Why Is Xanax So Addictive

Why Is Xanax Addictive

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These are sedatives that have strong effects on the nervous system by acting on a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. If someone takes Xanax regularly, it can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, especially if taken for a long time or in high doses. Xanax can cause physical and psychological dependence or addiction even in people who take it as prescribed.

In 2012, 17,019 people were admitted to treatment facilities across the nation citing benzodiazepines like Xanax as their primary or sole drug of abuse, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The reason for Xanaxs high addiction potential is the combination of its strong sedative effects and short duration. These lead to people taking Xanax repeatedly and becoming psychologically dependent on its calming effects.

Additionally, the strong influence Xanax has on the levels of GABA and dopamine in your brain, important neurotransmitters that control mood and muscle movements. Prolonged periods of taking Xanax can lead to your brain rewiring itself based on these elevated levels of GABA and dopamine, causing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Xanax.

Xanax Addiction And Abuse Warning Signs

As stated above, Xanax is highly addictive both mentally as well as physically. If not carefully taken care of, trying to quit Xanax or detox by yourself at home can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing from Xanax on your own is not recommended by medical professionals. Like other Benzodiazepines such as and , Xanax has some common addiction and abuse warning signs to pay attention to. These can range in severity, but typically are as follows:

• Not taking as directed
• Saving up pills to take more pills later at the same time.
• Using more than the prescribed dosage
• Seeking prescriptions online
• Stealing other peoples Xanax
• Stealing money to support Illegally buying Xanax
• Frequent drowsiness
• Trying to quit or taper and not being able to

Why Is Xanax So Addictive And Dangerous

Xanax can bring an abusers whole life into shambles by hijacking not only their physical state but also their mental and emotional state. When someone starts to take Xanax, they usually start at a low dosage, but tolerance to Xanax builds very quickly and will eventually necesitate the user taking more each day to achieve the desired effect. Someone with a Xanax addiction may take up to 20 to 30 pills per day.

The danger arises when Xanax is mixed with other depressants such as alcohol and opiates like heroin or oxycodone. Because all of these substances act by slowing down the central nervous system, it is much more common to see drug related deaths when two or more of these substances are combined. Xanax also causes short-term memory loss, which can result in forgetting how much has already been taken and accidentally ingesting more than intended. Furthermore, this temporary amnesia coupled with the lowered inhibitions produced by Xanax can lead to all sorts of dangerous behaviors, posing the risk of legal consequences, or even death.

According to the Center for Disease Control, at least 95% of all Xanax-related overdoses involved another drug. The most common combinations found by the CDC were oxycodone and heroin, which are both opioid depressants.

It should be reiterated that under no circumstance could Xanax be used safely in addition to other depressant substances without risk of serious physical harm and possibly death.

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Paying Treatment For Xanax Addiction

The cost of treatment for Xanax addiction can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as:

• How long you stay: The average program is 28 to 30 days long, but some programs can last months. You are typically charged on a per diem basis.
• Whether you are treated at an inpatient or an outpatient facility: Inpatient treatment is frequently more expensive than outpatient and may not be fully covered by insurance.
• Where you stay: Both the location of the facility and the facility itself can affect your out-of-pocket cost. Cost of treatment varies from state to stateand your insurance coverage may vary for in- and out-of-network providers. Some treatment programs are more expensive than others because they offer private rooms, luxury amenities and other specialty services. Do some research to determine which facility is best suited for your needs and your budget.

Unfortunately, the cost of a Xanax rehab program can be a barrier for many people who need help. Options for financing treatment include:

If you are uninsured and concerned about financing your addiction treatment, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations 24/7 national helpline for assistance and information at 1-800-662-HELP .

Getting Treatment And Starting Recovery

When youre ready to get help for Xanax addiction, youll want to consider the many different treatment options available. Each person is unique and may have developed an addiction to Xanax for different reasons. Finding the right program that meets your needs and budget is crucial.

Typical treatment options for Xanax addiction include:2,5

• Inpatient treatment:Inpatient treatment occurs in a 24-hour residential facility. Treatment programs are highly structured and designed to provide maximum support for recovery. Treatment ranges from 30 to 90 days and may be longer in severe cases. Inpatient treatment for Xanax addiction usually includes some combination of medically supervised detox, counseling, therapy, 12-step or other support groups, relapse prevention and aftercare planning.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient rehab programs usually have the same type of treatment approaches as inpatient facilities, but care takes place in an outpatient facility on a part-time basis and usually scheduled a few times per week.

