New Year’s Resolutions – Welcoming This New Year

As we brace ourselves for the year ahead and bid a very “good riddance” to the year prior, we might be engaging in what has become a long-standing tradition – jotting down a lengthy list of personal New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is defined as “the quality of being determined or resolute” or as “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” Basically, we take an honest look at areas of our lives that require a little special attention and warrant some tangible improvement. We then make a commitment to ourselves to work towards self-betterment in the year ahead, tackling all of our personal goals with a level of drive and ambition never before seen. Of course, the whole process of writing out resolutions and making a personal promise is not nearly enough to stay committed to change long-term. Most of us charge towards the New Year at full speed, losing steam in a couple of weeks and finding ourselves right back where we started in no time at all.

Xanax Abuse and Addiction – Facts and Statistics

According to an article published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, Xanax (the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam) is not only the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine throughout the United States, but also the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication period. Despite the fact that most medical professionals consider Xanax a “high-risk” medication (meaning that it has a very high potential for abuse), it is still prescribed very frequently. However, the addictive nature of the drug is not the only thing that makes this medication a liability – the withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax are more severe than they are for any other benzodiazepine, and they must be closely overseen in a medically monitored detox facility.

The Keck School of Medicine at USC recently published a heavily researched article titled, “The Next U.S. Drug Epidemic As of 2019.” This article focuses on the prevalence of Xanax abuse throughout the country, and notes that while the opioid epidemic consistently makes headlines the threat of benzodiazepine abuse and addiction are growing daily. The article includes a number of alarming Xanax-related statistics, including:

• According to the CDC, more than 30 percent of all opioid-related overdose deaths in the US from 2010 to 2014 also included a benzodiazepine like Xanax.
• Individuals are over 10 times more likely to die of an overdose if they combine opioids with benzodiazepines.
• NIDA reported that the number of overdose-related fatalities that included benzodiazepines like Xanax more than quadrupled from 2002 to 2015.

Xanax abuse is a growing problem throughout the country. Unfortunately, because many Xanax users are initially prescribed the medication by a trusted doctor physician, they believe that it is always safe to use – even when used other than as recommended. However, because of the highly addictive nature of the specific medication and because of how severe the withdrawal symptoms can be, taking more than the recommended dose can easily result in physical and psychological dependence and severe health-related complications.

How to Quit Xanax Long-Term

If you want to quit Xanax long-term, there are several steps you need to take – the first step (which is often the most difficult) is admitting to yourself and to your loved ones that professional help has become a necessity. Once you admit that you need help the rest of the early recovery experience should be smooth sailing – simply find a medical detox or appropriate treatment program, give them a call and set up a date and time for your intake. If you have any questions regarding how to get started on your personal journey of recovery, give us a call today.

Successfully Avoiding Relapse

Avoiding relapse does not come naturally – you won’t be “cured” of your desire to use Xanax simply because you underwent medical detox and a program of clinical care. In order to avoid relapse long-term, you will need to stick to a solid program of aftercare which typically includes the following:

• Stay heavily involved in a 12-step program, attending at least one meeting every day and working through the steps with a sponsor as soon as possible.
• Develop a positive and healthy network of sober supports. It will be impossible to navigate Xanax addiction recovery on your own – you need a group of positive people who support your sobriety to be there for you when you need a shoulder to lean on.
• Stay involved in individual therapy, and group therapy if necessary. This might look like attending an outpatient treatment program or intensive outpatient program after you complete residential treatment, and meeting with an individual therapist at least once a week.
• Remember to keep up with medication. If you suffer from a dual diagnosis disorder, make sure you are regularly meeting with a license psychiatrist.
• Avoid triggering situations and do your best to avoid The toxic people in your life. This includes people that you used to use Xanax with, or people that do not understand or support your sobriety.

If you work hard, you can stay sober – bottom line. But it won’t be possible without help!

Guardian IOP
Our Program of Clinical Care

At Guardian IOP we offer a demographic-specific, intensive outpatient program to men and women of all ages and walks of life. Our team of dedicated professionals has combined decades of experience in the fields of mental health and substance abuse, and they have developed a comprehensive program that focuses on integrated healing. In addition to traditional psychotherapeutic methods of recovery, we offer proven holistic treatment services and 12-step program immersion. Our two locations – one in Delray Beach, Florida and one in New Brunswick, New Jersey – cater to individuals who have been attempting to quit Xanax on their own with little to no success. For more information on our intensive outpatient program or for a free, over-the-phone pre-assessment, contact us today. We are standing by to ensure that you or your loved one is placed in the appropriate level of clinical care, and that effective addiction treatment is as readily accessible as possible.