What Is Xanax?
Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, treats anxiety disorders and panic disorders (sudden attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of drugs named benzodiazepines. Alprazolam may be habit-forming; learn more about Xanax addiction here.
Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Do not let anyone else take your medication because alprazolam is a controlled substance if you are taking this drug.
Given that prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times. Alprazolam may cause dependency, and only a Xanax detox can help you be comforted in the process of starting to live generally without Xanax addiction.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Many people take this remedy as their doctor prescribes. It’s used to manage:
- Stress
- Generalized Anxiety
- Panic Disorder
However, Xanax can also be purchased illegally.
Alprazolam (Xanax pill) is not only the most prescribed benzodiazepine, but it is the most ordered psychotropic prescription in the United States, accounting for more than 48 million prescriptions distributed in 2013. This continues even though many prescribers consider alprazolam to have high abuse possibility. It is shown to result in a more severe withdrawal syndrome than other benzodiazepines, even when tapered. Benzodiazepines are involved in approximately one-third of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts. [1]
Xanax Addiction Side Effects
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Shifts in Mood or Irritability
- Loss of Interest in Sex
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
- Lack of focus
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Lack of inhibition
Substance use disorders (SUDs), including Xanax addiction, occur when a person’s substance use causes changes in the brain’s chemistry, which leads to uncontrolled use, regardless of the harmful consequences.
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Like other benzodiazepines, Xanax addiction damages driving ability. It’s also correlated with an increased risk of falls, broken bones, and traffic accidents.
Xanax Addiction Statistics
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax are often used for the short-term treatment of anxiety. While benzodiazepine use is highly prevalent among U.S. adults, public health experts have not known what proportion of benzodiazepine users misuse them or meet criteria for benzodiazepine use disorders. A recent analysis suggests that benzodiazepine use disorders are relatively rare among the adults who use benzodiazepine medications, even if they are misusing them.
55 %
55 percent of nonmedical users acquired prescription painkillers (including Xanax) for free from a friend or relative
Source: NIDA
17.3 %
17.3 percent abused medications that were prescribed by their own doctor
Source: NIDA
50%
More than 50% of the nearly 176,000 emergency room visits for benzodiazepines in 2011 also involved alcohol or other drugs.
Source: SAMHSA
Xanax Drug Fact Sheet
Alprazolam
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, among others, is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of medium duration in the triazolobenzodiazepine class, which are benzodiazepines fused with a triazole ring.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Other uses for this medicine
Alprazolam is also sometimes used to treat depression, fear of open spaces (agoraphobia), and premenstrual syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
Warnings
Xanax can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
Do not stop using Xanax without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.
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Hotline (877) 378-4154Xanax Addiction Symptoms
There are some common Xanax addiction signs, notwithstanding the substance used. General warning addiction to Xanax signs you may have an addiction include the following:
- Using or desiring to use the drug frequently
- There’s an urge to use that’s so intense it’s troublesome to focus on anything else
- You need to use more of the drug to achieve the same “high” (tolerance)
- Taking more and more of the drug or taking the pill for more extended periods than planned
- You always keep a supply of the medication on hand
- Money is spent to get the prescription, even when money is short
- You try and fail to discontinue using the drug
- You develop unsafe behaviors to get the drug, such as stealing or violence
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the drug’s influence, such as having unprotected sex or driving a car
- You use the medication notwithstanding its associated difficulties, risks, and problems
- A lot of time is spent getting the drug, using it, and recovering from its effects
- You undergo symptoms of withdrawal once you stop using the drug
Seeking out help is a vital first step. If you — or your loved one — are ready to get treatment, it may be needed to reach out to a supportive friend or family member for support.
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FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Xanax Withdrawal Syndrome
Alprazolam(Xanax) and alprazolam-XR carry the same expected risk of withdrawal as other benzodiazepines.
Alprazolam withdrawal syndrome has been carrying a more complicated and, in some respects, unique rebound anxiety compared with other benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes.
Alprazolam is significantly more toxic than other benzodiazepines in cases of overdoses. Therefore, it should be avoided in individuals at heightened risk of suicide or using alcohol, opioids, or other sedating drugs.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be harsher than that of other benzodiazepines. Mild withdrawal symptoms can happen after taking the drug for as little as one week if discontinued abruptly. Xanax is safe when taken as prescribed.
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Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Can Include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
- Insomnia
- Irritability and shifts in mood
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or face
- Tremors
- Tense muscles
- Nightmares
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Suicidal thoughts
What To Expect From Xanax Addiction Treatment? Get Help with Xanax Addiction in NJ
The purpose of treatment is to withdraw Xanax use over the long term. However, treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
There are several treatment options available for Xanax addiction. Often, more than one is crucial to encounter at the same time.
