Xanax is the No. 1 prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. While it has been proven to be a successful treatment for people with anxiety disorders, it has also become a widely abused, highly addictive drug when taken for nonmedical purposes. At least one in five people who take Xanax and other benzodiazepines are misusing the drug, research has shown.
Xanax actively reduces your inhibitions, allowing you to relax and not overreact in situations that would normally make you anxious. It only takes a few minutes for Xanax to enter your bloodstream and begin to create a state of pleasure and euphoria, which is why so many people use this drug for nonmedical purposes. Xanax is a well-known recreational drug that is often used to enhance the effects of alcohol in social situations such as parties and concerts.
Most people develop a tolerance to Xanax very quickly, which leads them to take more and more pills to achieve the desired effects. Some people with a Xanax addiction may take up to 20 or more pills per day – and when they try to stop, they experience unsettling withdrawal effects like anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and tremors. If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction, get help today. Contact us at 855-306-8054.
Xanax, the brand name for prescription alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. When properly used in accordance with its prescription, Xanax helps to calm the mind and body and alleviate anxiety symptoms. As a schedule IV controlled substance, Xanax has a lower risk of dependence compared to drugs like cocaine and heroin, but Xanax addiction can still occur. Both intentional and unintentional Xanax misuse may cause an addiction to develop.
Xanax works by countering abnormal brain activity and responses within the central nervous system, producing a calming effect for users. It allows you to relax and not overreact in situations that would normally make you anxious. This happens because Xanax and other benzodiazepine medications interact with GABA neuroreceptors in the brain, triggering that sense of calm and relaxation. However, like most medications designed to affect the central nervous system, Xanax tolerance and benzo dependence can quickly develop if not properly monitored.
When Xanax tolerance develops the average dosage is no longer as effective in combating anxiety symptoms or producing calming effects. This may lead Xanax users to take the medication at higher doses to achieve the desired effects. That tolerance and Xanax misuse habit can quickly spiral into full-blown addiction as it feels impossible to get through the day without Xanax.
Some statistics about Xanax use in the United States:
Xanax addiction doesn’t discriminate. Much like all other forms of substance use disorder, Xanax addiction can affect people across all demographics. Misusing a Xanax prescription or obtaining it on the street for recreational use increases the risk of dependence as well as potential overdose.
Teens and young adults are especially vulnerable to Xanax misuse and addiction. They may not fully understand the dangers of abusing benzodiazepines and falsely believe the pills are safer because they are a prescribed drug. This isn’t the case; addiction to benzos like Xanax can easily lead to dire consequences just like any street drug. It can also act as a gateway into abusing other harder drugs or mixing drugs which can be lethal. This is why it is important to closely monitor Xanax use to deter any misuse or abuse before it happens.
Xanax is intended to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, and other mood-related mental health disorders. However, when misused and abused Xanax can have a negative impact on your mental state and physical wellness. Recognizing early signs of Xanax addiction can help reduce this impact with proper treatment.
Xanax addiction produces physical signs and symptoms as well as personality and behavioral changes. This may look different from person to person, but generally includes:
Physical signs of symptoms of Xanax abuse include:
If you recognize any of these symptoms of Xanax abuse, it’s important to reach out for help. Treatment for Xanax addiction is the best way to safeguard your health or protect your loved ones. Continued misuse of Xanax and other benzos can lead to serious, even life-threatening consequences.
Prescription Xanax use must be closely monitored and adhere to the proper instructions because of risks associated with an overdose. Taking too much Xanax can cause serious adverse affects on your health. Xanax overdose risks are increased when taken with other substances like opioid medications, alcohol, or street drugs. These combinations can cause fatal reactions in a matter of minutes.
What are the signs of a Xanax overdose? Look out for things like:
In serious cases, Xanax overdose can lead to death caused by respiratory depression. It may also leave a person in a comatose state. These risks are amplified when Xanax is taken in combination with other sedatives or in extremely high quantities.
Despite the risks associated with Xanax misuse, recovery is much more complicated than simply quitting using Xanax. The withdrawal symptoms caused by sudden cessation can be intense enough to send people right back into active Xanax abuse.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
In some cases, severe Xanax abuse withdrawal symptoms can include seizures which may be life-threatening. This feeds into the cycle of substance abuse as users desperately attempt to stave off these symptoms. Likewise, the psychological dependence factor of Xanax addiction perpetuates the idea that you need the benzodiazepine to function normally or get through the day. As a psychiatric medication used to treat anxiety and mood disorders, the prospect of dealing with serious withdrawal symptoms and coping with life without the medication can make it especially difficult to seek treatment. However, it is important to remember that addiction is first and foremost a maladaptive coping mechanism. Leading a healthy and happy life without Xanax abuse is more than possible– it’s worth it.
