Addiction Is About Relationship
Addiction is also related to your relationship with the drug. Do you rely on the drug to get through the day? How does thinking about quitting make you feel? How has your attitude toward Xanax changed over the course of using it? Addiction develops faster when Xanax feels like an important or necessary part of your life.
If you rely on it to feel good or simply not feel bad, you are dependent on the drug.
Dependence is an early sign of addiction. It is a chemical response to the drug and isnt an indicator of personal failure or weakness. In fact, recognizing that you are losing control to Xanax displays awareness and concern. It indicates that you are ready to make a positive change in your life. With the right tools and resources, you can turn addiction into an opportunity for healing, growth, and forward movement.
How To Approach Someone With A Xanax Addiction
If you are struggling to tell if your daughter or son is abusing Xanax, it is important to bring up your concerns and offer possible alternatives. If they are prescribed a benzodiazepine for anxiety or insomnia and you have noticed some negative side effects and addictive properties, speaking with their doctor about possible changes in medications or treatment plans can help. If you make the doctor aware of the problems occurring, he or she will be able to assess the situation and provide different options. Xanax withdrawal can be lethal, so seeking professional medical help is often the only way to safely detox and get sober.
If your loved one insists that there isnt a problem and that they want to keep taking that specific medication despite obvious signs of abuse, you may be dealing with a Xanax addiction and it is time to consider serious treatment options.
Unexplained Dizziness Or Disorientation
Dizziness and drowsiness are two main Xanax abuse side effects. A large dose can mean users feel completely disoriented. Confusion and memory loss are also common.
Pay close attention to see if your loved one is exhibiting these signs. Recognizing unexplained dizziness or slurred speech without alcohol present can definitely indicate Xanax abuse or addiction.
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Xanax Addiction Symptoms & Signs
Recognizing Xanax addiction signs and symptoms can help you know when to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one. Xanax addiction can be serious and affect a persons mood, behavior and physical characteristics.
- Common signs of Xanax addiction may include:
- Agitation
- Slurred speech
- Tremors
While Xanax addiction cannot be completely cured nor can any dependency on drugs or alcohol treatment can help affected individuals address their behavior and return to a healthy lifestyle.
Getting Help For Xanax Addiction
The withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can be pretty unpleasant. Thats why its recommended that detox from the drug be done at an addiction treatment center under the care of medical professionals. Doing so will make the detox process much more comfortable and safer. Upon completing detox, its important to continue addiction treatment with outpatient or inpatient rehab. Detox alone often isnt enough to prevent relapse from happening.
If you or a loved one is addicted to Xanax, My Time Recovery can help you safely detox and begin your journey towards recovery. Contact us today with your questions.
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Can I Get Addicted To Xanax By Taking A Half Or Whole 5 Mg Pill About 5 Days Per Week Can Doing
- Asked
- 22 Feb 2011 by MoonbeamMom
puckiemull
Hi moonbeammomHow long have you been on xanax and were you prescribed it for sleep. I cant see how you would get addicted to it when only taking once a day and not every day at that.but again you’d have to speak with your doctor if you have any worries.Xanax is addictive but when taking properly it can be effective and work wonders,its those that abuse the meds that damage is likely to occur.Depending on the case,they say its for short term use but in severe cases they will prescribe it for longer depending on the individual itself.But check with your doc,he/she might change you to something else,it wont do any harm to hear what he/she has to say.Take care
caringsonbj
Dear Moonbeammom,puckiemull is right, as long as you take it exactly as prescribed you won’t have problems, I take it, I had a friend that misused the medication and I saw first hand that I was determined to take it like I would have anyway, I think it was a wakeup the medication helps you, but it will allow you to help yourself as long as taken as prescribed, You will do fine, if you have any further concerns or questions all you have to do is contact any of us
You are taking a very small amount. Talk to your doctor if this really bothers you. My Neuologist told me it does not affect your memory in the way you are thinking of.
+0puckiemulleasterdaisyAdam88
Xanax Addiction And Abuse
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The Truth About Xanax
Xanax, formally known as Alprazolam, is typically prescribed to treat panic or anxiety disorders. Additionally, it can be used to treat feelings of anxiousness that may be caused by depression.
Xanax is a Benzodiazepine because it is essentially a depressant that slows down the central nervous system. Xanax is prescribed to help individuals with panic disorders or an anxiety disorder feel calmer and more at ease in daily life.
The 3 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted To Xanax
Addiction Treatment,Mental HealthAddiction, Xanax
Xanax is a try of benzodiazepine, which is a central nervous system depressant. Its often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and its one of North Americas most highly prescribed drugs. In fact, in 2017 Xanax was the 21st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 25 million prescriptions.
