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How to Stop Using Xanax

answered 08:18 AM EST, Thu May 09, 2013
anonymous anonymous
Can you advise me on the best way to reduce my Xanax problem? Based on this site I am trying to taper down my daily intake by 1 mg per week. I am on 12 mgs a day (which is stupidly high especially since I do not have any reason to use these drugs. I started using them with heroin. Now I don’t use heroin any more and but I can’t stop using the Xanax. If I go to rehab they will just try to get me to detox and that is not what I want to do. I want to do this slowly to make the detox easier but unfortunately I can’t even manage to stay consistent on my taper. This week so far I have done 11,12,11 and then yesterday I had a tough day and did 14. The last week was pretty much the same. I really want to do this but as soon as I get deep into the day any little thing can get me stressing and then I can’t resist getting high. So what do I do?

Anna Deeds Says...

Anna Deeds A. Deeds
MSED, NCC, LPC

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, Xanax is just like any other drug. I wonder if you could have tapered off heroin. It's nearly impossible for an addict to control their drug use. It's part of what makes a person an addict. The inability to cut back or stop using even when you really want to is a part of the disease of addiction. The only answer is to get help. A detox and rehab program is the best way for you to get the help you need. Xanax withdrawal is very dangerous so a medical facility is the best way to come off Xanax. You would be medically monitored to prevent some of the more serious withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and make you more comfortable while you come off it.

You didn't mention if a doctor is prescribing all or some of the Xanax you are taking. If a doctor is prescribing the medication, then you do have the option of asking your doctor to taper you. You would have to be honest about not being able to taper yourself and the doctor may arrange to only release a certain amount each week. However, if you buy them on the street, it will be too easy for you to just buy more and supplement what the doctor is giving you.

You may be able to find a halfway house that would work with you to manage the medication and taper you down but you would have to have a legal prescription for that as well. They cannot obviously taper you from illicit drugs. You would have to contact the programs in your area and explain your situation to see if they are willing to do this. You can contact your local county drug and alcohol agency to help you find treatment programs. To find this agency, try Google with the search terms (your county) and drug and alcohol agency. They would be able to tell you if there are any programs in your area. Also, you can contact your insurance and ask them for a referral to treatment. I really hope you will reconsider inpatient treatment. In my opinion, it is the best option for coming off Xanax. 

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Page last updated May 09, 2013

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