Xanax
- Home
- Drug Addiction
- Xanax
Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorder, depression cause anxiety, and panic disorder among other conditions. Xanax works by targeting and increasing the brain’s neurotransmitters located in the central nervous system to help the patient achieve a state of calm relaxation.
Xanax’s generic name is called alprazolam and is classified as a benzodiazepine. Xanax originally entered the US market in 1981 after the popular 70s drug Valium. There are over 2,000 benzodiazepines in existence yet only 15 are FDA-approved (1). Long-term use and abuse of Xanax can lead to Xanax addiction with major side effects including tremors, seizures, and fatal overdoses.
Speak to an intake coordinator right now.
To understand the difference between dependency and misuse it is also important to know the distinction between dependency and addiction. Addiction is a result of physical changes to your brain whereas dependency is the natural increase of tolerance to a substance to the extent that if stopped one would enter into withdrawal. Dependence can occur without an addiction but is a stepping stone to addiction.
If a patient develops a Xanax dependency it may lead to misuse then a Xanax addiction, but this is not always the case. The majority of patients who are legally prescribed can stop usage without ever establishing a Xanax drug addiction. However, it is still likely for patients who have been using prescribed Xanax for a prolonged period to develop a dependency (high tolerance) which can result in withdrawal if the medication is stopped on short notice. Typically, patients who develop a dependency are eased off the medication through decreased doses avoiding most of the major withdrawal symptoms.
One in five people who use some type of benzodiazepines such as Xanax misuse the medication running the risk of addiction (2). To learn more about the signs of misuse continue reading below.
Fill out the form below and begin your journey to healing . Our caring & compassionate admissions team will contact you as soon as possible.
Xanax is highly addictive and therefore commonly misused. Given one in five people will misuse their prescribed Xanax it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Xanax misuse. It is also important to note that just because someone has abused Xanax does not mean they have developed a Xanax addiction but run a higher risk of developing an addiction.
Xanax dependency that leads to misuse may also lead to addiction. Knowing the various Xanax addiction signs may help discern if you or someone you know needs treatment.
Xanax addiction symptoms and signs:
If you or someone you know is misusing or has developed a Xanax addiction and would like help please give us a call now or contact us through our website to learn how we can help.
Despite warning labels and advice from doctors, Xanax is commonly combined with opioids, barbiturates, hypnotic drugs, heroin, methadone, and alcohol. Combining Xanax with any of these drugs can result in respiratory difficulties, fatigue, unconsciousness, and death.
Xanax has been known as a date rape drug because it can dramatically reduce a body’s natural ability to resist sexual aggression (1). Xanax is often dissolved into drinks that contain alcohol and can be hard to taste. Whether Xanax is combined with alcohol for date rape purposes or other uses the combination can result in severe damage to the body.
Both Xanax and alcohol are cleared from the body by the liver. Since they are both cleared by the liver both substances will stay in the body for longer and with higher effects as they amplify each other.
Effects of combining Xanax and alcohol include:
Prolonged use of both Xanax and alcohol may increase symptoms of withdrawal to the point of seizures and delirium if both substances are not gradually reduced.
Most major insurance plans can help cover up to 100% of the cost of treatment at Arista Recovery. Fill out our free insurance benefits form now and get started on your journey to long-term healing. You deserve it.
At this time we are unable to accept Medicaid & Medicare plans.
Patients that have developed a Xanax addiction or dependency may experience withdrawal symptoms in between doses or during detox. Withdrawal effects of Xanax can occur within hours of last taking the substance and can peak anywhere from 1 to 4 days. Acute symptoms from withdrawl can last for up to 2 weeks. Roughly 10 percent to 25 percent of long-term users will experience protracted withdrawal (3). Protracted withdrawal is a type of withdrawal where the user experiences similar symptoms to acute withdrawal but the symptoms can last for up to a year (4).
Physical effects of Xanax withdrawal include:
Psychological effects of Xanax withdrawal include:
Individuals with a Xanax addiction or dependency should not cease all substance intake at once. Stopping all substance intake at once can cause death due to extreme withdrawal effects. Instead, those with a Xanax addiction should taper themselves off with lower doses over time to reduce the severity of the withdrawal effects. To learn more about withdrawal effects and the safest way to go through detox give us a call now or contact us through our website.
Explore our innovative approach to addiction treatment in Kansas at Arista Recovery. From evidence-based therapies to holistic and experiential methods, we offer an immersive experience that works to treat the root causes of substance abuse our our full continuum treatment programs.
The use of benzodiazepine had increased from 8 million to 14 million people from the years 1996 to 2013 (5). In 2014 the CDC reported a 30 percent increase in fatal overdoses from opioids also involving benzodiazepines such as Xanax. According to the NIDA, the combination of benzodiazepine and painkillers increases the user’s risk of death 10 times (5). Whether directly or indirectly affected by Xanax addiction these statistics are here to help you better understand the current climate of Xanax misuse.
Xanax statistics:
A Xanax addiction recovery plan can take place either in an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Individuals with severe Xanax addiction may need to find an inpatient treatment option due to the intense withdrawal symptoms that can result in death. Xanax addiction treatment often begins with medical detox where the patient is weaned off of Xanax with a decrease in dose over time.
Inpatient treatment such as a Xanax addiction treatment center has 24-hour support and supervision with various types of therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT works to alter one’s feelings and thoughts to establish healthier coping mechanisms.
Outpatient treatment options are used for patients with less severe Xanax addiction problems. An outpatient option is used for patients who need a part-time program due to other time constraints in their life including work or school among others.
For more information on Xanax treatment plans please reach out now via phone or through our website.
Take our free quiz and find out if you or a loved one is showing signs of substance abuse. If you need assistance or have questions, our caring team is standing by ready to help, day or night.
Reach out to our caring admissions team via phone, text or webform.
We will do a free verification of benefits to ensure your coverage options.
We will do a quick confidential pre-screen to ensure we are a fit for you.
We will schedule transportation and your intake at Arista Recovery.
Our caring team is standing by day or night ready to help you begin your journey to long-term recovery.
We can help you and your loved one in finding recovery as a family unit with our innovative program.
Xanax has a half-life of about 11 hours. However, because it is considered a short-lasting drug it only affects the body for about 4 hours. A drug test using a urine sample can detect Xanax for up to 5-7 days after use. These numbers are averages and can vary depending on the size and weight of your body.
Yes, those who take higher doses of Xanax than prescribed can overdose. The likelihood of a fatal overdose increases when mixing Xanax with alcohol.
The amount of Xanax that results in overdose varies depending on body type and any other substances that have been mixed with the Xanax. The risk of overdose increases if Xanax is mixed with opioids and or alcohol.
Yes, Xanax is highly addictive and can lead to long-term dependency. Xanax similar to other drugs helps increase the dopamine release in the brain. The brain then creates a strong positive association to the substance establishing a desire for repeated use.
Yes, taking higher doses than the body is used to can result in death. Xanax can also cause death if taken with other medications such as alcohol or opioids.
Speak to an admissions specialists NOW. Your call is private and confidential. We are here for you 24/7.