About Jerry Rhodd Expertise I can answer nearly all questions about chemical dependency, specializing in co-existing substance abuse and mental health issues.(dual-diagnosis) Crisis counseliing, Recovery, cross-addictions, physical effects of different drugs, codependency, Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, most aspects of alcohol and drug abuse.
Experience I was certified by the California Certification Board of Alcohol and drugs Counselors as a Certified A;cohol and Drug counselor in 1998, have been working in this field for nearly twelve years. This in addition to my own recovery experience. I'm currently employed in the psychiatric crisis unit for county services of a Bay Area county.
Question My brother who is 50 years old has been taking Xanax as prescribed for at least the last 5 years. I believe he takes 1mg 3 times daily. He has Parkinsons and is on heart medication (he is 50 lbs overweight). I understand that Xanax shouldn't be taken long term, is it common/legal for doc's to prescribe that long? The family would like to get him into rehab, but his wife doesn't think he has a problem, as she may be taking prescription meds. Any suggestions on the best way to get him into rehab or what type of rehab would be best?
thanks
Mike
Answer Mike
You are right to be concerned. Although not illegal, most doctors are pretty leery of prescribing Benzodiazepines (Benzos) long term. Benzos include a wide variety of anti-anxiety drugs and are sometimed prescribed for other conditions, Parkinson's among them. They include Valium, Clonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Librium and a bunch of others.
One thing they all have in common is that they are VERY addictive. DO NOT have your brother stop taking them abruptly. This can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Especially after taking them for so long, it is very likely that your brother could have a very severe seizure if he stops 'cold turkey'. He must be tapered off them slowly under a doctor's care. It is imperative that this 'detox' procedure be supervised by a physician.
Any chemical that we put in our body has some sort of side-effects. With benzos one of them is physical dependence. As far as getting your brother into rehab, it depends on his patterns of use, amount taken, does he misuse them by taking more than he is prescribed? Does he use other substances, including alcohol, also?
He needs to discuss this with his doctor. The big question is; Can another non-addictive medication control the symptoms?
Stopping any drug, including benzos, is a very scary situation for any addict. He is very lucky to have the love and support of his family.
