Understanding Xanax Addiction & Abuse What You Should Know

This pharmacological support bridges detox and therapy phases, reducing relapse risk. If you want to stop using Xanax but are having a hard time doing so on your own, finding the right treatment facility is a great step toward recovering safely and effectively. The good news is that Xanax addiction is treatable, and there are plenty of resources to help you recover. Effective treatment for Xanax addiction usually involves a combination of medical intervention, evidence-based and complementary therapies, Twelve-step program and ongoing support.

What is alprazolam, and what is it used for?

For instance, individuals with anxiety disorders develop a dependency on Xanax as a way to alleviate their chronic stress or panic attacks. This, in turn, leads to increased use and eventual addiction. Similarly, people suffering from depression or other mood disorders use Xanax to cope with their symptoms, which escalate into misuse. Moreover, individuals with alcohol use disorder use Xanax alongside alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose and intensifying both physical and psychological dependence. Xanax is a prescription drug in the benzodiazepine family, valued for its rapid relief of panic symptoms and generalized anxiety. However, when doses exceed recommended levels or when individuals begin self-directing their Xanax use, the line between treatment and misuse can blur.

How long will its effects last?

The signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction are drowsiness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and craving for Xanax. These symptoms affect both the physical and psychological aspects of an individual’s health. These signs are indicative of growing dependence on the drug and escalate in severity as addiction worsens. Join our global mission of connecting patients with addiction and mental health treatment. Recovery.com combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment.

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Xanax is FDA approved to treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, in adults. It’s common to have anxiety about the stresses of everyday life. However, with GAD, you have ongoing anxiety about everyday life that’s excessive and out of proportion. You should not take pain relievers that contain an opioid with Xanax unless your doctor has approved it. If you need a pain reliever during Xanax treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable medication. Xanax may also sometimes be prescribed off-label for sleep problems.

• Symptoms peak quickly and may evolve into a prolonged post-acute phase without proper management.
• We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and recovery.
• This goes for everyone, from first-time users all the way up to people who’ve used Xanax for many months or years as prescribed by their doctor.
• We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete.
• Oxford Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ residential rehab center in Mississippi, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.

In this situation, xanax addiction you might be advised to take a combination of the 1-mg and 2-mg tablets to form 5 mg. In this situation, you might be advised to take three of the 1-mg tablets to form 3 mg. Your medical professional can advise you on how much Xanax to take and how often. It’s important to follow the instructions your medical professional provides.

The psychological symptoms of benzodiazepine use disorder are listed below. Addiction, or substance use disorder, is when a person continues to use a pleasurable substance or perform a pleasurable action despite negative consequences the substance or action causes. Consequences can be financial, occupational or interpersonal. Because of Xanax’s abuse potential, it is often sold and used illegally. According to the 2015–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about12.5% of adults in the U.S have used benzodiazepines, whether legally or not.

Alternative Referrals If Lumina’s services do not meet your needs, Lumina specialists can suggest other detox or rehabilitation centers. They may also refer you to the SAMHSA Treatment Services Directory for additional resources. RehabNet receives no financial or other benefits from these referrals. Aftercare can include outpatient programs, alumni groups, and 12-step fellowships.

Outpatient treatment can be an effective choice for those with milder addiction cases and strong support systems. Long-term Xanax abuse can impact your cognitive abilities, with confusion being one of the more significant symptoms. This mainly occurs because the drug interacts with the brain’s GABA receptors, which play a vital role in memory and cognitive function. Over time, this can result in difficulty concentrating, organizing thoughts, and making decisions. Abusing Xanax for an extended period can negatively affect your respiratory system, causing symptoms like drowsiness and difficulty breathing.

• Long-term Xanax abuse can impact your cognitive abilities, with confusion being one of the more significant symptoms.
• However, doctors prescribe Xanax only in certain circumstances because your sleep problems may come back when you stop taking the drug.
• Xanax addiction is a serious condition that requires professional treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and address the underlying issues contributing to the addiction.
• Some 20 percent of Americans suffer from anxiety, Everyday Health reports.
• Keep in mind that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may interact with Xanax.

It’s important that you don’t take more Xanax than your medical professional recommends. Taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to severe side effects, including coma and, in some cases, death. Taking certain drugs, foods, vaccines, and other substances with some medications may affect how the medication works. Drugs other than benzodiazepines can also be used to treat anxiety. They work differently in your body to relieve anxiety symptoms. Examples of these alternatives include sertraline (Zoloft) and buspirone.

Proper use may be an issue for some people taking XANAX. Some people have experienced considerable

• This mechanism explains both its therapeutic benefit and its high addictive potential.
• In some cases, the distinction between genuine medical use and abuse can become blurred.
• They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.

Detox can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare for the next stages of treatment. Overall, it’s important to be cautious with Xanax use, and if you suspect any signs of addiction or a co-occurring mental health disorder, seek professional help. Early intervention and proper treatment can ensure a more successful recovery and long-term stability.

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to describe what a half-life chart for Xanax would look like. Narcotics are opioids, which are drugs related to the opium poppy. Examples include strong prescription pain relievers, such as morphine (MS Contin) and oxycodone (OxyContin, Xtampza ER, others).

It’s important to remember that polysubstance abuse can escalate your dependency on Xanax and increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. To protect your health and well-being, avoid combining Xanax with other substances, and always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for proper use. Xanax abuse often begins when individuals take more than the prescribed dose or use the drug without a prescription.