What Is Samhsas National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Also visit the online treatment locators.
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Xanax Addiction
Highest Standards, Nationally Recognized:
Xanax addiction is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions in the United States. One of the challenges in battling this epidemic is the inability to effectively identify the signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with it.
Without being able to recognize the symptoms of Xanax addiction, it is impossible for loved ones to take action and intervene. Because Xanax is used as a common short-term treatment for anxiety disorders, it is easily accessible, presenting a high potential for addiction.
What Should You Do
If you recognize yourself or someone you love in these symptoms of addiction, know that help is available. In a structured program, you can work with professionals who can help you to understand your addiction and what you can do to get better. This team of experts can help you get sober in a controlled, safe environment, so you will not experience life-threatening withdrawal. And the team can give you the tools you need to preserve your sobriety. If you are dealing with addiction, it is time to get help.
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Signs Of Addiction You Can See
While people who have Xanax addictions may suspect there is a problem, it is often the people who surround him or her that spot changes first. These changes can include:
- Periodic sedation
- Claiming that prescriptions have been lost
- Stealing Xanax pills from others
Loved ones who spot these changes may need to hold a meeting in which all participants outline the changes theyve seen. If the group agrees that an addiction has developed, an intervention might be in order.
What Are The Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, act on the reward, mood regulation, and motivation regions of the brain, and when a dependency is formed, these parts of the brain will be affected as well. When an individual dependent on Xanax then tries to quit taking the drug, the brain needs some time to return to normal levels of functioning. The psychological symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be significant, as anxiety, panic, and paranoia may increase with the drugs removal from the body. Depression and thoughts of suicide should also be closely watched for during benzodiazepine withdrawal. Xanax withdrawal can leave people feeling generally out of sorts, unable to control their emotions, irritable, and jumpy. Mood swings, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, and hallucinations are also possible side effects of Xanax withdrawal. Support from mental health professionals can be very beneficial, and therapy and counseling may help an individual control and manage the emotional symptoms of benzo withdrawal.
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What About People With Previous Blood Pressure Or Heart Issues
Doctors can take the right precautions if they have a full understanding of a persons medical history. Even so, patients who have been prescribed Xanax should pay attention to its common side effects and talk to a doctor about alternative treatments if they notice certain symptoms such as:
- Slurred speech
During The First Trimester
Taking Xanax during your first trimester of pregnancy could pose possible risks of raising your babys chance for birth defects, according to older studies . These could include cleft lip, cleft palate, or more serious problems.
These birth defects could affect the way your baby looks, develops, or functions for the rest of their life.
More research is needed to gather more definitive insight regarding the use of Xanax during this stage of pregnancy.
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Day 6 1: Late Withdrawal
For most people, once theyve made it to Day 6, nearly a week through on the Xanax withdrawal timeline, they have typically made it through the most severe symptomsbut that doesnt mean its over. While the physical symptoms may be declining, the emotional symptoms of anxiety, depression, and moodiness may persist long beyond the initial withdrawal period.
During this phase, the body is re-learning appropriate emotional responses and which endorphins it needs to create at which times. Xanax takes over telling the brain how it should feel when an individual abuses Xanax, but in recovery, the person learns to take control again as the brains natural chemical levels come into balance over time.
Symptoms of late withdrawal include:
How long withdrawal lasts depends mainly on how long you have been using and at what levels. Most people continue to abuse Xanax because the prospect of withdrawal is so daunting. However, a person can live happily without Xanax with the right support and qualified medical supervision.
Xanax Addiction: Side Effects Withdrawal And Rehab
Xanax addiction: side effects, withdrawal and rehab
Xanax is a highly addictive, yet commonly prescribed drug. It is relatively easy to get and many doctors prescribe it routinely. The fact that it is so easily prescribed, as well as readily available on the street, is one of the contributing factors to the Xanax addiction problem.
Abuse of this drug has become widespread in the last few years and, while it can affect anyone, it has become particularly popular among young people, with devastating results. Some people start using Xanax because it has been prescribed to them while others may discover it at a party or through friends. Not everyone who tries Xanax will become addicted, but anyone who uses it regularly risks becoming physically dependent on it.
