Addiction of any kind requires professional treatment to successfully and safely rid the body of the drug and overcome the triggers and cravings that lead to drug and alcohol use. Ativan and Xanax are both common benzodiazepines (benzos) that are used to treat anxiety. Still, unfortunately, they are both highly addictive drugs, and they also have some differences in how they work.
The Right Step offers addiction and mental health treatment to overcome an addiction to benzos. Learn more about benzo addiction treatment by contacting The Right Step today at 17135283709 or online. Both inpatient and outpatient options are available depending on the severity of the addiction and how flexible one’s schedule is.
The Difference Between Ativan and Xanax
While Ativan and Xanax can both be used to treat similar conditions, like anxiety, they are not the same drug. They differ in what else they can treat and also how the drugs work.
Ativan is a brand name of lorazepam. It is a sedative drug prescribed to treat anxiety and also insomnia. Xanax is a brand name of alprazolam. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders and can be taken in an immediate-release or an extended-release tablet.
Critical differences between Ativan and Xanax include:
- How quickly and how long they work – For instance, Xanax has a more immediate-release effect, and Ativan can take up to an hour to kick in. For treating anxiety, Ativan’s effects are longer lasting.
- How potent the drug is – Xanax is known as a more powerful drug than Ativan, making it a higher risk of becoming addicted.
- What it is prescribed for – While Xanax is commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, Ativan can be prescribed to treat those issues as well as other conditions, like insomnia.
- Their side effects – The two drugs share many of the same side effects, like dizziness, lethargy, confusion, and drowsiness.
If you are concerned that the benzos you are taking may not be the best solution for you, or if you are concerned addiction has taken hold, contact a healthcare provider right away for guidance.
Signs of Benzo Addiction
Signs of addiction can include:
- A building tolerance – This is when the user is taking more and more of the drug to get the desired effect.
- Prescription shopping – This is also known as doctor shopping because users will acquire multiple prescriptions for the same drug from various doctors.
- Noticeable withdrawal symptoms – When someone becomes dependent on a drug to the point of addiction, their body will react with severe withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to get the drug to take.
Benzos can be highly effective in treating anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia if taken as prescribed. Unfortunately, like most drugs, benzos can also be highly addictive.
What to Look for in Benzo Addiction Treatment
Treatment for a benzo addiction can look different depending on the treatment program. Examples of therapies available to craft a customized treatment plan include:
- Experiential therapies – These can include art, yoga, and equine therapy. Therapies that can be quickly implemented in everyday life are highly beneficial.
- Behavioral therapies – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help refocus on the positives in life, find balance, and develop healthy coping skills.
- Motivational interviewing – This process helps to support and reinforce your goals of making positive changes in your life.
- Family therapy – Friends and family support is critical, so it is essential to involve them early and often in the treatment and recovery process.
- Aftercare programs – Programs like 12-step support groups help to foster relapse prevention.
Addiction support is ongoing. In addition to aftercare programs, a support group of family, friends, and peers who share a similar addiction background will be invaluable during recovery.
Start Your Recovery with Benzo Addiction Treatment at The Right Step
Being among peers and professionals who understand what addiction looks like and have shared similar experiences will better help you understand your addiction and how to treat it best. Each person’s needs are unique, so a customized treatment plan utilizing a personalized combination of therapies is the best approach for setting the path to a successful recovery.
Traditional talk therapies can be paired with behavioral, experiential, and mindfulness exercises. Stress brings on anxiety, so finding ways to manage stress without relying on drugs is a key focus of treatment. Call 17135283709 or contact The Right Step online to find out more about treating anxiety and an addiction to benzos.
