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Published: October 23, 2024
Occurring when someone becomes dependent on the medication, Xanax addiction is a common substance use disorder (SUD) among Americans. It can affect many areas of your life and cause permanent consequences.
However, there are many fantastic treatment options for Xanax addiction that can make long-term recovery possible.
Scroll on to learn everything you need to know about Xanax abuse and addiction including side effects, treatment options, how to prevent relapse, and more.
Alprazolam, also known by the brand name Xanax, is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant used to treat panic disorders, anxiety disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Sometimes referred to as benzos, benzodiazepines include drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin.
Benzodiazepines are a controlled substance because they are highly linked to abuse and addiction. As a result, it is illegal to use Xanax without a prescription, though many people do. People who use benzodiazepines illicitly may take tablets, snort, or inject the drug.
Xanax can lead to addiction because of the way it works and interacts with your body. As mentioned previously, Xanax is a CNS depressant, which means it interacts with your brain and spinal cord.
Specifically, alprazolam increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain to provide relaxation and sedative effects. Xanax also increases the levels of dopamine in your brain. Both of these factors can make Xanax addictive as they alter brain chemistry and create pleasant feelings. Eventually, you may become psychologically or physically dependent on the effects of Xanax.
As a disclaimer, it’s also important to note that the use of benzodiazepines in conjunction with alcohol can increase the risk of addiction and be incredibly dangerous. Xanax and alcohol have a serious interaction when combined which can even lead to death.
Xanax abuse and Xanax addiction, while linked, are two separate conditions. Understanding the differences between drug abuse and drug addiction can be vital in your recovery journey.
Alprazolam is a prescribed medication, so it’s important to note that not all use of the drug is considered substance abuse. That being said, there are many ways to misuse the medication. This can include using Xanax without a prescription, in higher doses than prescribed, or more frequently than prescribed. All of these instances demonstrate alprazolam abuse, which can very often lead to addiction.
When someone develops an alprazolam addiction, they become psychologically dependent on the drug. In other words, their brain will feel as though it needs Xanax to function.
Yes, Xanax abuse can cause physical dependence. Physical dependence occurs when your body cannot function properly without a particular substance, in this case, Xanax.
Xanax, much like other benzodiazepines, is highly associated with physical dependence because of its effects on your CNS. Alprazolam can alter your brain chemistry and overtime, your body will build up a tolerance to the medication, leading you to take more for the same effects.
Your body will also get used to having Xanax as well as extra dopamine in its system to perform regular functions, which can lead to physical dependence. If you stop giving your body the medication, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
Alprazolam addiction comes with many signs and symptoms. Being familiar with the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse can be incredibly useful in identifying addiction.
Signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction can include:
Because benzodiazepines often lead to physical dependence, many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking Xanax.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
Xanax abuse can have many effects on your physical and mental health, some of which are short-term and some of which are long-term. Some side effects can have permanent consequences.
Short-term effects of Xanax abuse include:
Long-term effects of Xanax abuse include:
Xanax addiction can develop in anyone who uses the medication, but there are certain individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing a Xanax addiction. This is because substance addictions have several common risk factors.
General addiction risk factors include:
Xanax addiction risk factors include:
The only way to truly diagnose a Xanax addiction is by seeing a healthcare provider for a medical evaluation. However, identifying signs and symptoms of addiction in someone can be a great first step toward a diagnosis.
Some people may be reluctant to get a proper addiction diagnosis, which is why some people choose to hold interventions with the individual’s friends and family members.
During a medical evaluation, your doctor will analyze you for any physical signs and symptoms of addiction while also evaluating your use of Xanax and behavior. This will likely involve several questions surrounding your drug use.
Rehab options for alprazolam addiction are countless and can be tailored to the needs of every individual. Most people receive several forms of treatment for a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. Keep reading for more information on common forms of Xanax treatment.
