Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs in the United States, and it is effective for treatment conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and reducing its symptoms; however, many users develop an addiction to Xanax because of its addictive properties. Moreover, some people also buy Xanax on the street to use it recreationally or to self medicate. Unfortunately, taking Xanax can lead to dependence and addiction. Xanax addictions are powerful and often require both Xanax detox and behavioral therapy to manage. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers addiction treatments for prescription drugs like Xanax. If you are struggling with Xanax addiction and abuse, it’s important to learn about this drug and how Xanax rehab can help.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of the generic drug alprazolam. It helps to reduce the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder. A benzodiazepine drug, Xanax can induce feelings of calm and relaxation by slowing down the central nervous system. In the short term, Xanax can be effective, but longer term use of Xanax is associated with the development of physical dependence and then addiction. Xanax is an addictive drug, and people can develop a tolerance to it quickly.
Many mental health treatment providers choose to prescribe Xanax for a short period of time until other prescription medications, like antidepressants, have had a chance to build up in patients’ systems and ‘take over’ managing the mental health symptoms. Xanax is also a common drug of abuse on the street. It’s associated with various ‘street names,’ including benzos, xannies, handlebars, and ladders. People who abuse Xanax may take the drug in pill form (taking multiple pills at a time), inject it, snort it, or use it in combination with other drugs and alcohol.
Xanax Effects
Xanax is a sedative benzodiazepine; it slows down the person’s brain, causing feelings of calm. For a person suffering from generalized anxiety disorders or another mental illness (i.e. panic disorder) for which it’s prescribed, this calm can help them to function more normally, work, and get sleep. Some of the most common Xanax side effects include:
- Feeling drowsy
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
Abusing Xanax can cause Xanax side effects like these to become more pronounced or cause more serious effects, including slowed heart rate, coma, and Xanax overdose.
Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction and abuse may vary but often include:
- Trying to obtain Xanax to build up a supply (i.e. doctor shopping)
- Development of a tolerance to the drug and taking more than prescribed to achieve the former effect
- Feeling unable to stop using Xanax even though you want to
- Experiencing problems at work, school, or with relationships related to Xanax abuse
- Experience cravings for taking Xanax
- Using Xanax with alcohol or other non-prescribed drugs
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors while taking abusing Xanax (i.e. driving)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using Xanax
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone who has developed a Xanax addiction may experience Xanax symptoms of withdrawal when they don’t use the drug for a certain length of time. These withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Poor focus
- Muscle aches
- Reduced memory
- Insomnia
A person addicted to Xanax will also experience intense cravings to use the drug. Management of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms is best done in a treatment facility like Resurgence where clients can get medical supervision, begin medication assisted treatment (if needed), and begin dual diagnosis treatment for mood disorders or mental disorders if needed.
Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse
Long-term side effects of Xanax addiction and abuse can cause a person to develop concentration and memory problems. Xanax abuse can cause coordination problems and mood swings. People with a benzodiazepine addiction can develop seizures and are at high risk for overdose as they increase their dose to experience the effects of the drug. There’s also a link between Xanax abuse and dementia as well as Xanax abuse and depression.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax addiction treatment is crucial if you are addicted to this drug or have another benzodiazepine addiction. Resurgence offers Xanax addiction rehab that includes individualized treatment programs. We offer medically supervised detox as well as inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment and leading addiction treatments for substance use disorders such as cognitive behavior therapy, trauma therapy, family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more. We can help you overcome your benzodiazepine dependence with our Xanax abuse treatment. Contact us to learn more about our various types of therapy and rehab admissions process.