Xanax Addiction 101 How and Why People Become Addicted

Alprazolam, which is available under the brand name Xanax, is a form of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative, meaning that they help slow down brain and bodily functions. Sometimes people will taper off their dose of alprazolam gradually by dissolving a Xanax tablet in a large glass of water. Each day, they use less and less of the tablet until they aren’t using it at all.

In May 2017, around 20 teenagers in Wiltshire needed medical treatment after taking Xanax, apparently for recreation. A spate of Xanax-related hospitalisations over Christmas led Lewes police in East Sussex to warn people  about the dangers of taking Xanax and other similar drugs. Abuse and addiction of Xanax are different things, however, and these symptoms are likely to be more commonly present in a person who sustains long-term abuse (ie addiction) of Xanax. You may also recognize something is wrong by changes in a person’s behavior, mood, appearance, or performance at school or work. These changes can be attributed to other factors, not just Xanax addiction.

It’s Easy to Become Addicted to Xanax

However, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, the consequences to the body may persist, potentially with lasting effects. For example, pulmonary aspiration during a lethargic state can lead to aspiration pneumonia or permanent lung damage. Addiction is https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/xanax-addiction-signs-symptoms-and-treatment/ now classified as a substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Edition 5 (DSM-5). Benzodiazepine use can be apparent if someone appears intoxicated or there is drug-seeking behavior, but the problem can also be well concealed.

Finally, Xanax is very risky because it is often mixed with other drugs. This practice is extremely dangerous since Xanax can increase the intoxication of other substances. Research from 2018 notes that experts consider Xanax withdrawal symptoms more severe than those of other benzodiazepines. Keep reading to learn more about Xanax addiction, how people can treat it, and how to reduce the risk of misusing the medication again in the future.

Treatment Programs

Most chronic abusers of Xanax claim that the drug is their only way to calm down after a stressful day, reduce anxiety, or get a proper night’s sleep. Yet taken in high doses or when consumed with other substances, such as alcohol, the consequences can be catastrophic. When too many tablets are consumed at once, the body can become overwhelmed.

It’s essential to understand the reasons behind your addiction so you can learn about yourself and how to build healthy habits that don’t rely on substance use. Since women and older patients tend to receive Xanax prescriptions more often than men and younger patients, these groups are more likely to develop addictions. Women are especially vulnerable to a “heightened fear response,” making them more likely to develop anxiety and stress disorders than men.

Xanax and Addiction to Benzodiazepines

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. We believe in providing our clients with an environment which addresses each individual’s unique physical, emotional, and social needs, while adapting to their changes as they happen. Each person at BRBH has their own limits and goals, which are carefully prepared for and tailored around during their care. A common question asked by recreational Xanax users is, “can you overdose on Xanax? Xanax abuse can elicit pleasurable effects such as lightheadedness, a sense of unreality, a feeling of detachment, emotional numbness, and a greater sexual inclination.

No matter what stage you’re in, it is possible to start the road to long-term sobriety. Learning more about this drug, and addiction can be a key step toward recovery. 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. In particular, people addicted to Xanax may struggle with chronic drowsiness. Benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax bind to receptor cells in the brain which manage a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Effects of Xanax Addiction

By attending support groups and individual therapy sessions, you can face a smoother and easier recovery process to eliminate drugs from your life. Researchers continue to study how behavioral biomarkers can predict addiction vulnerability and the parts of the brain responsible for this link. Of course, Xanax misuse isn’t limited to those with prescriptions. College students and teens are at a higher risk of Xanax addiction, with rates peaking in recent years. If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, there is help available. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the addiction, but there are options out there that can help.