It does not matter what substance an individual is in recovery from; there is always a potential for a relapse. This includes individuals who relapse on Xanax. The good news is that relapse never has to be a part of an individual’s recovery journey if they have the right tools to navigate recovery after treatment. Likewise, relapse never has to be the end of the recovery journey. The key is to reach back out for help.
Get Help Today: Please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-318.
The Dangers of Xanax Misuse and Xanax Addiction
Xanax misuse and Xanax addiction are more common than many people think. According to the journal Psychiatric Services, “A total of 30.6 million adults (12.6%) reported past-year benzodiazepine use – 25.3 million (10.4%) as prescribed and 5.3 million (2.2%) misuse. Misuse accounted for 17.2% of overall use. Adults ages 50-64 had the highest prescribed use (12.9%).” Also, “Benzodiazepine use among U.S. adults was higher than previously reported, and misuse accounted for nearly 20% of use overall.”
There are also many dangers of Xanax misuse. The following are just a few of the negative symptoms and consequences that can happen to someone who is misusing Xanax:
- Cognitive difficulties, including an inability to think clearly
- Short-term and long-term memory loss
- Aggressive and unusual mood swings
- Excessively jitteriness, anxiety, and nervousness
- Gastrointestinal problems, including continuous constipation
- Trouble sleeping, especially sleeping more than normal
- Depressed mood
- Shallow breathing
- Physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms
- The potential for overdose and even overdose death
Many people also combine Xanax and alcohol, which can be particularly dangerous. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, “When benzodiazepines and alcohol are used concurrently, their sedative effects significantly increase the risk of adverse events, including fatal overdose… Long-term consequences of combined benzodiazepine and alcohol use include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, kidney, and neurologic injury and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.”
What Happens if I Relapse on Xanax?
If an individual relapses on Xanax, it is important to remember that they are not alone. Most people don’t realize just how prevalent relapse is in the U.S. According to Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment. Also, ”For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.”
If a Xanax relapse happens, the key is to be open about it and tell someone. A relapse is not a failure. Rather, relapses can be the nature of addiction, which is a normal and important step in recovery. The most important next step after a Xanax relapse is to connect with professionals and seek help as needed.
Many people in recovery are already engaged in some type of therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example). If a relapse happens, it can be highly beneficial to reach out to a therapist and reestablish one’s recovery goals. This can also be a great opportunity to review and adjust one’s relapse prevention plan. Many people in recovery are also members of a recovery community. If a relapse happens, it can be highly beneficial to reach out to members of this community who have also experienced a relapse. They will be able to offer advice as they have successfully navigated their relapse.
The Signs of a Relapse on Xanax
If one suspects their loved one may be relapsing on Xanax, many signs can help them to be more certain. Some warning signs that may indicate a relapse on Xanax include:
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Appearing more jittery or nervous than usual
- Being deceptive and lying about where they have been and where they are going
- No longer engaging with their recovery plan, therapy, or recovery community
- Experiencing sudden financial difficulties
- Having trouble at work or school
- Appearing lethargic
- Having trouble communicating
- Sleeping more than normal
- Having slurred speech
If any, many, or all of these signs are present, there is a chance that a Xanax relapse has occurred. The best thing to do is to tell a loved one directly about one’s concerns and offer to get them the help they need.
It Is Never Too Late to Recover With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that many people get discouraged after a relapse. This is understandable, but it is also hindering. The key is to learn from a relapse and reach back out for help.
It is never too late to recover. One must remember the saying, “It is not how we fall that defines us; it is how we get back up.” We are here to guide and support individuals as they heal from addiction and any potential relapses.
It’s never too late to come back after a relapse. There are many options if one has a relapse on Xanax after treatment. The keys are not getting too overwhelmed and reaching out to someone immediately. To avoid a relapse, staying connected to an alumni group and creating a relapse prevention plan can be vital. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and may be on the way to a relapse, we can help get you back on the right road to long-term recovery right away. For more information about how to come back after a relapse, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
