My Spouse is Addicted to Xanax, What Do I Do?

Transcription

1 My Spouse is Addicted to Xanax, What Do I Do? L I F E LO N G A D D I CT I O N R ECOV E RY 1

2 Table of Contents Chapter 3: Responding to the Real Problem Intro: I Think My Spouse Needs Help! Conclusion: Hope for Restored Relationships Chapter 1: Recognizing Xanax Addiction Chapter 2: Reacting with Patience LIFELONG ADDICTION RECOVERY ii

3 Intro: I THINK MY SPOUSE NEEDS HELP! Your first instinct when your spouse is affected by disease is to get them treatment as quickly as possible. When that diseases is addiction, however, the correct response may not seem so obvious. The situation becomes even more complicated when the addiction is related to a prescribed medication like Xanax. How can you be expected to determine when a medication prescribed to help your spouse is causing more harm than good? These questions are frequently asked by spouses of individuals who are struggling to manage their Xanax use. If you suspect that your spouse has developed an unhealthy relationship with Xanax, you don t need to feel like you re alone in your uncertainty. Consider how widespread the problem is in the United States: According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) report from 2008, over 21 million Americans have abused prescription tranquilizers at least once, a category that includes benzodiazepines like Xanax. Data collected by the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests that 4 out of every 10 people who take benzodiazepines like Xanax for more than six weeks have a very high risk of addiction. A study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors reported that up to 44 percent of chronic benzodiazepine users become dependent on the drug. Understanding that you are not the only person dealing with a spouse s Xanax addiction is the first step toward helping your loved one get the help that they need. Next, you ll need to confirm the problem exists and reconcile your own feelings about your partner s addiction. Once these steps have been completed, you ll be ready to help your spouse get treatment for their Xanax addiction. Our hope is that this ebook can act as a resource for you and your family. Dealing with a loved one s drug addiction is never easy, and the issue becomes more complex when the addiction is related to a prescription drug like Xanax. Lean on the reliable information contained in this ebook as you navigate this trying time and work to restore hope in your household. 1

4 Chapter 1: Recognizing Xanax Addiction Identifying Signs and Symptoms LIFELONG ADDICTION RECOVERY 2

5 Chapter 1: RECOGNIZING XANAX ADDICTION Identifying Signs and Symptoms Don t feel guilty if you are initially hesitant to talk to your spouse about a Xanax addiction. You love your spouse, and you would hate to damage the trust in your relationship with an unfounded accusation. Conversely, if your spouse is addicted to Xanax, then the best way to support them is by being honest and helping them confront the issue head-on. Every person with a spouse struggling with a benzodiazepine addiction must work through the same sense of self-doubt you may be feeling right now. Recognizing that your wife or husband has an addiction can sometimes be difficult. Thankfully, there are numerous signs and physical symptoms that can help you identify a substance abuse problem. Becoming more knowledgeable about these signs and symptoms will help you to better understand the situation and more effectively address it with your spouse. Regardless of what type of substance your spouse is abusing, those who become dependent on a drug often exhibit significant changes in behavior. Spotting those changes in behavior is your first step toward recognizing your spouse s Xanax addiction. SIGNS OF AN ADDICTION The ways a couple communicates, displays affection, and works through disagreements are completely unique to each relationship. As a result, a spouse can almost immediately identify when their partner begins to act differently or becomes more removed. If you suspect that a spouse is struggling with a Xanax addiction, keep your eyes peeled for these abrupt changes in behavior: Missing cash or unexplained withdrawals The sudden appearance of drug paraphernalia Unexplained health changes Massive shifts in diet Poor work performance An increase in risky behavior (including driving intoxicated) Greater instances of going out with friends 3

