication is extremely powerful and can be addictive. Among the conditions it is used to treat are those suffering from anxiety disorders, those who suffer from anxiety due to depression and those who suffer panic attacks.

Definitions of anxiety:

It is important to understand that anxiety is a normal, human experience. We will all suffer from anxiety at some stage in our life. The problem is that not everyone experiences symptoms in the same way. Some people are affected far more, and for far longer than others.

Anxiety shows itself in a variety of forms. At its mildest you will feel uneasy while the opposite end of this spectrum is in those who suffer from panic attacks that range from mild to extremely severe.

Sufferers regularly report that the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are frightening. In fact the emotion of fear is a central factor in those who suffer anxiety. This unpleasant feeling of apprehension compounds and is known to include physical symptoms.

Make no mistake, severe cases of anxiety can debilitate the sufferer. This is why it is so important for anyone suffering from an anxiety disorder to seek professional help as soon as possible.

When doing so it is important that you heed the advice given and if you are prescribed Xanax to help your condition that you also take very seriously the reasons as to why Xanax and alcohol should never be combined.

What causes anxiety?

This is not an easy question to answer because there is no one cause for anxiety. It has officially been broken down into three parts. These are brain chemistry, heredity and life experiences.

Brain Chemistry

This is understood to trigger anxiety disorders. Chemical messengers in your brain (known as Neurotransmitters) regulate your thought and feelings. Those who have a chemical imbalance have problems with the messages sent from the brain.

Two primary neurotransmitters are serotonin and dopamine. It is understood that a major cause of depression and anxiousness suffer from such chemical imbalances.

There is also scientific evidence that problems related to anxiety such as stress, panic and situations where your fears are exaggerated are the result of an imbalance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Heredity and/or Genetics:

Studies have shown that anxiety disorders run in families. It is known that children of parents or close relatives suffering from an anxiety disorder are at a much higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder in the future.

Those children living in families where fear and anxiety are evident on a daily basis are at a higher risk of being affected by such problems as they move into adulthood.

Life experiences:

Experts also believe that anxiety is a learned behaviour. An example here is those who have suffered a life of poverty, abuse or violence. Such events experienced in childhood increase fears that over time can develop into anxiety disorders.

Why mixing Xanax and alcohol is a ‘No-No’

Those suffering from anxiety, depression or any other condition that calls for Xanax to be prescribed really must avoid the use of alcohol whilst on their course of treatment.

We will look at why, and also cite some of the ways in which you are compounding the potential mental and physical health problems if you opt to mix the two.

It is very important to understand that Xanax and alcohol are both classed as central nervous system depressants.

This means that both substances affect your brain function and will slow down given reactions.

Although they do not work on the same sets of neurotransmitters they both tend to produce similar effects when it comes to such things as your breathing and heart rate.

The use of alcohol while using Xanax will increase the effects of both and can lead to a potentially fatal outcome.

Here are just 4 examples of many:

The use of Xanax for panic attacks:

Users who are taking Xanax to help them deal with panic attacks and combine alcohol with the drug will initially feel a positive effect in terms of lower agitation levels, unfortunately the effects do not stop there. This combination will increase their effect. The outcome is that many find it difficult to focus and in more severe cases they will become incommunicative.

Increasing the intenseness of a panic attack:

While the use of Xanax on its own has proven to ease a panic attack, if you add alcohol to the mix there is a good chance you will actually trigger a more intensive attack.

Increased irritability:

Some alprazolam users find irritability is never far from the surface. By mixing Xanax and alcohol this can become completely out of hand and they react with unreasonable anger at the least little thing.

Increased sedation:

In more severe cases combining the two substances can increase sedation to levels that are not only uncomfortable, but can be life threatening.

Dependent upon the amount of each substance you take there your heart rate may be lowered to a level that is dangerous. There is also a possibility that your breathing will become seriously impaired.

If a user finds themselves suffering from either or both of the above serious problems they require immediate medical attention. Without expert medical help there is a grave danger that such symptoms will be fatal.

Please do not dice with death:

To put it in a more simplistic way, you should not mix Xanax and alcohol at all. By doing so you are leaving death’s door ajar, the more you combine the two, the further you are pushing that door open.

compulsive-sexual-behaviour-dara

The Sadness Of Sex Addiction

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

Compulsive sexual behaviour comes with a variety of different names. It is more often than not call sexual addiction, but other terms are hypersexuality. sexual dependency and sexual compulsivity. Satyriasis is the term used for men suffering with this condition, while for women it is Nymphomania.

