Category: Sober living

Your doctor might also prescribe other medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. The primary difference between Ativan and Xanax lies in their onset of action, duration of action, and potential for dependence and side effects. Ativan has a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to Xanax, which has a faster onset but shorter duration of action. Xanax is highly addictive and a person who uses the drug regularly can easily develop a Xanax addiction. A person who is addicted to alprazolam will use the drug compulsively and have a hard time stopping the drug, even when they want to. While these are the primary categories, the severity of Xanax addiction can vary widely among individuals.

Psychological

• Taking Xanax in combination with alcohol can cause life-threatening side effects.
• If someone you love is addicted to Xanax, you should encourage them to get help by having a calm, serious discussion about specific behaviors and consequences of their drug use.
• Polydrug use (using multiple drugs) is common among people with benzodiazepine addiction, with 54.2% abusing opioids and 24.7% abusing alcohol.
• The hippocampus plays a role in memory formation, which is why long-term misuse of Xanax can cause memory loss or interfere with the brain’s ability to create new memories.

Overdose can occur with Xanax alone, but the majority of deaths occur when Xanax is combined with other drugs such as opioids, including heroin. Polydrug use (using multiple drugs) is common among people with benzodiazepine addiction, with 54.2% abusing opioids and 24.7% abusing alcohol. The most effective treatment for benzodiazepine use disorder is to gradually reduce how much of the drug you use under the supervision of a medical professional.

Treatment Types

You may have serious or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using this medicine suddenly. Do not stop using Xanax without talking to your doctor first., as you may need to slowly stop (taper) this medicine over a period of time. The mind becomes accustomed to the drug and can go through periods of insomnia, depression, paranoia, and xanax addiction irritability while trying to come off it. The majority of withdrawal symptoms can be treated during medical detox to make the process as comfortable as possible for those in detox. If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax misuse or addiction, it’s important to get help from a qualified healthcare professional. Fortunately, there is effective evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare that can get you on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve.

Services for Professionals

Xanax is a particularly fast-acting benzodiazepine, taking effect in 30 minutes or less, which is one of the primary reasons it is so popular. While Xanax is sometimes prescribed for longer than a few weeks to manage certain anxiety disorders, prolonged use can lead to a rebound of anxiety symptoms when the drug is eventually stopped. If you suddenly reduce your dose of benzodiazepines or stop taking them — even if you’ve been using them as prescribed by a doctor — you could have withdrawal symptoms. The longer you’ve been taking the drugs, the higher your risk for this.

• Dr. Michael Olla is a renowned medical professional licensed in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in psychiatry and addiction treatment.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, treatment can help.
• It’s vital to know the drug’s risks and signs of Xanax addiction before it’s too late.
• Valley Spring Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment services.
• If that happens, you may find it helpful to seek out further resources or find a support group for family members or friends of people living with addiction.
• While it addresses the physical dependence on the drug, it does not address the underlying psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction.

Many people will experience a total blackout on a combination of Xanax and alcohol or other drugs, retaining no memory of what they heroin addiction did while high. Benzodiazepines can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. If you become dependent on the drugs, you can have withdrawal symptoms and even seizures when you suddenly stop taking them. Only a very small percentage of people who take normal doses for short periods will become dependent on benzodiazepines.

• In general, potent benzodiazepines with shorter elimination half-lives may be more prone to causing problems with tolerance, dependence and addiction.
• It can cause problems with concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• The goal is to choose the medication that will provide the most effective relief from anxiety symptoms while minimizing the risk of side effects and dependence.
• You want to be direct and honest with your loved one, but not judgmental.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of therapy for benzodiazepine addiction.

Mobile apps, biosensors, and other digital tools provide innovative ways to help individuals maintain their recovery, monitor their progress, and stay connected to support networks. Developing effective coping strategies tailored to individual needs is a critical what is alcoholism part of the RP plan. These strategies enable individuals to manage cravings and high-risk situations without resorting to substance use. Identifying personal triggers for relapse is the first step in developing an effective RP plan. Triggers can be internal, such as emotions and thoughts, or external, such as people, places, and situations.

How to Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan

• The first goal is to help the patient understand the importance of self-care.
• Scheduling monthly check-ins can provide opportunities to reflect on personal growth and necessary adjustments.
• Individuals with underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, are at a higher risk for relapse.
• Studies show that medically supervised detox significantly improves patient safety and treatment outcomes.
• Implementing these relapse prevention techniques into your daily schedule can greatly help reduce the risk of relapse.

Coping strategies are indispensable in managing cravings and preventing relapse. Identify healthy mechanisms representing your interests, such as exercise, journaling, or mindfulness practices. Additionally, building a robust support network is crucial; include individuals you can reach out to during vulnerable moments. Engage actively in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, as shared experiences foster accountability and provide additional resources during challenging times.

Learning new coping skills

Keeping a journal to document emotions and situations leading to cravings can also facilitate this identification process. They can be anything from certain people, places, or situations, to emotions and thoughts that provoke cravings for substances. Recognizing these triggers is crucial for those in recovery, as they often precede the return to substance use. Honesty fosters a deeper connection with oneself and enhances awareness of triggers.

• One significant challenge regarding the use of disulfiram is non-adherence.
• Over the years, RP has been widely adopted in various treatment settings, reflecting its importance in supporting long-term recovery.
• You can also reach out to them whenever you experience triggers or cravings.
• Family involvement is particularly effective in creating a supportive environment.