Many people start their addiction treatment in a medical detox program. Detoxification is the process of getting any remaining benzodiazepines out of your system. This process also involves getting through the withdrawal process.
Some people try to detox from addictive substances on their own, and while this is possible, it can be very difficult and dangerous. This is why medical detox services are so valuable.
If you choose to receive inpatient or outpatient medical detox, your care team will help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, administer any necessary medications or treatments, and monitor your vitals to ensure the safest detoxification possible.
After completing detox, many people choose to enroll in a proper rehabilitation program. Prescription drug rehabs are broken into two main categories: inpatient and outpatient. They are designed to treat addictions to prescription drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines.
Inpatient treatment for Xanax addiction is the highest level of care, providing round-the-clock medical supervision. People who enroll in inpatient programs must live in their treatment facility through their program duration. This kind of treatment typically follows a strict daily schedule consisting of evidence-based, FDA-approved services like behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
Outpatient treatment is another effective option that may be used as a step-down treatment or for people who cannot live outside of their homes for an extended period of time. Outpatient rehabilitation requires participants to travel to a treatment center several times a week for treatment.
Once you’ve completed your Xanax rehab plan, you will likely move on to aftercare, which is sometimes called continuing care. This refers to the recovery care and support you continue following your rehab program.
The idea of aftercare is to help ease the transition out of addiction care as well as reduce the risk of relapse. That being said, aftercare is very specific to the individual and will look different for everyone.
You and your doctor may discuss what kind of aftercare is best for you, but some common options are support groups, living in sober housing, continuing regular therapy or counseling, and even alternative therapies like art or yoga.
Alprazolam rehab can be beneficial for anyone who misuses the medication. Though abuse and addiction are separate, rehab can help people recover from either condition. There are countless benefits to drug rehab, some of which you may not even know.
Common benefits of Xanax rehab can include:
The best way to prevent relapse following benzodiazepine rehabilitation is to have a relapse prevention plan at the ready. Relapse prevention is incredibly important and can make a huge difference when it comes to long-term recovery.
You and your doctor may devise a relapse prevention plan or your rehab program may offer relapse prevention education. The idea is to devise a plan to help you transition back to your day-to-day life and cope with any triggers or stressors that may tempt relapse.
Relapse prevention techniques can include:
Xanax addiction can develop rapidly and become a life-threatening condition. Benzodiazepine abuse can have detrimental effects on your health, job, relationships, and even social life. Luckily, proper treatment can make recovery and addiction management possible.
Ready to take the first step toward recovery? Give our helpline a call today.
It usually takes more than one use to become addicted to Xanax. However, the amount of time it takes to become addicted is dependent on many things.
Benzodiazepines are highly associated with abuse and addiction. They can also have serious interactions with other substances like alcohol, when they are abused together, the risk of addiction can be increased.
Factors that can affect how quickly addiction develops include gender, weight, height, and tolerance. Illegal use can also cause addiction to develop more quickly.
No, you cannot cure Xanax addiction, or any substance addiction for that matter. However, it is possible to treat and manage a Xanax addiction with the right treatment.
First, you may need to receive an official addiction diagnosis. From there, many people enroll in a treatment program and receive several kinds of addiction treatment. After rehab, most people receive aftercare to encourage long-term sobriety.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. All withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant, and while some like nausea may just be uncomfortable, others like seizures can be dangerous and have permanent effects on your health.
Seeking a professional detox program can make the detoxification process much safer and less difficult.
While it is not impossible to quit Xanax without treatment, it is very challenging and can be dangerous.
It’s always recommended to seek out proper addiction care when quitting an addictive substance. Professional rehab programs are specifically designed to ease the recovery process through a safe and supportive environment.
Cleveland Clinic. “Alprazolam (Xanax).”
WebMD. “Benzodiazepine Abuse.”
Wikipedia. “Benzodiazepine Dependence.”
United States Drug Enforcement Administration. “Benzodiazepines.”
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