Xanax Addiction Symptoms, Withdrawal & Treatment

As stated by the scientific piece ‘A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal’, N. Ait-Daoud, A. Hamby, S. Sharma, D. Blevins, published by The US. National Library of Medicine (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), “Alprazolam is one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Its clinical use has been a point of contention as most addiction specialists consider it to be highly addictive, given its unique psychodynamic properties which limit its clinical usefulness, whereas many primary care physicians continue to prescribe it for longer periods than recommended”. [2]

Understanding Xanax Addiction

Xanax comes as an oral medication in tablet or. The dosage is based on a patient’s medical condition, age, and response to treatment. A course of Xanax pill should not last longer than one or two weeks, but sometimes it is prescribed on an “as-needed” basis for panic attacks.

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. Therefore, a course of Xanax should be as short as possible with treatment response closely monitored by the doctor.

For those who have used Xanax for longer than approximately 3-4 weeks, their doctor may create a taper schedule. During a taper, a person gradually reduces their daily dose. Tapers are an effective way to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Because of Xanax’s abuse potential, it is often sold and used illegally. According to the 2015–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 12.5% of adults in the U.S have used benzodiazepines, whether legally or not. About 2.1% of adults abused benzodiazepines during that same period.

Many people take Xanax with a doctor’s prescription, but the most common way to take the drug recreationally is by obtaining the drug from someone who has a prescription. Possessing or using a controlled medication without a prescription is a federal crime; it is also illegal to resell the medication, but many people, especially teens and young adults, do not realize the dangers of abusing prescription drugs. [1]

Xanax Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Tolerance to Xanax develops quickly, requiring the user to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Someone with a Xanax addiction may take up to 20 or 30 pills per day. If the user decides to stop taking Xanax, they may experience withdrawal effects such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and tremors. The onset of withdrawal symptoms is a sign that a physical dependence has developed. The development of tolerance and withdrawal are indications of addiction. [3] www.addictioncenter.com

Knowing how to recognize Xanax Addiction’s 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 person’s mood, behavior, and physical characteristics.

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. [1]

Dependence and Addiction

As stated by the piece ‘How to Recognize and Treat Xanax Addiction’, published by Healthline.com, dependence, and addiction are not the same. Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug, dependence may also come tolerance, which is when you need more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect. You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you abruptly stop taking the drug.

When you have an addiction, you continue to use a drug regardless of any negative consequences. Physical dependence can occur with or without an addiction to the drug; however, it is a common feature of addiction. [4]

Xanax Side Effects

• Drowsiness.
• Tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Memory problems.
• Poor balance or coordination.
• Slurred speech.
• Trouble concentrating.

Signs of a Xanax Addiction

Regardless of the substance that has been used, there are some common warning signs of addiction you can consider at the moment of asking yourself if you may have an addiction or not. 

• There’s an urge or craving to use that’s so intense it’s difficult to focus on anything else.
• Needing to use more of the drug to achieve the same “high” (tolerance).
• Taking more and more of the drug or taking the drug for longer periods of time than intended.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining the drug, using it, and recovering from its effects.
• Continuing to use even though use affects your ability to fulfill duties at work, school, or home.
• Continuing to use despite it causing social or interpersonal problems.
• Giving up important activities or hobbies to use.
• Using recurrently in harm-promoting situations.
• Continuing to use despite it causing physical or psychological problems.
• Lacking the ability to stop using the drug without the assistance of professional intervention.
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal once you stop using the drug.

Xanax Withdrawal 

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be more severe than that of other benzodiazepines. Mild symptoms of withdrawal can occur after taking the drug for as little as 1 week if stopped abruptly. Xanax is safe when taken as prescribed.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can include:

Detoxification (detox) is a process aimed at helping you safely stop taking Xanax while minimizing and managing your withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done in a hospital or rehabilitation facility under medical supervision.

In many cases, Xanax use is discontinued over time. It may be swapped for another longer-acting benzodiazepine. In both cases, you take less and less of the drug until it’s out of your system. This process is called tapering and can take up to 6 weeks.

In some cases, it can take longer. Your doctor might also prescribe other medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. [4]

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of therapy for benzodiazepine addiction. CBT addresses the learning processes underlying substance use disorders. It involves working with a therapist to develop a set of healthy coping strategies.

Research has shown that when used alongside tapering, CBT is effective in reducing benzodiazepine use over a 3-month period.

Other common behavioral therapies include:

Medication

The detox period for Xanax may be longer than the detox period for other drugs. This is because the drug dose has to be tapered slowly over time. As a result, detox often overlaps with other forms of treatment. Once you’ve stopped taking Xanax or other benzodiazepines, there’s no additional medication to take. You might be prescribed other medication to treat depression, anxiety, or a sleep disorder. [4]

Reclaim your life from Xanax Addiction, Drug Addiction Treatment Centers in California

Xanax Addiction is a condition that can cause major health, social, and economic problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up Treatment Center can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from Xanax Addiction with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.