If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, then you are probably aware by now of the dangers that come with it. There are only a few drugs out there that actually have the power to be deadly when a person decides to stop using them, and Xanax and other benzodiazepines are at the top of the list. Over the last few years, Xanax has quickly become one of the most popular “party drugs” for the younger generation and continues to be one of the most commonly used antidepressants among middle-aged and older adults. The question is if it is so dangerous, why do so many people continue to take it? Extremely powerful, extremely addictive Unfortunately, the current population of Americans is one of the most medicated in recorded history. The rates of depression and anxiety are at an all-time high, along with addiction. Xanax, while extremely common among prescriptions used to counteract these mood disorders, is also one of the most commonly abused medications in the country. Primarily because it is fairly affordable and pretty powerful. The danger here is that it is also very addictive, and as mentioned before, can be dangerous to withdrawal from. The drug itself has a pretty short half-life, meaning users will be tempted to use more and more to get the same effects. On the other hand, people naturally develop a tolerance to the drug pretty quickly, despite what they may tell you, which means again, that users will have to continue to use more and more to get the desired effect. So, for someone who is struggling with...
Anyone who has struggled with addiction or who loves someone who has struggled with addiction is very aware of the very real danger of relapse. Many of us have experienced it first hand and can understand the feeling of utter defeat and frustration after a period of sobriety. It may seem like it comes out of nowhere, but for those who have relapsed and come back, we know that there is always a way to prevent it. That is why many treatment centers are now offering relapse prevention groups to their clients. Relapse Prevention It can seem like a pretty dark topic to discuss in treatment, but in the grand scheme of things, it is one of the most helpful tools to have for long-term sobriety, especially for first-timers. So, what is relapse prevention? How does someone prevent a relapse? Is anyone ever “doomed”? The long and short of it is, if you are a real addict or alcoholic, relapse is something that is ALWAYS possible, but there are certain tools and safeguards to help protect your butt when times get tough. Here are a few different plans of action that will always ensure that you are not one step away from a drink or a drug. Do Your Steps Whether you choose to work AA, NA, CA, HA, EA, etc., the only thing that matters, truly, is that you are actively working the program. This means: Finding a sponsor who has completely worked their steps Going to meetings Asking questions Taking time alone to work on your steps Doing them even when you don’t feel like it ...
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