Because Xanax is so accessible in the U.S., and because it helps numbs extremely common signs and symptoms of anxiety, it is highly addictive. In prescription instances, the drug is also highly tolerable, and a person may take up to 30 pills a day without extreme risk of overdose.
Unfortunately, like alcohol, Xanax is a dependency drug and if a person with a tolerance decides to quit, they will likely experience withdrawal effects like heightened anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and tremors.
Because of its tolerability, spotting a Xanax addict is extremely difficult. In this blog, we showcase some of the common signs that your loved one might be addicted to Xanax.
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Mixing Other Drugs With Xanax
Xanax and alcohol are potentially fatal. It can severely depress the central nervous system to the point where it can stop or not function altogether by drastically reducing breath and heart rates.
Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax, Which Can Lead to Permanent Damage Include:
- Depression/depressive state
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America. . Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
- Nih.gov. . Benzodiazepines and Opioids.https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids . from
- Nih.gov. Alprazolam use and dependence. A retrospective analysis of 30 cases of withdrawal. . from
- The National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852/
- Reissig, C. J., Harrison, J. A., Carter, L. P., & Griffiths, R. R. . How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Xanax? Retrieved from https://areterecovery.com/xanax/how-long/
- Orrange, S. . Xanax or Ativan: Which Is Better for Anxiety? GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/blog/xanax-or-ativan-which-is-better-for-anxiety/
- WebMD. . What is GABA? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/qa/what-is-gaba
Deadly Xanax Drug Interactions
Another danger when it comes to Xanax is combining it with another substance. These pairings can cause injury and even death. Xanax and alcohol are a very dangerous combination. When someone is drinking, they often dont realize how much Xanax is affecting their bodies. This can lead to overdosing.
Both substances are central nervous system depressants, slowing down the bodys processes like movement and breathing.
Xanax should never be combined with other benzodiazepines like Valium, Klonopin or Ativan. The effects of each drug can stack and increase the chance of overdose. Did you know that every year 115 Americans die of opioid overdose? Research has shown that from 20012013, about 17% of people who received an opioid prescription also received a benzodiazepine like Xanax.
This study did not include illicit opioids like heroin, which may increase the numbers. If you are taking Xanax as prescribed, check with your doctor before simultaneously drinking or taking another substance. Its crucial to take preventative measures when taking Xanax as it is a very dangerous drug when misused.
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Therapeutic Benefits Of Xanax
In these circumstances, it is understandable that your physician would prescribe Xanax. Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that works very quickly and effectively to reduce anxiety and help with sleep. Physicians often prescribe these medications to help patients feel better when they are very distressed, and generally patients find them helpful in the short term.
Xanax can calm people quickly and effectively and can help promote relaxation and sleep when taken as prescribed. For those who only take the dose given by their doctor, and who only take the drug for a brief period until things settle down, these medications can be part of a coping strategy which includes emotional and practical support, as needed.
Can You Be Addicted To Xanax
âXanax, also known as alprazolam in its generic form, is a prescription drug that belongs to the class of medications known as benzodiazepine,â Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, CASAC, a therapist and co-founder of Family Addiction Specialist in New York, tells WebMD Connect to Care.
âXanax is a central nervous system depressant that works on neurotransmitters in the brain to produce a calming effect and is subsequently often prescribed to help treat anxiety, stress, and panic. Although Xanax can be highly effective and beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders, it does have the propensity to be abused and lead to dependence, and in extreme cases can cause overdose or death,â Sternlicht says.
According to a 2018 study published by the Journal of Addiction Medicine, Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, many addiction specialists also consider the medication highly addictive.
âAs a central nervous system depressant, Xanax slows key bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature regulation. Over time, the brain and body become physically dependent on Xanax and can result in adverse effects if stopped cold turkey. Xanax is also addictive because, in addition to producing a sedative effect, Xanax also releases dopamine and impacts the pleasure center of the brain, which is at the core of addiction,â Sternlicht adds.
- Irritability
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Is Xanax Addictive Yes Know The Signs Of Xanax Abuse Symptoms
Most addiction is defined by drug use that continues despite the negative outcomes that its causing. For example, negative outcomes of benzo abuse could include a failure to meet family or work responsibilities. Personal characteristics that may change as a result of Xanax addiction include a persons hygiene, sleep patterns, behaviors, or group of friends.
Xanax abuse symptoms could also include noticeable behavior changes. Benzodiazepines are depressants, so someone abusing them may appear to be sleepy, confused, or clumsy. Once a person is addicted to Xanax, they may feel withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the mediation. Withdrawal symptoms largely mimic the symptoms the anxiety was treating, including increased panic attacks and other symptoms of anxiety.