Addiction is a complex condition, but it is treatable. If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax use, you are not alone, and help is available. Treatment for Xanax addiction happens on a continuum and can involve different types of services with varying degrees of intensity. Treatment for Xanax addiction must be tailored to the individual to approach the whole person, including psychological, physical, social, and vocational needs. [2]
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Therapy For Xanax Addiction
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most successful method of therapy for a benzo addiction. CBT addresses the learning processes underlying substance use disorders.
It entails working with a therapist to develop a set of healthy coping strategies.
Other Standard Behavioral Therapies Include:
- Self-Control Training
- Individual Counseling
- Marital or Family Counseling
- Education
- Support Groups
- Medication
The detox period for Xanax may be longer than the detox period for other drugs because you have to taper down the drug dose slowly over time. As a result, detox often overlaps with different sorts of treatment.
Once you’ve quit taking Xanax or other benzodiazepines, there’s no additional prescription to take.
Most Popular Xanax Addiction FAQs
-
What works like Xanax but not addictive?
If you are wondering, “what are drugs like Xanax that aren’t addictive?”, the answer is addiction-free anxiety medications may be advantageous for people with a history of addiction. Alternatives to benzodiazepines with addiction include SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, beta-blockers, pregabalin, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, PanX, and diphenhydramine.
-
How to know if you are addicted to Xanax?
It’s possible to experience drowsiness, vertigo, increased salivation, or changes in sex drive or ability. Inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects persist or get worse. Get out of a sitting or laying posture slowly to reduce vertigo and lightheadedness.
-
How long does it take get addicted to Xanax?
If you are wondering, “how long does it take to get addicted to Xanax” or “why do people get addicted to Xanax?”, the answer is these medications rank among the most dangerously addictive prescription pharmaceuticals on the market, and they have the power to hook a user in only a few short weeks. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, four out of every ten people who use benzodiazepines daily for more than six weeks develop dependent.
-
How addictive is Xanax?
If you are wondering, “why is Xanax so addictive?”, “why is Xanax addictive?”, “is Xanax addicting?”, or “can you get addicted to Xanax?”, the answer is that the ability to hook a user in only a few short weeks makes these drugs some of the most dangerously addictive prescription prescriptions available.
-
Is Klonopin addictive like Xanax?
Xanax is less addictive than Klonopin. This is because Klonopin results in a stronger euphoric experience.
-
Is Hydroxyzine addictive like Xanax?
Alprazolam (Xanax) and hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) are two types of anti-anxiety drugs that are frequently prescribed. Both drugs start working right away and have some similar adverse effects, like tiredness and dry mouth. Alprazolam, especially in large doses, has the potential to develop a dependence; hydroxyzine does not.
We Level Up New Jersey Xanax Addiction Treatment
For anyone who suffers from addiction to Xanax, just the thought of having to stop using can cause severe mental distress. But, with the help of a medical detox center, the medical detox process is manageable. In addition, a comprehensive team prescribing medications can alleviate your withdrawal pains while monitoring your health 24 hours.
We are assuring both your safety and comfort.
We Level Up NJ’s thorough approach to rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient who enters our doors. From an intensive and more supportive atmosphere for those in the early days of recovery to a comfortable residential-style living dynamic upon completion of detox, we are here to help guide you down the safe and results-based path to your sobriety.
To start reclaiming your life from Xanax addiction and undergo a Xanax detox and treatment, you may contact us, and we will guide you to recovery.
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Sources
[1] A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal – National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
[2] Xanax Addiction – We Level Up
Drugs.com. (2014). Xanax for Anxiety Disorders: Usage & Safety Guidelines. Retrieved on March 9, 2014, from: http://www.drugs.com/xanax.htmlExaminer.com. (2011). Xanax, The Most Dangerous Benzodiazepine. Retrieved on March 9, 2014, from: http://www.examiner.com/article/xanax-the-most-dangerous-benzo
Foundation for a Drug Free World. (2006). Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics. Retrieved on March 9, 2014, from: http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/prescription/abuse-international-statistics.html
ClinCalc. (2022) Alprazolam Drug Usage Statistics. Retrieved on November 14, 2022, from: https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Alprazolam
Ait-Daoud N, et al. (2018). A review of alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112
Benzodiazepines and opioids. (2021).
drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids
Benzodiazepines and Z-drug safety guideline. (2019).
wa.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/public/guidelines/benzo-zdrug.pdf
Brande L, et al. (2021). What causes addiction?
recovery.org/topics/what-causes-addiction