Contingency Management Techniques for Psychiatrists in Addiction Treatment

• The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 40 to 60 percent of people who were once addicted to drugs will eventually relapse.
• Reviewing your journal can visualize how far you’ve come and remind you why you started this journey.
• You could write down the days and times of meetings or planned calls to help you remember.
• When someone embarks on the journey of recovery, healthy family dynamics and unwavering support become essential pillars for relapse prevention.
• If a lapse or relapse occurs, the patient should be encouraged and guided by the clinician to explore the relapse itself and the circumstances surrounding it, including any early warning signs of relapse.

Learn how to identify signs and ask, “Is your teen an alcoholic?” Get the facts and find support. Having a loved one who is suffering from substance use disorder is an incredibly difficult process to go… Explore why caffeine and nicotine are drugs excused in recovery and their impacts on the healing journey. Discover how drug abuse definition might help decide to get help and overcome the challenges of addiction.

• By doing a regular inventory of HALT, one can help prevent the risk of relapse.
• Looking for a relapse prevention plan worksheet to share with therapy clients?
• They can help identify and treat any underlying issues that could increase your risk of relapse.
• Regular engagement with support systems reinforces recovery goals and enables individuals to share experiences and insights.
• Schedule weekly or bi-weekly calls or meetings with supportive people to stay accountable and gain encouragement.

It can be hard to distance yourself from others but know that there are people who will support your recovery efforts. And a true loved one will only want you to engage in activities that benefit your health. Relapse prevention offers strategies for early recognition of triggers, education on high-risk scenarios, and behavioral techniques to combat urges and cravings. Continue reading to discover how a strong relapse prevention plan can make a vital difference in relapse prevention skills sustaining sobriety and improving quality of life.

Stay connected with your support network through regular check-ins via phone calls, texts, or in-person meetings. These connections provide strength and accountability, crucial for everyday recovery maintenance. You may also participate in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery. Peer support from those with similar experiences can maintain motivation in recovery5. Those healing from mental health concerns can find community in National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) support groups.

Support

If you are currently engaging in therapeutic support, utilizing a sponsor, or attending meetings, you could discuss your plan in these settings. A therapist may be able to advise on specialist interventions and techniques that you can include. In the event of a lapse (short-term return to substance use) or full relapse, it can help to have a plan in place to help you return to your recovery process.

What Are Alternative Treatments for Alcohol Addiction?

Setting up a system to reach out if they sense you may be heading toward a relapse might also be helpful. This way, you can ensure that someone will be there to remind you of the benefits of sobriety and provide support. Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts without judgment. If you’re a support group member, keep trusted group members or leaders’ information in your prevention plan.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), or telehealth therapy can offer specialized support that fits around work and family commitments. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. If the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism have become overwhelming, and your loved one refuses to seek help for alcohol abuse, it could be time to plan an intervention. An intervention is a planned meeting in which the concerned parties confront the alcoholic about their behavior.

Moving Forward with Professional Support

But they may put themselves or others in danger by drinking and driving, having risky sexual encounters, or blacking out, Benton says. You may hear them called “functional” or “high-functioning” alcoholics. But those aren’t official medical terms. However, they are likely struggling with uncontrollable cravings, unsuccessful attempts at quitting, and obsessive thoughts about their next drink—all hallmarks of an alcohol use disorder.

Personal Relationships

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment. Ignoring alcohol abuse in high functioning individuals can lead to long-term harm. While they may not experience immediate external consequences, the impact on their mental well-being, professional life, and relationships with family members can be devastating. Over time, even those who seem in control may struggle to maintain their responsibilities as the effects of excessive alcohol consumption take hold. Identifying the signs of a functional alcoholic early on can help prevent serious damage. If you or someone you know is showing signs of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, seeking support is essential.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox, Timeline & Treatment

• While they may seem OK to the outside world, it’s likely that warning signs and symptoms are appearing elsewhere.
• An individual who is suffering from addiction is more likely to socialize with others who drink and attend social events where drinking is encouraged (i.e., at bars, clubs, or cocktail parties).
• HFAs have the same disease as the stereotypical “skid-row” alcoholic, but it manifests or progresses differently.
• The difference is that they’ve developed strategies to hide or rationalize the extent of their drinking.

This can make it more difficult for others (and even the individual themselves) to recognize a problem. Despite the ability to “hold it all together,” alcoholism invariably takes its toll on physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and future prospects. This article examines how to identify a high-functioning alcoholic, discusses the risks they face, and outlines ways to help them pursue a healthier, alcohol-free life.

Is Alcoholism a Mental Illness?

We are dedicated to making alcoholism treatment accessible to every person in need and operate a 24/7 alcohol detox hotline. Although they may appear alcoholism to be healthy and functional, without treatment, their condition could get worse. Although a person with high-functioning alcoholism may appear fine, they are not. Because of this appearance, their problem doesn’t seem as severe as other types of alcoholism.

• Seeking professional treatment for alcohol addiction is a crucial step towards recovery.
• An addiction therapist can help you find positive ways to deal with the stress of living with a functional alcoholic.
• This secrecy is often a sign of shame or fear of being judged, indicating that the person knows their drinking is problematic.
• In many ways, the most significant danger for high-functioning alcoholics is that they can go on for years—sometimes decades—without facing obvious life-altering consequences.
• If it’s time to seek help, contact us to learn about our treatment approach and facilities.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

A “functional alcoholic” (or “high-functioning alcoholic”) isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but a term functional alcoholic husband used colloquially to describe a person who is dependent upon alcohol but can still function in society. The term “currently-functioning” may be used since it’s not likely they will remain functional (and not misuse alcohol) indefinitely. Recognizing and addressing high-functioning alcoholism can be challenging, as individuals may resist acknowledging their problem due to fear of stigma or repercussions. However, early intervention is crucial to preventing further harm and promoting recovery.