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Xanax Addiction
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Xanax is perhaps one of the most popular drugs, as many people have heard about it or have probably used it. Xanax is prescribed for people who are dealing with anxiety disorders, and it can help manage the symptoms of this mental health issue. Xanax is the commercial name for the drug known as alprazolam.
The substance is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States, and while it can be extremely useful for some people, its addiction potential cannot be ignored. Benzodiazepine use has increased all over the country, and so did abuse. Xanax is one of the drugs most abused by people, and because it can be addictive, it can also be quite dangerous.
As a Schedule IV controlled substance, it is considered by many to be a drug with low abuse potential. At the same time, there have been many cases of abuse, especially over the last few years. Recognizing Xanax addiction and knowing the dangers of abuse is of utmost importance.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of the drug alprazolam, which is often prescribed for treating panic disorders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines or “benzos”. It can be found in tablet form, and it is prescribed for short amounts of time.
Usually, Xanax and different benzodiazepines have street names, like Z-bars, Planks, Blues, Bars, or Bricks.
Xanax was approved for use in the 1970s for the first time. It was approved in order to treat panic disorder. But as time passed by, it started being used for chemotherapy nausea, anxiety, depression, and various other problems.
Despite being a prescription medication, Xanax also ends up being abused, as it leads to addiction in many cases. An addiction begins especially when the drug is misused or taken incorrectly. The substance can have a huge effect on the body and brain, which is what causes the addiction.
What You Need To Know About Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction is what happens when someone has been using the drug for too long and the chemistry of their brain changed. Once this happens, it will result in uncontrolled use, with the consumer sometimes taking Xanax in high amounts or seeking its effects very frequently.
In general, Xanax addiction sparks when the medication is not taken as prescribed. This involves situations such as:
- Buying Xanax without a prescription
- Taking the drug more frequently than the doctor prescribed
- Taking higher doses than the one prescribed
- Using another individual’s Xanax prescription
A person is addicted to Xanax when their whole world starts revolving around the drug. It is all they can think of, and they would do anything to obtain it. Moreover, they do not stop despite the consequences, which often involve losing their job, friends, and even family members.
If the individual tries to stop, either by their own accord or because someone forces them to, they will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax Use Effects
Using Xanax will result in several physical and behavioral effects. In the short term, the drug can calm down anxiety and restlessness, but also relax the muscles. Here are the most common effects of Xanax:
- Having no interest in sex all of a sudden
- Mood swings
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- Shortness of breath
- Bad coordination
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Being unable to focus
- Lacking inhibition
Xanax use can also lead to driving ability impairment. Also, when someone abuses Xanax, they may be at higher risk of injury, as they may either be involved in traffic accidents or falls.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
Outsiders will often notice changes in the behavior of those abusing Xanax. Here are some of the signs to look out for if you suspect someone of using the drug:
- They are commonly using the drug in harm-promoting cases
- They start increasing their Xanax dose suddenly
- They require a higher amount of Xanax in order to reach the “high” feeling
- The individual has very bad cravings, making it hard for them to focus on activities
- They give up on their hobbies or important activities
- They keep using Xanax even if the world is falling apart around them
- They spend a lot of time getting Xanax, using it, and recovering from its effects
- Stopping is impossible without the help of professionals
- Not using the drug results in severe withdrawal symptoms
Xanax Withdrawal
When Xanax is abused for very long periods, the person will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop. This is because their brain is already used to receiving the substance regularly. Here are some withdrawal symptoms that will appear a few hours after the individual last used the drug:
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Bad cravings
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Higher heart rate
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Experiencing an Overdose
Overdosing on Xanax is something that may happen when a person takes a Xanax amount that is too high for them. It may either happen as an attempt to reach the desired high faster or as a result of trying to relieve Xanax withdrawal. Some common overdose symptoms include:
- Fainting
- Hard time breathing
- Slower heart rate
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Balance loss
- Weak muscles
- Coma
Treating Xanax Addiction
People have multiple treatment options for their Xanax addiction, including therapy and medication. To get rid of the Xanax addiction, one will have to go through detox. The detox period may be longer when compared to other drugs, as one may have to slowly decrease the amount of Xanax consumed to be able to quit the addiction.
Therapy can also be useful if there are other issues the patient has alongside the addiction. Some common therapies include CBT, cue exposure, education, support groups, marital or family counseling, individual counseling, and self-management training.
Why We Can Help
Real Deal can take care of you and make sure you improve your life. Our rehabilitation center is packed with everything you need to make sure you ditch the addiction. Not only will you go through a monitored detox to ensure you slowly stop craving Xanax, but you can also benefit from therapy to take care of any underlying issues.
At the end of it, you can stay in a sober living home to keep Xanax temptations away and learn, once more, how to be a functioning member of society.
If you know anyone suffering from Xanax addiction, encourage them to get help or get help for them. The sooner you do it, the sooner they will be able to quit.