Each year, thousands of people take prescription medication to help them manage the symptoms of anxiety. For people who struggle with the discomfort of anxiety, these medications are an important tool that allows them to function in their daily lives.
One of the most common prescription medications for anxiety is Xanax (alprazolam). Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States.[1] Benzodiazepines like Xanax can be very effective at treating the symptoms of anxiety, but they also pose a heightened risk of addiction for people who take them, even when they take them under the supervision of a medical professional.
When ingested, Xanax (alprazolam) produces a calm, sedated feeling. Because of this, many people take Xanax without a prescription or may take it differently than prescribed to get its pleasant effects.
When taken differently than prescribed or used recreationally, Xanax use can quickly develop into a physical dependence, or addiction. Without getting treatment for Xanax addiction, people are at risk of serious consequences to their physical and emotional wellbeing.
If you or someone you love needs treatment or support to stop abusing Xanax, understanding your treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your care.
How Do People Become Addicted to Xanax?
Doctors prescribe Xanax to treat anxiety. Anxiety affects people in different ways, but generally, people experience agitation, racing thoughts, interrupted sleep, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with their ability to function. It is believed that, in many cases, ongoing anxiety is a result of an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are special chemicals in the brain that help messages get from one part of the brain to another. If there is an imbalance in these chemicals, people can experience agitation or anxiety. A natural transmitter called GABA works to slow the hyperactivity of the brain. Xanax mimics the action of GABA and slows the messages in the brain.[2] The result? Less perceived anxiety, a feeling of calm, and sometimes sleepiness.
Over time, the brain begins to rely on the presence of Xanax to stay in balance. When taken as prescribed, Xanax is safe. However, if people begin to increase their dose or start taking it more often than prescribed, they are at risk of developing an addiction to it. People need to keep taking it in order to avoid feeling anxious. If they stop they may have uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can include:
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Seizures
If someone has been abusing Xanax, they must get treatment for Xanax addiction so that they can have a safe, complete detox from the drug and learn how to avoid a relapse in the future.
Do I Need Treatment for Xanax Addiction?
Anyone can develop an addiction, even if they do not have obvious risk factors. Addiction to Xanax can develop if you start taking the medication as a prescription or if you take it recreationally. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and you should be aware of the signs of addiction if you are using them.
The signs of addiction include:
- Taking a medication that was not prescribed to you, or taking it in a different way than your doctor told you to
- Needing to take more of the medication to get the same effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it or reduce your dose
- Getting injured or into legal trouble while using the medication
- Falling behind in your responsibilities at work, home, or at school
- Hiding, lying, or being secretive about using the medication
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using the drug
If you recognize that you have some of these signs of addiction, it is important to get Xanax addiction treatment as soon as possible. You deserve support and care as you work to overcome your Xanax addiction.
What Happens During Xanax Addiction Treatment?
Your addiction and medical professionals will help develop a plan to meet your addiction recovery needs and help you achieve your goals. Generally, addiction treatment happens in stages. These include:
- Intake assessment: You will answer questions about your substance use, history of relapse, medical and mental health history, and other topics that will help your team tailor your treatment plan.
- Detox: If required, you will be monitored and treated for uncomfortable–or dangerous–withdrawal symptoms. This usually involves a taper. Tapering means slowly reducing the amount of Xanax you take to gradually wean your body off of the substance.[3]
- Treatment: You will participate in group support meetings, individual therapy, education, and may take medication to help you recover and heal. You may also participate in holistic treatments like yoga, art and music therapy, meditation and acupuncture, and nutrition therapy. Treatment may focus on teaching you how to cope with anxiety without relying on Xanax.
Recovery from Xanax addiction can require commitment, energy, and engagement. With the right support and treatment, anyone can heal from their addiction and learn how to live a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle.
Find Treatment for Xanax Addiction Today
If you or someone you love requires treatment for Xanax addiction or support during any stage of addiction recovery, please reach out to the compassionate staff at the Mandala Healing Center. We offer a range of programs carefully designed to care for your mind, body, and spirit as you recover from addiction.
For more information about what we offer, please call us today.
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