Xanax is a name-brand prescription benzodiazepine, most commonly used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders. As a highly addictive prescription medication that, when someone abuses Xanax, it can quickly lead to Xanax addiction. It is also important to note, Xanax addiction can develop even when the medication is being used as prescribed.
Often, Xanax is prescribed to be used as needed or for specific situations and circumstances. In general, prescribing an addictive substance like Xanax on a case-by-case basis poses unnecessary risks for those receiving the medication. Casually prescribing Xanax also minimizes the severe consequences of the drug and misleads people who are unfamiliar with the addictive qualities of benzodiazepines.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This results in decreased activity in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for fear and anxiety responses. The drug comes in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions. It is typically taken orally as directed by a healthcare provider.
Xanax Side Effects
While Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, it also has the potential for abuse and addiction. It is important to take the medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Some common side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
More serious side effects may include:
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Overdose
Many treatment professionals consider addiction to prescription and street Xanax to be the most difficult to overcome. In fact, unsupervised, abrupt withdrawal from Xanax can lead to seizures, psychosis and sometimes be life-threatening.
Xanax Withdrawal
The more one uses Xanax, the more one experiences the side effects associated with Xanax withdrawal.
Xanax can produce severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Cravings
- Drug seeking behavior
- Excessive worry
- Feeling agitated
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Panic, anger, or hate attacks
- Avoiding social situations
- Irrational fears
- Attention deficit
- Confusion
Many treatment professionals consider addiction to prescription and street Xanax to be the most difficult to overcome. In fact, unsupervised, abrupt withdrawal from Xanax can lead to seizures, psychosis and sometimes be life-threatening.
Medication-Assisted Detox for Xanax Addiction
Attempting a medication-assisted detox outside of a Xanax dependence recovery program is dangerous—and even potentially life-threatening. Medication-assisted detox and rehabilitation with intensive therapies can help you recover from Xanax addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Medical detoxification for Xanax addiction in an addiction treatment program is the ideal road to recovery.
Xanax Detox Meds
All benzos, like Xanax, are addictive drugs. In order to safely detox from benzos, it is necessary to participate in a medical detox program to avoid the dangerous withdrawal side effects.
More specifically, non-addictive detox medicines prevent seizures and are frequently used in place of addictive ones whenever possible (i.e. pregabalin in place of a benzo). During addiction treatment, Xanax’s notoriously uncomfortable withdrawal side effects are often lessened with the medicine Pregabalin.
Medical detox medications assist in Xanax withdrawal for the following reasons:
- Nonaddictive
- Lessen the risk of a grand mal seizure
- Decrease cravings
- Lower drug seeking behavior
- Calm feelings of worry and fear
- Increase feelings of relief
- Decrease agitation
- Soothe restlessness
- Minimize fatigue
- Increase ambition
- Improve concentration
- Lower irritability
- Ease muscle tension
- Assist in sleep
- Boost socialization
- Decrease attention deficit and confusion
- Increase focus and conceptualization
Xanax detox medications such as pregabalin are used to help ease the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal during early recovery.
Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders
Medication management is used to assist in Xanax addiction recovery to provide relief from the negative symptoms of any potential co-occurring disorders. Within dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, nonaddictive medications are offered during inpatient and continued throughout each level of care. This ensures that our guests receive quality mental health treatment services as they transition through our treatment programs.
Common co-occurring disorders with Xanax addiction include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
- Insomnia
To ensure your well-being and stable mental health during and after treatment, medical professionals in addiction treatment facilities often provide medications to relieve anxiety-related symptoms.
Treatment For Xanax Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, seeking professional help is important. A mental health provider can assess symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication like Xanax. With proper management and support, individuals with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling lives and effectively manage their symptoms. Remember to always prioritize self-care and seek help when needed.
Help For Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction can have devastating consequences both physically and mentally—but there is hope! At Royal Life Centers we offer comprehensive treatment programs designed specifically for those struggling with an addiction to Xanax.
If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax addiction, contact us today at 877-RECOVERY to learn more about our addiction treatment options! Because We Care.