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What Is Xanax Withdrawal
People who take Xanax recreationally, or for longer than prescribed, or in large doses are at highest risk of developing an addiction. These people are also more likely to suffer from symptoms of withdrawal, and are more likely to experience more severe side effects, such as seizures and hallucinations.
Withdrawal symptoms are triggered when someone who is physically dependent on Xanax stops taking it suddenly. Because they are physically dependent on Xanax, without it they just cant feel normal or function well, and they frequently experience emotional and physical pain along with psychological symptoms.
Xanax has some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms among the benzodiazepines, in part because it acts fast and leaves the body quickly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms that are both severe and sudden. Even the type of Xanax that is extended-release causes more serious withdrawal symptoms than most other varieties of benzodiazepine. In fact, Xanax is 10 times more potent than Klonopin and Valium, two other benzodiazepines.
Withdrawal symptoms typically begin a just few hours after the final dose, and can come on suddenly. The most common symptoms include: difficulty concentrating, headaches, heart palpitations, increased anxiety, insomnia, irritability, muscle pain and stiffness, nausea, panic attacks, seizures, suicidal thoughts, sweating, uncontrollable shaking, vomiting, and weight loss.
These Drugs Are Only Meant To Be Taken Occasionally Or On A Short
As SELF wrote previously, the potential for abuse or misuse becomes more likely when people take benzodiazepines for an extended period of time.
In general, Xanax is designed to be used for very short periods of time, like a day or a few days at a time, Lander says. But some people start taking it over a period of weeks and months and become hooked.
“I do think a lot of providers tell patients that this should be used for challenging moments in your life, and Xanax does help people become less anxious,” Thea Gallagher, Psy.D., clinic director at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvanias Perlman School of Medicine, tells SELF. “It makes you feel better, and we all want to feel better when we’re stressed,” she says. “But it’s not the intent of the medication for you to always rely on it.”
That’s why, if you’re prescribed Xanax, it’s important to take it in conjunction with therapy, Gallagher says. “We want to help people tolerate stress and discomfort and … learn to handle anxiety with certain skills and tools,” she says. “We don’t want people to be on benzodiazepines for life.”
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How To Use Xanax
See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking alprazolam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Your dose may be gradually increased until the drug starts working well. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to reduce the risk of side effects.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder . Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Can Xanax Cause Mdd
No, absolutely not. According to the diagnostic criteria put forth by APA, one of the diagnostic considerations in the diagnosis of MDD is that the symptoms being expressed by the person are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance.
This means that drugs or alcohol cannot cause the symptoms. Therefore, anyone who is experiencing or displaying depressive symptoms as a result of the use of Xanax or any other drug cannot be diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Nonetheless, Xanax use may result in some individuals displaying significant issues with depressive symptoms, such as sadness, loss of interest, problems sleeping, weight loss, and even suicidal thoughts.
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Xanax Withdrawal Timeline: How Long Can Withdrawal Last
Xanax is considered a short-acting benzodiazepine, with an average half-life of 11 hours, the FDA states. As soon as the drug stops being active in the plasma of the blood, usually 6-12 hours after the last dose, withdrawal symptoms can start.
For shorter-acting benzos like Xanax, acute withdrawal symptoms usually begin with 6-8 hours, peak around the second day, and resolve within 4-5 days. Protracted, or post-acute symptoms, may last for weeks or months. These lasting symptoms may lead to relapse if not addressed with continued treatment, such as regular therapy.
Some people may experience protracted withdrawal, however, which can include psychiatric symptoms and drug cravings.
Protracted withdrawal can last for several weeks, months, or even years without being addressed by a mental health professional.
How Xanax Affects The Mind
Even when used in a medicinal fashion, dependency will generally still occur. The first sign of this is tolerance. With tolerance, Xanax stops working as well, even as a treatment medication. Those with anxiety will see a return of symptoms and may feel inclined to up their dose in order to keep symptoms at bay. Throughout this process, the brain is becoming more reliant upon the drug to feel normal.