6 It s important to remember that a spouse with a hidden Xanax addiction must live a double life if they hope to keep their substance abuse problem under wraps. This motivation can account for many of the behavioral changes that occur when a spouse begins abusing a prescription drug. Be on the lookout for these behaviors and pay close attention to scenarios where your spouse seems to consistently avoid your company. Both genders while paying attention to the unique dangers and issues that are presented for each. The existing research has motivated some rehabs to incorporate genderspecific courses/modalities into their programs, while some rehabs have even developed entirely gender-specific programming. The good news is that according to recent reports published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, gender-specific addiction treatment is showing a lot of promise for both women and men. SYMPTOMS OF XANAX ABUSE Behavioral changes are not the only way to determine if your spouse is addicted to Xanax. If your partner is just beginning to take Xanax, for example, you may notice changes in behavior that represent a natural adjustment to a new medication. That s why it s vital to compare changes in behavior with physical symptoms to determine if your partner is truly struggling with Xanax addiction. The following symptoms are typical of individuals abusing a Xanax prescription: Slurred speech Disorientation Trouble breathing Memory loss Drowsiness Short-lived elation Chronic nausea and vomiting Unexplained headaches Lack of focus Increased tolerance to Xanax 4

7 CHEMICAL EFFECTS OF XANAX If you suspect that your spouse is dealing with an addiction to Xanax, it s also important to understand exactly how the substance is impacting your partner s physiology. In addition to helping you recognize the addiction, this information can help you better understand their behavior and the risks to their health from benzodiazepine abuse. Many individuals hesitate to confront their spouse about their addiction because they are held back by doubt or even guilt. Understanding the effects and risks of Xanax addiction can help resolve these uncertainties. Xanax is considerably addictive in large part because the drug is effective at changing how neurotransmitters operate in the brain. Neurotransmitters control how the brain relays messages through the body. As a result, Xanax is able to directly influence the chemical mechanisms that control mood, hunger and motivation. Over time, however, the brain becomes dependent on the presence of Xanax to moderate the individual s mood and feelings. When the user stops taking the drug, the brain is no longer capable of operating at full capacity. Users are left feeling depressed and miserable until they obtain more Xanax, and these brain changes can drive them to great lengths to obtain more of the substance. Thankfully, changes to the brain made by Xanax can be reversed in recovery. 5

8 Chapter 2: Reacting with Patience Extending Grace and Understanding L I F E LO N G A D D I CT I O N R ECOV E RY 6

9 Chapter 2: REACTING WITH PATIENCE Extending Grace and Understanding Recognizing that your spouse has a problem with Xanax is only the first step in helping them get the support that they need. You ll need to talk to your partner if you want to guide them toward recovery, and that conversation may require some mental and emotional preparation on your part. Rushing into a confrontation, on the other hand, can actually discourage your spouse from seeking treatment and lead to new communication barriers between you and your partner. Review the following considerations to prepare yourself for an important conversation with your spouse: YOUR PARTNER IS SICK: It can be difficult to remember that addiction, even to a prescription drug like Xanax, is not a choice being made by your partner. Their brain chemistry has been negatively altered by the drug, and physical dependence compels them to act against their own interest. Recognizing this reality makes it easier to not take your partner s behavior personally. CHANGE IS INEVITABLE: Both you and you partner are going to have to make some adjustments. Dynamics will necessarily change as one partner submits to treatment and the other partner acts as their support during recovery. A long-term solution is impossible unless you are both willing to adjust your individual roles in the household. NO NEED TO ASSIGN BLAME: Assigning blame is never helpful when asking your spouse to submit to treatment. Individuals struggling with drug abuse typically hold on to a large amount of guilt and shame. Calling out your partner s failures will inhibit your ability to connect to the root of their addiction or act as the source of encouragement they desperately need. 7

10 EDUCATION IS KEY: The more you understand what your partner is going through, the more effective you will be at helping them through recovery. This education can t stop once your partner has entered treatment. Commit yourself to becoming an expert on addiction so that you are better equipped to encourage your partner and hold them accountable. ENCOURAGEMENT WORKS: Your partner may seem resistant to your help, but understand that this is a natural reaction from someone who is battling addiction to Xanax. The idea of starting over without drugs is a frightening thought to most individuals who are struggling with substance abuse. Your continued encouragement, however, can go a long way toward coaxing your partner toward a healthier lifestyle Xanax addiction has the potential to tear families apart. You and your spouse can rescue your relationship if you are both willing to commit to recovery. Your role in this commitment is to do everything you can to support your spouse and guide them toward a life of sobriety. 8

