Why Xanax And Sobriety Don’t Mix
March 10, 2016

Many people who enter recovery also take certain prescription drugs in order to combat additional mental health disorders. One of the more common mental health issues that many alcoholics and addicts suffer from, is a panic attack disorder, commonly referred to as anxiety. The problem is that many addicts and alcoholics believe that they can’t get sober without being able to use benzodiazepine (also known as alprazolam or Xanax) to control their anxiety attacks.

The good news – you absolutely can get clean and sober without Xanax.

Related: Xanax Addiction

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a sedative and it is a controlled substance. When combined with other drugs or alcohol, Xanax has the power to kill. It is commonly used to control anxiety and panic attacks. It can make the user sleepy, high, and can become habit-forming if used long-term.  Xanax was never intended to be used for long periods of time because of its addictive nature, and is not recommended for those who are addicted to alcohol and drugs or who suffer from suicidal thoughts.

So, what do you do when you believe that you or a loved one needs this medication in order to get or stay sober?

First, know this and don’t forget it: you do not need Xanax to get or stay sober. In fact, there is higher chance of relapsing if an alcoholic or addict continues to take these kinds of drugs, because these drugs actually feed their addiction. When the addiction part of the brain is fed with addictive drugs like Xanax, it can trigger the obsessive desire to use or drink. As a result, it can become impossible to maintain sobriety. It’s not a theory; it’s the experience of many addicts and alcoholics who live in long-term recovery, free from substances like Xanax. If they can do it, why can’t you?

The disease of addiction centers in the brain and it wants you and your loved one to believe that they can’t get sober unless certain “conditions” are met, like taking Xanax to control anxiety. The truth is that anyone who wants to get sober can do it without the help of Xanax, and can get their anxiety and panic attacks under control through detox, therapy, and 12-step programs. These methods have proven effective in helping create long-term recovery for addicts and alcoholics.

Taking The First Step To Recovery

If this is your first time attempting sobriety and are nervous about giving up alprazolam, we invite you to really ask yourself, how badly do you want to get and stay sober? If you truly suffer from the disease of addiction, then you will find yourself in and out of relapse – all because you believe that Xanax is the answer, or “isn’t the problem.”

If this isn’t the first time you’ve tried sobriety, but you still believe you need Xanax in your life, then we invite you to try something new and give up all addictive substances that have been preventing you from being sober long-term.

If you are a loved one of someone who is struggling with addiction, and they have you convinced that they need benzodiazepines in order to stay sober, please take a moment to read this article, 4 Tips On How To Stop Enabling An Addict Or Alcoholic. You can help your loved one best by supporting them into recovery and not enabling them to continue abusing drugs.

Xanax is not the answer to recovery from panic attacks, anxiety, and addiction.  It’s time now to take back your life and live completely clean and sober and free from the obsession to use/drink. Contact The Addiction Recovery Center today for more information on how we can help you live your life happy, joyous, and free from all substances.