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Xanax Abuse: A Rising Drawback

• Pharmaceuticals, like Xanax, are essentially the most generally abused medicine aside from alcohol and marijuana amongst individuals over the age of 14, per the Nationwide Institute on Drug Abuse .
• In response to a nationwide survey of emergency room departments, in 2011 there have been greater than 150,000 emergency hospitalizations for misuse of Xanax in america.
• NIDA discovered that, although prescription drug abuse impacts many alternative teams of individuals, adolescents and girls are particularly in danger for creating an habit.

Discover Expert Xanax Addiction Treatment In Arizona

At Fountain Hills Recovery, our priority is getting you the help you need. Our expert addiction treatment staff takes the time to get to know you on a personal level. That way, we can create a personalized treatment plan that targets your unique struggles. No matter where your relationship with Xanax abuse has taken you, there is hope for lasting recovery. Contact our admissions team today to get started on your journey toward sobriety.

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What Should I Know And Do About Someone Addicted To Xanax

To properly treat an addiction, we must first be convinced that the individual is in fact addicted. Warning signs of active addiction to substances include erratic or criminal behavior, unusual sleeping and eating patterns, drug seeking behavior, irritability and frustration to name a few. When looking for the specific signs of Xanax abuse, look for abnormal sedation, drowsiness, loss of coordination, memory loss and kleptomania as red flags.

Also, be aware of falling grades and delinquent behavior as well, as in a lot of cases these signs start to show up first.

Addicts often begin to change their routines drastically, hanging out with new sets of friends and placing less importance on things they used to love. Though these changes may be subtle at first, slowly but the drug will become the main focus of their lifestyle with everything else taking a back seat.

Obviously, if the individual in question has struggled with substance abuse in the past then they are at a higher risk of becoming addicted to Xanax as well, and people should be on high alert if these individuals decide to start using again.

Every case is different, just as every person is different. What one addict may require to achieve sobriety from Xanax could be completely different from another. Depending on severity, there are various levels of treatment available to people who are looking for a solution to their drug addiction.

Deadly Xanax Drug Interactions

Every day, more than 115 Americans die of an opioid overdose. In a study from 20012013, about 17% of people who received an opioid prescription also received a benzodiazepine like Xanax. When opioids are combined with benzodiazepines, the risk of overdose, emergency department visits and death increases dramatically.

One of the most common and dangerous interactions for Xanax occurs with alcohol. 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.

Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. If you do not have access to a phone contact Web Poison Control Services for online assistance.

If you are taking Xanax as prescribed, check with your doctor before taking another drug or drinking alcohol. Checking with a medical expert can reveal any potentially dangerous effects from mixing substances, and this could protect you against severe injury and dependence on Xanax.

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An Inside Look At Xanax Addiction And Dependence

August 10, 2021By Natalie Marston-Salem

It was never your intention to abuse Xanax. What started as a medication to help you cope with anxiety evolved into a necessity to get through each day. Over time, it became harder to concentrate as the unique aspects of your personality began to fade. The usual hobbies you once found enjoyable have taken a back seat to the way the drug makes you feel.

Xanax continues to be one of the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications in the country. With Xanax abuse climbing across multiple demographics, were going to take a detailed look at Xanax addiction.

What Are The Possible Drug Interactions With Xanax Use

Xanax taken with certain other drugs that cause sleepiness or slow the breathing can produce side effects that are dangerous, and may even lead to death. For this reason, do not take Xanax when youre also prescribed medications for muscle relaxers, sleeping, narcotic pain relievers, prescription cough medicine, or medications you take for anxiety, depression, or seizures. While these other medications may have preceded Xanax prescribing, talk with your doctor about all the medications you currently take, so precautions can be taken to avoid possible drug interactions.

Other drugs that may interfere with alprazolam include antihistamines, antifungal medication, HIV/AIDS medications, and over-the-counter vitamins and herbal products, among others.

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How Is Xanax Abused

Most people take Xanax strictly as recommended by a health care provider and dont become addicted. However, using the drug against physician advice, including taking more of the drug than prescribed or more frequently, greatly increases the potential for addiction.

Xanax is especially dangerous when combined with depressant drugs like alcohol or opiates, which may lead to coma or death. Similarly, mixing Xanax with cocaine or other stimulants speeds up the heart rate and may result in heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.

Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Drug Use

You may have a Xanax addiction if you answer yes to two or more of the following questions.