Whatever term you wish to use, compulsive sexual behaviour is a problem that must not be kept hidden away.

Here is an explanation of what the condition is, why many suffer in silence, what the dangers are, and how treating this difficult addiction can be achieved.

What is compulsive sexual behaviour?

Contrary to what many believe would be an enjoyable condition to suffer from, addiction to sex is seen as a form of obsessive compulsive behaviour with risk taking being a major factor.

The individual is obsessed with sexual thoughts. These interfere with their daily activities. It affects their ability and concentration while working, and any other responsibilities or obligations will always take a back-seat as this obsession is extremely time consuming.

If they are in a permanent relationship an additional burden is the fact they need to work very hard to keep their secret life away from their partner.

How many people does this condition affect?

This is one of the great unknowns, many who suffer are simply too embarrassed to seek help and will maintain a stubborn and solitary silence.

By doing so things will not get better, indeed the chances are they will continue in a downward spiral. Bigger risks will be taken, and there is a good possibility that these individuals will become involved in even more bizarre sexual experiences.

One of the problems with this ‘anything and everything goes’ attitude is that they can blur lines between what is sexually legal and what is against the law.

It is unlikely that accurate figures will ever be established in terms of the numbers struggling with this condition. This is due to the reluctance of many to seek help out of embarrassment or shame.

An added barrier preventing them from seeking much needed treatment is denial. This thought process is similar to those struggling with a dependence upon alcohol or drugs.

A person addicted to sex will convince themselves they have everything under control and constantly self-justify their actions. This attitude helps them to avoid facing the depth and reality of their situation.

Dangers of compulsive sexual behaviour:

Those involved in risky sexual behaviour are leaving themselves wide open to danger. Here are three examples of this.

Personal health should be a major concern. The chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is a real hazard, the desire for sexual experiences stretches well beyond excessive watching of porn and constant masturbating.

They will pay for sex on a regular basis, will do their best to find multiple casual partners, and often go to extremes by making it very obvious to complete strangers that sex is on the menu.

The thrill and excitement of performing sex acts in public places is accepted by many, quickly arranged visits to motels, hotels or even the strangers home are accepted.

These risks and the fact they have no knowledge of the person they are offering themselves to leave them dangerously exposed to possible violence and harm.

The final danger is that of crossing the line into unlawful sex acts. As their compulsions and fantasies increase so can their actions. Some will progress to having sex with animals or feel compelled to involve children

It goes without saying that if such incidents do occur and are brought to the attention of the authorities, then prosecution is a given.

A Positive Treatment Option – Inpatient Rehabilitation:

The basis of addiction treatment is to help the person suffering understand the reasons behind their addiction, and work with them towards the ultimate goal of living a life free from the substance that caused addiction in the first place.

In the case of sex, it is not reasonable to expect a person to give up sexual activity for the rest of their lives.

This means that while a major part of the treatment will be to understand the underlying issues causing them to think and act in the way they are, the aim is also to make them understand and adhere to what is accepted as ‘normal’ and natural sexual activity.

Comprehensive therapy and in-depth counselling is required if this goal is to be achieved.

Many who suffer from compulsive sexual behaviour find that a stay in a respected inpatient rehabilitation centre is a very positive beginning to what will undoubtedly be long term treatment.

This should be an extended stay where they are taken from their normal environment into one that allows them to focus on their problems.

They will receive therapy in a variety of different ways. Such a stay will include daily supervised exercise suited to their level of ability, many find Yoga and meditation to be helpful, and a routine of daily activities with set meal times in calm, peaceful and very comfortable surroundings helps immensely.

Add to this crucial, in-depth one-to-one counselling sessions that are targetted at putting them on the right track to lead a life where sex is an important, but not all-consuming factor and the basis for recovery is established.

Aftercare – A ‘must’ for recovery progression:

It is important to understand that this positive starting point needs to be followed through in the form of aftercare.

Clients who opt to stay at a quality rehabilitation establishment will have comprehensive aftercare options explained to them. They will also receive assistance in terms of putting this in place before departure.

Many going through the recovery process also find voluntary organisations such as Sex Addicts Anonymous a positive influence.

