What happens when you go into rehab?

[JenLyn00]

I know I'm going to have to go into rehab to come off the Xanax but I'm just curious about what they do to you, give you and how it feels? Is it like a hospital setting or more laid back and relaxed? How long would you have to stay in order to come off a medication like Xanax?

[Alisonj29]

I agree as well, you will not need a rehab. I was very dependent on xanax and got pregnant and they want me off it quickly but safely. Although I had a bad couple of days I managed to do it at home and with my pharmacists and doctors guidance.

[RubyWitch]

I agree 100% with Paxiled that you do NOT have to go into rehab to get off the Xanax. You had a bad experience before trying to come off by yourself and I understand that fear. But you say now that you don't take it all the time and it's taken you OVER two months to finish one bottle. That really doesn't make you a candidate for rehab.

Like Paxiled stated, get rid of the psychiatrist you've been seeing. In no uncertain terms, he's a moron and a drug pusher. Either find a p-doc well versed in the w/d of benzos or find a PMM, a Psychiatric Medication Manager. Getting people off psych meds is all they do. And they know how to do it right and the program they come up will be completely personal to you and your lifestyle. They don't use a one size fits all approach because they know that is junk therapy. They follow you very closely to make sure you're not going too fast, they will become your support and your cheering section.

You have much to think about, but the rehab can go on the back burner. Actually, it should go in the garbage, along with your current p-docs license to practice and prescribe!

I wish you the best
Peace
Greenlydia

[Paxiled]

You don't have to go into rehab to get off Xanax.  A knowledgeable psychiatrist who's willing to monitor you closely and understands this stuff might even be better.  Not all rehab centers are equal.  Many if not most try to do it too quickly with a one size fits all approach, whereas an individual psychiatrist who really knows his stuff will go at your pace.  Not that those are easy to find!  By the way, you need a new psychiatrist.  The one you have doesn't seem to realize he works for you.

[JenLyn00]

Thanks for the comments, I think I will look into an outpatient facility because I'm not addicted to the Xanax, I'm more dependent on it. I don't have to take it all the time and I don't abuse it as a matter of fact it just took me over two months to finish one bottle, so I think I may have slowly tapered off my prescribed dosage but I'm afraid to come of off it by myself like I have before because it sent me into convulsions, so I would feel a lot safer doing this under the supervision of a Doctor. I've asked my Psychiatrist to taper me off many times but all he ever says is we'll we will up the dosage, which is something I don't want.

[Rich99]

You will be in a group of same type patients who are trying to come off their drug(s) of choice.     The group will have a fairly rigid daily schedule postd such as times for meetings and group therapies and other activities.     Then you will get your vitals (blood pressure, temp, pulse rate, etc) checked several times a day to make sure your withdrawls are going smoothly.     Then you'll most likely have scheduled times during the day where you may receive medications to help you make it through the process.    The length of stay varies per patient's situation.

[AdenaLoss]

It really depends. There are inpatient centers, as in you live there, and outpatient centers, where you don't live at the facility. Different options work for different people. I have been in a outpatient place and it works well for me. I am sure every place is different though, and it is ultimately up to you and what you want. There isn't an exact time to 'come off' of any drug, or any chemical that alters you in some way. Some people recover faster than others, it really isn't something that has an generalized answer. It feels strange at first, at least for me, changing my life and the people i could see and the things i could and couldn't do. I have 100 plus days sober now, and i am much happier. It takes dedication and honesty. I would suggest looking into places near you that offer a chemical dependency program of some sort. Depending on your job situation or school or home, inpatient versus outpatient is up to you. They both have great benefits, but you should be comfortable with your decision. Best of luck.