Xanax Addiction: Signs, Effects, & Treatement

Prolonged use may lead to tolerance and dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. If you plan to or have become pregnant, you will need to discuss your options with a doctor. Part of that conversation should include reviewing the risks and benefits of continuing versus tapering benzodiazepines during your pregnancy. Some people continue taking benzodiazepines throughout their pregnancy while others follow a dose tapering schedule.

The Body on Drugs

Signs of overdose usually develop within four hours of a dose, which is the time when the drug concentration is highest in the body. Your doctor might also prescribe other medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. In both cases, you take less and less of the drug until it’s out of your system. These drugs are some of the most highly addictive https://ecosoberhouse.com/ prescription drugs on the market, and they can hook a user within a matter of mere weeks. Daily use of benzodiazepines for six weeks or more will result in dependency for four in every 10 users, the Royal College of Psychiatrists states. Outpatient treatment takes many forms, with intensive programs requiring multiple hours of therapy daily.

• Those with anxiety will see a return of symptoms and may feel inclined to up their dose in order to keep symptoms at bay.
• Furthermore, there is some association of Xanax with an increased risk of suicide.
• However, the non-medical use of Xanax does come with risks, including the threat of sudden death in some individuals.
• Outpatient treatment may require a stronger sober resolve, because you will be living in the original abuse environment.
• In general, potent benzodiazepines with shorter elimination half-lives may be more prone to causing problems with tolerance, dependence and addiction.
• It can create physical dependence in anyone who uses it for an extended period, for any reason.

Alprazolam Abuse Symptoms, Signs and Addiction Treatment

As with all benzos, withdrawal should only be done via medical detox to ensure the safety of the patient. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Xanax, help is available and recovery is possible. Professional treatment can start anyone battling substance xanax addiction misuse on the path to a happier and healthier life. Rehab facilities are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. Many state government websites will provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need.

Signs and Symptoms of Alprazolam Abuse

Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence may also come tolerance, which is when you need more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect. You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you abruptly stop taking the drug. In the case of Xanax, physical addiction is marked by physical withdrawal symptoms that ensue when the substance is discontinued. Some common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, blurred vision, and convulsions. The mind becomes accustomed to the drug and can go through periods of insomnia, depression, paranoia, and irritability while trying to come off it.

Detox is usually done in a hospital or rehabilitation facility under medical supervision. Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be more severe than that of other benzodiazepines. Mild symptoms of withdrawal can occur after taking the drug for as little as 1 week if stopped abruptly. Your loved one might refuse to admit they take drugs at all or refuse to undergo treatment. If that happens, you may find it helpful to seek out further resources or find a support group for family members or friends of people living with addiction. Some are related to your environment and life experiences, such as having friends who use drugs.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Most drugs involved in misuse or addiction frequently lead to dopamine release. Pharmacologically, Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to the benzodiazepines class of drugs. This class works in the brain by binding to and enhancing the inhibitory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA). In general, potent benzodiazepines with shorter elimination half-lives may be more prone to causing problems with tolerance, dependence and addiction. For example, for triazolam (Halcion), alprazolam (Xanax) or lorazepam (Ativan) all have relatively shorter half-lives.

• Xanax overdose can be difficult to spot because symptoms are similar to those of alcohol and opioids, which are commonly abused in combination with Xanax.
• If a person is dependent on Xanax, it means that they require it to function and experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking it.
• The diagnosis of Xanax addiction is based on whether a person meets certain diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
• If you are taking Xanax and are concerned about its impact on your blood pressure, consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.

Xanax was found to have a rapid onset of action, making it suitable for the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It soon gained popularity as a prescription medication for these conditions due to its effectiveness and lower risk of overdose compared to older drugs. Alprazolam, of which Xanax is a known brand name, is a scheduled IV controlled substance and a commonly prescribed psychotropic medication to manage panic and anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is misused as a recreational drug, and when combined with other substances, such as alcohol, can slow breathing and possibly lead to death. According to an article published in American Family Physician, long-term abuse of Xanax can result in a loss of self-confidence, development of drug-seeking behavior, and overreliance on the substance.

Co-occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Treatment

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