Xanax Addiction

Xanax Addiction Statistics

Xanax is commonly used in combination with alcohol or other pills—particularly opiates—to get a better high. Heroin users regularly consume Xanax, as do methadone users. In addition, approximately 40 percent of alcoholics regularly abuse Xanax. Alcohol is particularly dangerous when mixed with Xanax because they are both depressants, which can lead to an overdose and respiratory failure.

• Emergency room visits due to the recreational abuse of Xanax more than doubled from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 in 2010.
• In 2013, 50 million prescriptions were written for alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax), up from 38 million written in 2006.
• Prescription rates for Xanax have been climbing at a 9 percent rate since 2008.

Causes of Xanax Addiction

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 for its ability to slow down the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for excitement, Xanax acts on both the central nervous system and the brain. In short, this chemical reaction is why people may abuse Xanax.

Xanax is prescribed to treat certain mental health conditions including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder.¹ Xanax works on both the central nervous system and the brain, leading to a calming sensation. Xanax usually works quite rapidly once ingested. Because of its calming effects on the brain and body, Xanax is used to treat other issues as well, such as sleep problems and those withdrawing from alcohol.

The sedative effects of Xanax make it highly desirable, as many people find that the tranquil effects of the drug help combat stress. While more research is needed, addiction specialists believe that Xanax has a high probability of misuse or “misuse liability.” Since it is extremely addictive, tolerance and dependence can develop quickly and withdrawal from the drug can be more severe than any other benzodiazepine.

Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction

If you notice a change in yourself or someone you love in one or more of the areas listed above, you or your loved one may be experiencing Xanax addiction. Identifying that there is a problem and recognizing addiction is the first step in the process of recovery. Knowing where to turn for help can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for or needing help but are unsure where to start? If you answered yes to that question and you identify at least one symptom of Xanax addiction in yourself or someone you love, you may want to consider treatment for Xanax addiction.

Xanax abuse symptoms can be physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, or some combination of the four. Specific Xanax abuse symptoms include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
• Social withdrawal and isolation from family and friends.
• Poor performance at school/work such as dropping out or loss of employment.
• An increase in aggression and violence.
• Change in sleep habits including sleeping more or less than normal.
• Mood changes such as an increase in irritability, anger, depression, and anxiety.
• Change in appearance including significant weight loss or weight gain.
• It is important to be aware of these signs and symptoms in yourself and your loved ones. Xanax abuse in older populations can result in an overdose. It has also been shown to lead to falls, dementia, and cognitive decline.

It is important to know that specific behavioral changes occur in addiction. These behaviors can be drastic and difficult to see in loved ones. They can include:

• Use of Xanax in large quantities.
• Use of Xanax without a prescription.
• Lying about Xanax use.
• Forgoing responsibilities.
• New financial troubles.
• Lost interest in previously loved hobbies.
• Strained relationships with friends and family.

Effects of Xanax Addiction

The physical symptoms of Xanax addiction can vary. Depending on several factors, physical symptoms of Xanax addiction can also include:

• Headache
• Shortness of breath.
• Seizures
• Poor coordination.
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Muscle pain.
• Weight loss or weight gain.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Due to the potential severity of Xanax withdrawal symptoms, it is important that you not stop taking Xanax cold turkey. To avoid any unnecessary trips to the emergency room, it is highly recommended that you cease use under the direction of a doctor or addiction specialist. In most cases, they will outline a treatment plan that consists of slowly tapering or reducing your Xanax intake. In other cases, medical detox may be recommended for you.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can also be an indicator that addiction has developed. Studies have shown that Xanax withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Seizures.
• Diarrhea.
• Panic.
• An increase in overall anxiety.
• Heart palpitations.
• Nightmares.
• Blurred vision.
• Seizures.
• Tremors.
• Suicidal ideations.
• Nightmares and other sleep disturbances.

Medically supervised detoxification helps manage the safety concerns associated with Xanax withdrawal and also takes into account any pre-existing health conditions.

The process of breaking free from a Xanax addiction is best managed within a treatment center.

Many inpatient rehabs offer medically assisted detox to help with the withdrawal process.

Residential inpatient programs provide important therapeutic treatments to ensure a successful recovery.

If inpatient rehab is not an option due to outside responsibilities or time restraints, a quality outpatient program may be an alternative for those with mild Xanax addictions. Finding an outpatient program with medically supervised detox will make the withdrawal process safer and more bearable. After detox, the Xanax user will attend counseling and support groups on an outpatient basis.

Aftercare for a Xanax addiction is very important because it provides the support and ongoing counseling a person early in recovery will need to help prevent relapse. Ongoing services may include group therapy, individual therapy and a 12-step program.

Inpatient rehab is one of the most effective treatment options for Xanax addiction. These programs provide the highest level of care, support and structure. Many treatment centers also offer detox services, allowing patients to go through withdrawal from Xanax in a safe, medically supervised environment.

Most residential treatment programs last from 28 days to several months. The length of the program will depend on the severity of the addiction and whether there are any co-occurring mental health disorders.

Xanax withdrawal is best managed by tapering down use. This involves gradually reducing the patient’s dosage of the drug over a period of weeks. During this time, the body adapts to having less of the drug, which prevents serious withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, the psychological aspects of Xanax addiction are targeted in one-on-one therapy sessions. These sessions can help change the user’s response to certain stimuli that trigger their drug use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one therapy that has proven very effective at treating most behaviors of addiction.

Inpatient therapy offers many different treatment therapies and options, including:

• Group counseling
• Individual counseling
• 12-step programs
• Art, music and equine therapy
• Yoga and meditation
• Neurofeedback
• Biofeedback

For a newly recovering Xanax addict, relapse prevention should be a huge part of their ongoing treatment program. Breaking old habits and solidifying new behaviors learned in therapy doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time. Knowing how to prevent relapse can help with maintaining sobriety until those newly learned behaviors become a way of life.

Some tips for avoiding relapse include:

• Know your triggers -- During treatment, the user will identify the specific triggers—people, places or things—that caused their Xanax use to escalate. Learning to avoid and/or manage them is extremely important when it comes to preventing relapse.
• Reduce stress -- Stress can often be a trigger for Xanax use, so learning stress reduction and coping techniques can help a person in recovery avoid relapse. Ways to reduce stress include exercise, deep breathing and meditation.
• Have a support system -- Twelve-step programs provide fellowship with others who are committed to long-term sobriety from Xanax addiction. Being accountable to the group or a sponsor is a powerful motivator to remain sober.
• Avoid people who encourage drug use -- It’s important for recovering Xanax users to be surrounded by people who support and encourage their sobriety. While it’s hard to say goodbye to old friends, recovery has to become a priority—which may mean cutting loose bad influences.
• Get healthy -- Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and learning how to manage stress provides a foundation for a healthier mind and body. The stronger a person feels—both mentally and physically—the less likely he or she will feel the need to turn to Xanax on bad days.
• Keep busy -- In recovery, boredom is not your friend. Stay busy by finding a new hobby or reclaiming an old passion. Art, music, blogging, hiking and reading can all help occupy the mind and give a sense of purpose and meaning.
• Stay away from people, places and things that trigger you.
• Attend meetings, get a good sponsor and give it 100 percent. Don’t get overconfident and be patient—it doesn’t happen overnight.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Xanax addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.