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What is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is also known as Alprazolam. Xanax belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system and the brain. It enhances the GABA chemical in the body, which creates a calming effect. The dosage of Xanax may gradually be increased until the drug reaches its full effect, which varies with a person’s age, medical condition, and treatment response.If Xanax is taken for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal reactions may occur if it is suddenly stopped. Dosages should be reduced gradually under a doctor’s care to prevent serious withdrawal symptoms such as seizures. Xanax, in rare cases, can cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior in some patients. If a patient has abused alcohol or drugs in the past, their risk of addiction is increased.

Addiction to benzodiazepines sends about 60,000 people to publicly funded rehab centers per year. However, almost every person being treated for benzodiazepine addiction abused another substance as well. When used alone or in combination with other drugs or alcohol, Xanax can produce sedation and give the user a high or euphoric feeling. Xanax alone with probably not kill an abuser, but when mixed with alcohol or opiates, a person’s breathing can be slowed to the point of death. Xanax tolerance builds quickly which means that more of the drug is needed in order to get the same effect, even after a few weeks. The dosage of a regular Xanax user can get very high, very quickly. This drug should not be taken for more than several months due to the risk of addiction.

How long do you have to stay in rehab?

Since Xanax has a unique set of physical symptoms of withdrawal, Xanax detoxification is best often completed in a medically supervised treatment center. For this type of intensive detox, a patient will stay for at least a month, with some choosing to stay up to four months or longer. One full week is taken to detox and the remaining three weeks are spent in therapy and counseling.

In a certified recovery center, recovering addicts will probably receive medication to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. A licensed medical team will also be available to monitor the patient’s vital signs and withdrawal symptoms. This is the main benefit of choosing an inpatient facility versus an outpatient clinic.

Once the patient has detoxed, individual therapy sessions and group counseling are offered. Due to the dual addiction nature of Xanax, many patients also receive therapy and counseling to address their other drug addictions.

The time to detox from Xanax will vary depending on the method of detox a patient chooses. Seizures, psychosis, and extreme depression can all be dangerous side effects of stopping Xanax cold turkey. Tapering off of Xanax can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. A patient and his or her doctor should make this important decision together looking at all the available options.

How effective are Xanax rehab centers?

If you believe that you or a loved one may be addicted to Xanax, there are several rehabilitation programs available. There are inpatient recovery centers, like the one at Surf City Recovery in Huntington Beach, California, and outpatient clinics. For most people who suffer from Xanax addiction, inpatient treatment is the best option due to the adverse withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, that some patients face. However, if a Xanax addiction is caught in time, a patient may opt for outpatient services.

How do you afford Xanax rehab?

For those who have made the decision to get help with their Xanax addiction, paying for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation services can be expensive. There are three ways you can pay for rehab: private insurance, government funded rehab, and cash.
If you have insurance, do not assume that your insurance company will pay for all of the costs associated with drug rehab. Insurance companies are placing more and more restrictions on who can go to rehab and for how long. Call your insurance company and find out what they cover and if there is a copay for services.If you do not have insurance, your next option might be government or state funded rehabilitation centers. Contact the local treatment centers in your area, like Surf City Recovery for those in Orange County, CA.Once you have a list of centers, begin calling each one and explain your situation to them. Explain that you have no insurance and need help with treatment. You will be asked questions such as: Are you on Medicaid or Medicare or any government services? Many times if you qualify for government assistance, treatment centers can help you with funding through grants given to them by the government.

As a last resort, paying cash for treatment services may be an option. Since the cost of rehab can be quite expensive, this option is not viable for most people. However, call the treatment center and ask them what their rates are for inpatient and outpatient services. The cost of treatment can range from a thousand dollars to over ten thousand.

If this is your only option and you are ready for a change, ask the treatment center about a payment plan. Many centers will be willing to set up a monthly installment plan. With the invaluable cost of being clean and sober, several thousands of dollars may seem like a small fortune at the time, but may be worth it in the long run.Some long-term rehab facilities are set up similarly to homeless shelters and funded differently than other treatment centers. The therapy and programming at such places varies greatly, so make sure you research each facility thoroughly. Using a referral service can help you find options that fit in with your financial situation or insurance. Centers vary on payment options so get on the phone and check out each facility.

If you are interested in Xanax detox and rehab, the professionals at Surf City Recovery in Hunting Beach, California, are here to answer any of your questions about the programs they offer. An initial assessment with a certified counselor is provided at no cost to you. Financing options along with insurance plans can be discussed after the initial assessment. The team at Surf City wants you to get sober, and will work with you to make it happen.