• Have you ever taken a higher dose of the drug than your doctor prescribed?
• Have you wanted to reduce your usage, but realized you couldnt?
• If you run out of Xanax, do you find yourself obsessively worrying about how and where you will get more?
• Have you ever made bad decisions because you were using?
• Do you feel physically ill when you stop taking your medication?
• Do you spend a lot of time using or recovering from Xanax?
• Have you ever visited multiple doctors to try to get more drugs?
• Has your drug use ever caused problems in your relationships?
• When you are sober, do you experience cravings for your medication?
• Have you lost interest in things you used to enjoy?
• Does the drug make you feel depressed or worthless?

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Why Are Benzodiazepines So Addictive

Many drugs produce habit-forming and compulsive behavior overwhelming brain receptors by mimicking neurotransmitters or attaching themselves to dopamine transporters . Typically, these chemical interactions produce intense feelings of euphoria and other artificially manipulated feelings of happiness, hallucinations, or overall well-being.

Once the drug wears off though, the body has been depleted of naturally occurring receptors or neurotransmitters. Feelings of anxiety, anger, moodiness, obsessiveness, and depression overtake the person who is no longer using the drug. The party is over, and the pain is real.

Benzos, short for benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin alter brain chemistry in a fundamentally different manner. The difference is fundamental to understanding how benzo addiction works so that it can be treated better.

Helping Loved Ones With Prescription Drug Addictions

Prescription drug addiction can negatively affect your health. It can also put you at risk of a fatal overdose. Drug addiction can also put a strain on your finances and relationships.

Do you suspect that someone you love is misusing prescription medications? Its important for them to get professional help. Their doctor or mental health specialist might recommend counseling. They might also refer your loved one to an intensive rehabilitation program. In some cases, they might prescribe medications to help curb drug cravings or relieve symptoms of withdrawal.

If you suspect that someone you love has a prescription drug addiction, there are ways that you can help.

For more information on drug addiction, including potential treatment options, visit these websites:

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What Does Xanax Feel Like

Xanax works within minutes of entering the bloodstream and peaks within hours and results in a state of pleasure and euphoria. Many people who take Xanax recreationally, or without a prescription, describe the feeling as sedating or calming. Unlike drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamines that produce a high, Xanax users describe feeling more relaxed, quiet, and tired. Depending on the dosage, these feelings can even lead to a user falling asleep or passing out for a few hours.

Some people who use Xanax report memory loss or blacking out, a term known as xanning out, and not being able to remember what happened for several hours.

Xanax abuse can elicit pleasurable effects such as lightheadedness, a sense of unreality, a feeling of detachment, emotional numbness, and a greater sexual inclination.

People who use Xanax may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Engaging in risky behavior

Since Xanax is such a fast-acting drug, it is one of the most frequently abused drugs in the United States.

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.

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How To Help A Loved One Or Friend Get Xanax Addiction Treatment

If someone you knows Xanax use has gotten out of control there is a solution. Trust that help for Xanax addiction is out there and you can find a Xanax addiction treatment center with a long track record of treating Xanax addiction. Whether you or someone you know needs Xanax drug rehab, we encourage you to or live chat with one of our trained professionals!

At Beginnings Treatment Centers, we have an amazing track record of helping individuals and their families recover from Xanax abuse and all types of drug and alcohol addiction. Our will guide you through the entire recovery process and create a customized recovery plan for you based on your needs. You can start your recovery journey today by reaching out. All calls and live chats are confidential and we are here to help.

Now, lets discuss the different stages of Xanax addiction treatment.

Xanax Addiction Among Teens And Young Adults

Teen drug abuse is on the rise, but why are teens turning to harder drugs such as Xanax?

The plain and simple truth is that Xanax is a drug that is used to reduce anxiety, stress and fear, so that is the main reason adolescents seek the drug, because of the calming effects produced by it. These include euphoria, muscle relaxation, increased appetite and reduced inhibitions. These are perfect, quick fixes that students struggling with social anxiety and educational stress look for.

Along with these are a myriad of negative side effects associated with Xanax abuse, and these should be signs parents look out for if they suspect their child is abusing Xanax. These include short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, dizziness, and seizures.

Another reason that Xanax has quickly risen to the most abused prescription drug in the community of young people is that it is quite easily accessible compared to other drugs or even alcohol. Because Alprazolam has become so widely prescribed, it is that much more likely that a drug-seeking teenage addict could stumble across the pills in a parents medicine cabinet or friends room.

Lastly, Xanax may have become so popular with younger crowds because it can greatly exacerbate the effects of alcohol.

The power of this drug to magnify other drugs is not only extremely dangerous and misunderstood, but a common attribute that attracts users.

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