Xanax: How Addictive Is It
Classified as a benzodiazepine or Benzo for short Xanax is considered a controlled substance and has a profound effect on brain chemistry. Specifically, benzodiazepine medications work by targeting the brains GABA receptors. GABA receptors are a type of neurotransmitter that calm nerve activity. When these receptors are overstimulated, anxiety or panic sets in. This explains why Xanax, which targets these receptors, works so well the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. Once ingested, the effects of Xanax can be felt almost immediately and the drug begins to slow down brain activity. This near-immediate effect is part of what makes Xanax so addictive.
While effective at soothing the symptoms of anxiety, Xanax is actually quite addictive and the effects of this drug increase the longer a person takes it. Xanax is intended to be used for short periods of time to treat acute symptoms. The problem arises when Xanax is used beyond the recommended time frame.
In the medical community, Xanax is considered to have a relatively low potential for abuse, but this is not entirely accurate. In fact, even those who take Xanax as prescribed have a higher chance of becoming dependent on the drug. This is because tolerance for Xanax builds up quickly, which cause the person to crave more to get the same effects.
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Indications For Use And Efficacy
Alprazolam is a high-potency triazolobenzodiazepine that is US Food and Drug Administration -approved for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam is biotransformed by hepatic microsomal oxidation, yielding 4 and -hydroxyalprazolam as its principal metabolites, and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 .
The US FDAs approval for alprazolam came after 2 large, randomized, clinical trials that demonstrated short-term efficacy and clinically acceptable tolerability versus placebo . A plasma concentration range between 20 and 40 ng/mL has been suggested for targeting symptoms of panic disorder, with higher concentrations being associated with more significant central nervous system depressant effects. The side effects of alprazolam tablets are likely to be an extension of its pharmacological activity, and most commonly include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, dysarthria, headache, memory impairment, and depression.
Is Xanax Addictive Benzodiazepine Risks
Drug use is on the rise, especially in Louisiana. In 2020, Louisiana led the country in overdose deaths, with nearly 1,930 deaths . One type of drug that has been growing in popularity is benzodiazepines. These drugs are often used to enhance the effects of alcohol in social situations such as parties and concerts. Due to the recreational popularity of this drug, many people are unaware of just how dangerous it can be. One question popular among people who use Xanax is, is Xanax addictive?
To better understand why Xanax is addictive, its important to understand what it is, and how it affects your body.
Contents
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How To Recognize And Treat Xanax Addiction
Xanax is the brand name of a drug called alprazolam. Alprazolam is a drug that can cause physical dependence and in some cases addiction, usually a prescription drug.
Many people take this medicine as recommended by their doctors. It is used to treat:
- pressure
However, Xanax can also be obtained illegally.
Read on to learn more about Xanax addiction and recovery.
Can You Be Addicted To Xanax For Sleep What Are The Signs
Dr. John Mendelson, an expert in addiction and clinical psychopharmacology, warns that tolerance to Xanax can build up within a week or two if you take it every night. You may become dependent on the drug to fall asleep, and you could develop withdrawal symptoms if you stop. Ironically, one of the withdrawal symptoms is insomnia, which may lead you to take even more of the drug and eventually become addicted to it.
Some of the warning signs that you may be addicted to Xanax for sleep include:
- You need to take more of the drug to achieve the kind of effect it gave you when you first started taking it.
- You take it for a longer period of time than was originally intended.
- Youre experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, aches and pains, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision, nausea, shakiness, nightmares, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.
- You always need to have a supply of the drug and feel panicky if you begin to run out.
- Engage in risky or dangerous behaviors to get a bigger supply of the drug.
- You feel such an urge to use it that you cant focus on anything else.
- Much of your time is spent trying to get the drug or recover from side effects/withdrawal symptoms.
- You use it even though its leading to health problems and other difficulties managing your life.
- Participation in high-risk behaviors while using the drug, such as driving or having unprotected sex.
- You try to stop using it but cant.
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Quick Facts About Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a drug prescribed to treat anxiety disorder, stress, and panic disorders. It belongs to the benzodiazepines family and can be highly addictive. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, which slows down nerve cell activity in the brain, resulting in a calm and relaxed feeling.
Because its so widely prescribed, Xanax is commonly abused among those with mental health struggles.
Physical Signs Of Xanax Use & Misuse
Physical signs of Xanax use may be the most obvious indicator that someone is high on Xanax, but some of these symptoms only occur when the person is currently under the influence of the drug and taking a higher dose than recommended. As a result, if you are not around the person at this time, you may not see any Xanax use symptoms.
Some of the physical symptoms of Xanax use are also similar to those of other drugs. For this reason, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish which drug your loved one is abusing.
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