11 Chapter 3: Responding to the REAL Problem Concentrating Efforts ON RECOVERY LIFELONG ADDICTION RECOVERY 9

12 Chapter 3: RESPONDING TO THE REAL PROBLEM Concentrating Efforts on Recovery Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction is available, but it s important to note that Xanax abuse typically requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. It is particularly important that you don t attempt to have your spouse cut out a benzodiazepine cold-turkey, as that can be extremely dangerous. That is because Xanax is so effective at influencing both the brain and the body. Therefore, a mix of psychiatric and medical care are required to treat the addiction effectively. Often, the Xanax addiction is co-occurring with a mood disorder (the reason it was prescribed in the first place), requiring the services of a dual-diagnosis expert to treat safely. Your job as a spouse is to identify a treatment program with the resources needed to deal with the specific needs of those suffering from an addiction to benzodiazepines. TREATMENT STRATEGIES Due to the time required and the nature of the process of recovery from a benzodiazepine addiction, a residential inpatient program is your best bet. That s because the withdrawal process of Xanax is quite intense and it is dangerous for your spouse to undergo detoxification without close monitoring and guidance from a medical professional. Thankfully, many of the country s top treatment facilities are fully staffed with board-certified physicians who understand the specific needs of those recovering from a Xanax addiction. Depending on the facility, once detoxification is complete, your spouse can expect to undergo any or all of the following treatments during recovery: ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING GROUP THERAPY FAITH-BASED RECOVERY DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT 12-STEP PROGRAMS FAMILY COUNSELING 10

13 Some treatment centers also offer holistic therapies to aid in the recovery process. These non-narcotic treatments offer a healthy means of managing pain and helping the individual through the recovery process. Likewise, holistic therapies are ideal for individuals who need an alternative to Xanax following treatment but are wary of using prescription drugs in the longterm. Some of these highly effective holistic therapies include: MEDITATION YOGA ACUPUNCTURE VIBROACOUSTIC THERAPY ESSENTIAL OILS WEIGHT LIFTING MASSAGE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS LASER THERAPY NUTRITION THERAPY LIFESTYLE CHANGES Every individual has their own needs and goals in recovery. Many treatment centers recognize how personal the recovery process is and allow clients to customize their own recovery plan. These individualized programs are a great option for those who are dealing with complex substance abuse problems, especially those with a co-occurring disorder. TIPS FOR GETTING HELP There are many support groups specifically for families and loved ones of those struggling with an addiction, including Nar-Anon. Not only do these groups provide a safe space for support, but they also typically have excellent information for other resources and support networks. If you have questions about addiction and recovery but don t know who to ask, an excellent place to start is by calling a treatment center directly. Many facilities have 24-hour admissions counselors who are both willing to discuss all addiction-related issues and are very knowledgeable on 11

14 the topic. In fact, many rehabs employ former addicts who are passionate about helping others achieve success in recovery like they did, and these individuals can provide excellent insight and intimate knowledge of the treatment process. They can give you answers regarding logistics, length of stay, how to prepare, and what to expect. Many facilities will even assist you in booking transportation for your spouse directly from your home to the front steps of the treatment center. The more information you collect, the better equipped you are to make the right decision for your spouse. 12

15 Conclusion: Hope for Restored Relationships Staying Focused on the Future L I F E LO N G A D D I CT I O N R ECOV E RY 13

16 Conclusion: HOPE FOR RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS Staying Focused on the Future LIFELONG ADDICTION RECOVERY (888) The addiction of a spouse places a massive burden on the entire family. That being said, the only way for a family to fully recover from the damage caused by substance abuse is to remain hopeful and to support each other. In some ways, the successful recovery of your spouse fundamentally depends on the support that he or she receives from their family, especially you. If their family gives up hope and treats them like a lost cause, it s only a matter of time before your spouse will feel the same way about themselves. Remember that your spouse is not their addiction and they need your help to overcome. Recovery is possible. The damage caused by addiction can be reversed. You and your spouse will reconcile and rebuild. These are the types of positive, optimistic thoughts that you ll need to keep close to your heart in order to see your spouse through the long and difficult recovery process. Thankfully, with the support of your family and experts in recovery, you don t have to handle this by yourself. 14

17 Works CONSULTED