As the number one prescribed psychiatric medication in the US, people taking Xanax do so for several different reasons. However, in the long term, Xanax can be incredibly addictive, so it is important to have medical supervision and regular check-ins with your doctor when taking the drug.
In many cases, those who abuse Xanax obtain the drug illegally and take it without a prescription or any medical supervision. Thankfully, help is available to anyone looking to free themselves from Xanax abuse. At Quit Alcohol, our goal is to provide support for individuals and their loved ones who are struggling with addiction. From prescription drug abuse to alcohol dependence, we are here to support you in finding the treatment you need to make lasting change.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is one of many central nervous system depressants that is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and some sleep disorders. People taking Xanax may feel relaxed, euphoric calmness, and overall reduced anxiety. However, once a dependence on the drug takes hold, side effects become much more unpleasant, and users are at a much higher risk of overdose.
Confusion, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness are all signs of a Xanax overdose and should be addressed immediately. Tolerance to Xanax develops quite quickly, which means that users of the drug can start to need a higher dosage to feel the effects. Once someone reaches that point, it is extremely easy for a physical dependence on the drug to develop.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
Drug abuse of any kind can be difficult to spot early on, but there are some warning signs of someone addicted to Xanax. Since generalized anxiety disorder is so common, many people take Xanax healthily and necessarily. However, when addiction starts to take shape, daily responsibilities are ignored and an individual’s main focus shifts to seeking out and taking the drug.
Behavioral signs of Xanax addiction include loss of interest in everyday activities, obsessing about Xanax, risk-taking behaviors, lack of focus, and continually increasing dosage. When someone is deep into addiction, they sometimes begin taking Xanax with other substances, causing deadly Xanax drug interactions to occur. While it is crucial to spot the early warning signs of addiction so you can help your loved one seek appropriate treatment, there is help available to anyone at any stage of Xanax addiction.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax addiction treatment begins with the brave and important first step of deciding to seek treatment. It is not an easy decision to make, but it can lead to lifelong peace and freedom from substance abuse. Detoxification is the first step of addiction treatment, wherein someone completely stops using the drug and it is flushed from the body.
It is during this time that individuals are likely to experience uncomfortable, or even painful, withdrawal symptoms. In the case of a Xanax addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, sadness, nausea, difficulty focusing, sleep issues, and even suicidal thoughts. Since these symptoms can be painful and dangerous, it is important to have medical supervision, whether it be through inpatient or outpatient treatment to ensure safety during the detox process.
After detox, various medical and psychological treatment begins depending on the needs of the individual. The purpose of this level of care is to get to the root of the addiction to develop sustainable coping strategies when an individual is tempted to use them in the future. Xanax addiction does not need to be a lifelong challenge, and, with the right help, you or your loved one can overcome substance abuse.
Get Help with Quit Alcohol
Our free helpline is designed to help individuals find the right treatment plan with the goal of long-term success. Additionally, our addiction specialists listen to the needs of each client and help match them with treatment centers that fit their individual needs.
Beyond matching you or your loved one with treatment, we are here for support during difficult conversations about addiction, when deciding how to pay for rehab, and in every step of planning for long-term recovery. Our team is ready to help anyone willing to seek treatment. Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.