Treating Xanax addiction can be tricky, especially in clients with a co-occurring mental health disorder. Learning to navigate life without leaning on Xanax or other benzodiazepines can be a scary and intimidating process. At Discovery Point Retreat we understand your reservations. Here’s what you can expect during Xanax addiction treatment with us.
Intake Process: Your recovery journey begins with a full assessment by our medical and behavioral health team. We conduct a full physical exam and psychological evaluation to get a full picture of your journey and experiences thus far as well as your specific needs in treatment. We believe in creating a truly personalized treatment experience, not cookie cutter programs that miss the mark.
Medical Detox for Xanax Addiction: Recovery begins by clearing the body of any lingering traces of Xanax and other substances from the system for a clear mind and fresh start. This first stage of treatment focuses on addressing physical dependence and providing a safe, comfortable transition into sobriety. At Discovery Point Retreat, medically-assisted detox includes 24-hour vital monitoring with the non-invasive EarlySense Continuous Monitoring System and round-the-clock support from our medical staff. During this time you will also participate in group and individual therapy sessions to begin uncovering the root causes of Xanax addiction.
Inpatient Xanax Abuse Treatment: Residential addiction treatment programs allow you to focus on your recovery away from home obligations and external temptations. Inpatient xanax abuse treatment creates a recovery-focused environment that supports the internal healing and growth necessary for lasting sobriety. By creating a safe and secure environment for our residential treatment clients we enable them to truly dig deep and uncover the underlying causes of Xanax abuse and benzo addiction.
Outpatient Programs for Overcoming Xanax Addiction: Outpatient treatment for addiction to benzos is primarily used as a form of continued care, but may be the initial stage of care for qualifying clients. Whether you began your journey with Discovery Point at a higher level of care and stepped down or you transferred in from a different treatment center, our person-first, individualized approach to care extends across all outpatient programs.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): This program follows the same course of treatment as our inpatient Xanax addiction rehab but with the ability to return home or to a sober living facility at the end of each day. This is ideal for clients who are vulnerable to relapse and may benefit from extra support during the transition to long-term sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): This program allows for a greater level of freedom and independence while prioritizing continued progress in recovery. IOP treatment has the flexibility to allow clients to keep up with employment, education, or other obligations around a schedule of continued therapy three times per week.
Outpatient Programs (OP): The least intensive program, OP treatment focuses on maintenance and enforcing lifestyle changes. Outpatient Xanax abuse treatment prioritizes remaining connected to your support system and using the new skills gained through your recovery to stay on the right path.
Beginning the path of recovery from Xanax abuse requires a great level of trust and faith in your treatment team. At Discovery Point Retreat, we understand how challenging this journey can be and we’re ready to help you every step of the way. No matter your history of Xanax misuse or benzo dependence, recovery is possible.
Discovery Point Retreat rehab programs are unlike any other. We know our clients are more than their pasts and what they’ve been through. That’s why we take the time to get to know each person on a one-on-one basis and maintain that same level of connection throughout treatment and beyond. At Discovery Point Retreat we understand the key to lasting recovery is enriching connections and empowering people with the skills they need to navigate life in sobriety.
Our approach to care goes beyond surface level symptoms of substance abuse to heal what lies beneath. We develop each client’s treatment regimen from the ground up to ensure the most effective course of care. Our team includes world-class clinicians, medical experts, compassionate case management support, and encouraging recovery coaches who all work in tandem to make your goals a reality. And that support doesn’t end once you complete your Xanax addiction treatment program with us.
Discovery Point Retreat’s extensive alumni support network keeps you connected with peers and counselors 24/7/365. Through our exclusive mobile app you can stay up to date with upcoming alumni events, get encouraging content to help you stay focused, and keep track of your progress. It also provides fast access to our relapse prevention hotline which you can use anytime and anywhere you need it. Our alumni network also has its own private Facebook group where you can connect with others in recovery who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Don’t lose another day to benzodiazepine addiction. If you are experiencing Xanax addiction or you have concerns about a loved one, we have treatment options that can help. Even if you’re not ready to completely commit to a rehab program yet, our team of addiction specialists can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Call us now to get started on your journey to a better life today.