By attending regular meetings, they will be amongst others who have similar issues. The frank, open discussions that take place are seen as a way of helping acknowledge and maintain the changes necessary in their lifestyle and sexual activity.

relapse-dara

Heading For A Relapse? – Heed The Signs

Articles, Australia, International, Understanding Addiction

The long road called “Recovery” is a route many men and women who have been through drug or alcohol rehab treatment are currently treading.

Throughout their treatment they will have been told time and again of the relapse temptations that are likely to come their way, and how best to deal with them.

Many will agree that this is easier said than done, so let’s take a look at what a relapse is, some early warning signs that need to be addressed quickly, and how a loved one should react if the addict has slipped back into drug or alcohol use.

What is a relapse?

Many consider an addict to have suffered a relapse if they return to using any amount of the substance which caused addiction in the first place, others state a relapse is classified when a user returns to heavy use of the substance in question.

The medical profession considers a relapse to be a return to heavier or destructive use of that substance. This distinction is important to understand.

Taking alcohol as an example, though it is strongly discouraged, one beer on one occasion can be classed as a lapse, whereas a return to regular drinking which will cause negative consequences and put the recovering alcoholic back on the road to regular heavy drinking must be classed as a relapse.

Early signs that a relapse could be in the offing:

It is absolutely vital for those going through recovery, and if possible, those closest to them to understand signs indicating a possible relapse is nearing reality.

We will explain the importance of being alert to such signs and why early, positive action is required at the end of this section, but first let’s concentrate on the signs themselves.

If a recovering addict begins to feel or show increased anxiety, becomes far more impatient over trivial things, or finds their anger rising more quickly than expected, these can be seen as signs that a relapse is in the offing.

Many become moody, have increased problems with their sleep pattern and/or the improved diet they have been keeping. Some will make it clear they would rather spend time on their own than be in company, they may become noticeably stubborn and even refuse help that up to this point has been gratefully accepted.

They know full well what treatment recommendations should be followed, but feel rebellious and do not stick to them as well as they could, and even begin to reminisce about the past.

If this hankering to ‘re-live’ the past gets stronger, many will consider seeing friends they used to associate with when addicted to drugs or alcohol. If any of those friends are still heavily into drugs or alcohol such a meeting needs to be avoided.

Why such behavior and thoughts must be nipped in the bud:

If these early warning signs are acknowledged it will allow positive, preventative relapse action to be taken. This can be achieved by arranging an urgent appointment with their rehab counsellor. It goes without saying that the sooner such help is sought, the better.

Once these feelings are voiced the counsellor will be in a far better position to evaluate current treatment and suggest changes that will help diffuse thoughts of a relapse while progressing with recovery.

The last thing those going through recovery should do is ignore these early warning signs. By doing so they are putting all of the progress made to date at risk.

Obvious signs of a relapse:

If a recovering addict has buckled under the strong pressures felt, the signs of a relapse will be self-evident and difficult for a loved one to miss.

In terms of recovering alcoholics; if alcohol starts to go missing from home, bottles are found stashed away or empty ones placed in the trash, or they return home clearly the worse for wear due to drink it is obvious a relapse has commenced.

If drugs were the problem, keep an eye out for drug paraphernalia such as syringes/needles, excessive amounts of lighters, rubber bands, small empty plastic ‘wraps’ and even medicine missing from its usual place in the house.

Whether it be alcohol or drugs another big warning sign is the fact that money or valuables begin to disappear, or you discover that someone has accessed your bank or savings accounts.

What action to take if it is obvious a loved one has relapsed:

While this may seem a harsh thing to do you need to confront the situation head on. You need to tell them in a direct manner that you believe they are using alcohol or drugs again.

If they admit:

If they admit this, then you need to support them by arranging an appointment with their rehab counsellor or doctor as soon as possible. Once this process is set in motion there is hope that the addict will respond to renewed efforts to quit.

A recovering addict needs to be reassured that a relapse does not mean treatment has completely failed.

Yes, it is a setback, but if they are willing to persevere by recommencing treatment and counselling then you need to give them all the love and support possible.

If denial is their only response:

If they deny, and maintain denial even though it is blatantly obvious they have started to re-use then tough love has to be the order of the day with strong ultimatums given.

It is also very important that you contact their doctor or the rehab establishment they have been receiving treatment from to seek assistance.

If you do not have such detail, then get in touch with your local drug or alcohol advice centre to discuss the situation and listen to their advice.

Hopefully this last situation will not arise, but you must be prepared in the event it does.