We all have heard stories of addiction to prescription medications, and Xanax is no different.
What if, however, that medicine once used to relieve us became an addiction? When does something we turn to for help go from being a cure to becoming an aggravation?
This is a serious problem that many now face in society. Sadly, it has become a familiar situation. So, can you get addicted to Xanax?
Join us as we dive deep into the danger of prescription addiction and how Xanax can quickly become more than what it was meant to be.
What Is Xanax For?
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. It works primarily by increasing the action of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.
Can You Get Addicted to Xanax?
Despite its effectiveness in treating the mentioned conditions, Xanax can become more than medicine for some people. Individuals may become physically and psychologically dependent on Xanax, leading to prescription addiction.
Addiction to prescription drugs like Xanax occurs when the body and mind begin to rely on the drug to function. This leads to a cycle of dependence where the user needs to take increasingly larger doses to get the same effects. This can be dangerous and even fatal if taken in high doses or in combination with other drugs or alcohol.
How Does Xanax Affect the Mind?
When someone is heavily reliant on cheap, regular doses of Xanax, it can impair their brain functioning and inhibit decision-making. Furthermore, Xanax may cause a lack of motivation and decreased focus, causing blackouts, disorientation, and impaired judgment.
If the user does not seek help or reduce the amount of Xanax intake, this can result in abuse, overdose, and an ever-increasing tolerance.
How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Xanax?
It is relatively easy and quick to become addicted to Xanax. The effects of the drug can be felt quickly. This means that even after taking a few doses, the brain will start craving the sense of relief the drug provides.
These feelings of calmness and relaxation can become overwhelming and uncontrollable. This may lead to an addiction requiring medical intervention.
It is essential to take Xanax precisely as instructed by a doctor and never take more than the recommended dose. It is also important to avoid mixing Xanax with alcohol or other drugs. This is because interactions with these can be hazardous and increase the risk of addiction.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
Xanax addiction can have profound long-term consequences for those affected, and it is essential to recognize the signs of addiction early. Common symptoms of Xanax addiction include the following.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms are often the earliest signs of a potential Xanax addiction. These can range from unusually large amounts of Xanax consumption to appearing overly sedated or even passing out. Other physical symptoms can include:
- slowed reaction time
- faintness
- headache
- dizziness
- confusion
- blurred vision
- clumsiness
- depressed respiratory rate
Additionally, physical signs of withdrawal, such as sweating, shaking, nausea, and intense cravings, can appear fairly quickly when Xanax use is stopped.
Behavioral Changes
People who are addicted to Xanax may start to become more isolated and distant from friends and family suddenly. Feelings of depression, irritability, and mood swings may be more commonplace. They might act more agitated and disagreeable and have bouts of anger or rage that are not proportional to the situation.
Additionally, users may become more forgetful and careless in their day-to-day lives. Other signs of addiction may be the sudden need for the drug, an increase in dosage taken, or attempts to get the medication from multiple sources.
Psychological Indicators
When a person is addicted to Xanax, they may experience a range of psychological indicators, such as:
- increased anxiety
- fear
- depression
- restlessness
- paranoia
- mood swings
They may also display poor impulse control and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. People addicted to Xanax may have difficulty sleeping and may need to take higher doses to achieve the same effects.
Treatment for Xanax Addiction
Treatment for Xanax Addiction is tailored to the individual. There is no single treatment protocol that works for everyone, but here are some of the most commonly used:
Rehab & Detoxification Options
Treatment for Xanax addiction typically involves rehabilitation and detoxification options. These are designed to reduce physical and psychological dependence on the drug.
Detoxification can be quite intense. It should not be attempted without proper medical advice and supervision. Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include nausea, vomiting, panic attacks, and restlessness. Once detox is completed, further treatment often includes therapies such as:
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- individual counseling
- and support groups
Each of these therapy types can be used both individually and in combination with one another. This can help to ensure a successful recovery.
Education about addiction, its causes, and recovery are essential components of successful treatment. Moreover, by seeking professional help, you can get personalized addiction treatment.
Therapy & Counseling Approaches
Therapy helps the individual address the physical, psychological, and emotional issues that led them to abuse Xanax. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach often used in treating Xanax addiction. This helps individuals change or eliminate problematic behaviors and thoughts.
Couples or family therapy can help those close to the individual better understand the nature of the addiction and how to support the individual best. Individual counseling is also beneficial. It identifies the person’s triggers and ways to reduce or eliminate them.
Counseling can help individuals develop strong coping skills and coping strategies to reduce the likelihood of a relapse. Lastly, group therapy can provide a supportive environment. They teach individuals how to maintain sobriety and remain connected to a community of sober individuals.
Understanding the Complexities of Xanax
So, can you get addicted to Xanax? After reading this article, you probably have your question answered. In conclusion, prescription addiction is a growing epidemic in the United States. While Xanax can be a life-saving and life-improving medicine, it can also be abused and lead to addiction.
If you feel like your prescription medication is having a negative impact on your life, please reach out to a doctor or specialist to discuss how to reduce your dependency and minimize the risks of addiction.
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