When people are mentally addicted to Xanax, they wont be able to keep their minds off thoughts of the drug. In addition to the health risks associated with detoxing alone, quitting without professional intervention is extremely hard to do since users minds are compulsively driving them to use again.
The mental impact of withdrawing from Xanax can be turbulent. The mind becomes accustomed to the drug and can go through periods of insomnia, depression, paranoia, and irritability while trying to come off it. The majority of withdrawal symptoms can be treated during medical detox to make the process as comfortable as possible for those in detox.
As many as 44 percent of chronic benzodiazepine users ultimately become dependent on their drug of choice, the Journal of Addictive Behaviors notes. Addiction is often due to psychological factors that influence individuals to keep using.
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Take Our Substance Abuse Self
Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.
How Long After Taking Xanax Can You Drink
According to the Food and Drug Administration , Xanax has an average elimination half-life of about 11.2 hours,3 but the time to achieve full clearance of the drug depends on many factors, such as age and already existing medical conditions such as renal insufficiency. Even people in good health may experience different rates of clearance, resulting in variable half-lives in the range of 6 to 27 hours.
The safest way to consume alcohol would be to wait until after Xanax is completely out of your system so the two substances do not interact. Because each body is different, and metabolizes substances in a slightly different timeframe, its difficult to say exactly when a benzodiazepine like Xanax would be out of your system.
Note that drinking while Xanax is still in the body can intensify the combined intoxication, lead to dangerously impaired mental alertness,3 and increase the risk of injury from activities such as driving a car or operating machinery.
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Take Our Am I A Drug Addict Self
Take our free, 5-minute Am I A Drug Addict? self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with drug addiction. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.
American Addiction Centers is the nationwide leader in addiction treatment. If youre struggling with Xanax dependence, were here to help. Quitting can be scary and challenging but, quitting abruptly can be dangerous. AAC has the medical team and treatment staff to safely manage benzodiazepine withdrawal through medical detox. Dont trust your life to chance. Achieve long-term sobriety with the professional support of a recovery program that offers medical detoxification and tailored rehabilitation treatment. Call our drug abuse hotline at to begin today.
Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service
The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
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Days 1 : Early Withdrawal
Because Xanax is a benzodiazepine with a short half-life, withdrawals should start within approximately six to twelve hours after your last dose. However, if youve been using something with a longer half-life, such as Valium, you can expect to begin experiencing withdrawals approximately 30 to 48 hours after your last dose. The first two days can be a real challenge and the risk of relapse is high.
Early withdrawal symptoms usually include:
Common Causes Of Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction is like most addictions to controlled substances. There is no one specific variable that serves as a constant in the development of the addiction. According to a report , some people are more genetically inclined to chemical dependency, while others become victims of their environment. However, abusing Xanax is a major contributing factor in developing an addiction to the drug.
Recognizing some of the common symptoms could lead to proper intervention and early treatment, which can raise the chance of long-term recovery.
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What Are The Damaging Effects Of Xanax Addiction
by Hill Country Detox | Jul 18, 2017 | drug addiction
Many prescription drugs can be addictive when they are misused or taken for much longer than intended. The same is true for Xanax. If your doctor writes you a prescription for Xanax, you should always take it as prescribed, or if you feel uncomfortable, seek out a second medical opinion for other medication options. Otherwise, any misuse of Xanax may result in very serious consequences.
According To The Apa Potential Signs Of Depression As A Result Of Xanax Abuse Are:
- Very poor motor coordination and an unsteady gait
- Slurred speech
- Impaired thinking abilities, such as being very irrational
- Significant complaints of sadness
- Mood swings or extreme emotions that can include significant crying
- Irritability, aggressiveness, and even psychosis
The development of significant depressive symptoms during withdrawal from benzodiazepines like Xanax is also a significant possibility. When it can be determined that Xanax is responsible for a substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, the depressive symptoms will often significantly remit once the person stops using the substance.
When the symptoms of depression occurred before the person began using the drug, last for a substantial period of time after they have stopped using the drug, or are present a month after they have experienced withdrawal, clinicians believe that the symptoms most likely were not fully due to the effects of the substance.
The person is then thoroughly reevaluated to determine if there is some other cause of their depressive symptoms.
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