Signs of Xanax addiction can be blatantly obvious or they can manifest in ways that are hard to see. Taking this drug as it is prescribed can still lead to a physical dependence leading to addictive behaviors. Understanding the risks and the signs that you or a loved one may have an addiction to Xanax can be beneficial to recovering from the dependence on this drug.
What is Xanax?
Also known as Alprazolam, Xanax is a prescription drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family. These drugs are used to treat many physical and mental health concerns, mainly panic disorders and anxiety. It helps to slow brain activity and essentially sedate the overactivity creating a peaceful feeling in the person taking it. This helps to calm the feeling of panic and anxiousness in those with these disorders.
Xanax can lead to a physical dependence even when taken as prescribed, this is why it is meant to be taken for short periods of time. This is also why you should not stop taking this medication without medical supervision. The body becomes dependent on this drug after a period of time and can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Effects of Xanax
Those who take this drug can present with slurred speech, drowsiness, dizziness and headaches among other visible symptoms. Heightened exhibition of these things can be signs of Xanax addiction. While Xanax also helps to ease the mind from feeling anxious and panicky, the brain also is affected by this drug. Taking Xanax can change the way the brain produces natural chemicals, making it so that in order to function properly, the drug must be taken regularly.
Warning Signs of Xanax Addiction
When it comes to signs of Xanax addiction, there could be many different ways the warning signs show. Some of the more obvious signs include things like stealing, or lying. Other more subtle signs can be harder to spot. It may seem like the user is having a rough patch and the tough time is affecting their day to day life. The reality is, the drug has taken over their everyday life and they are struggling without it, and sometimes even with it.
Lying About Usage
When a person is addicted to drugs, including Xanax, they tend to downplay the reality of their usage. The reality is they’re probably using way more than they let on. Lying about this helps to keep the illusion that the drug isn’t interfering with their daily life when it is obvious to those around them that something has changed. Lying about their usage also helps to create a space to continue the self destructive behavior without having outside influences preventing it. The denial of the reality of their addiction helps the addict to stay in a safe mindset where it is okay to keep using.
Behavior and Personality Changes
Behavior change is another sign of Xanax addiction. When a person becomes addicted to Xanax, and is trying to hide this fact from those around them, the pressure to maintain that perfect exterior can cause changes internally in which the person themself is affected negatively. They may have random outbursts of anger, or frustration. They may also experience personality changes and go from being this outgoing caring person to a state of isolation and almost seem lost.
Reckless and Risky Behavior
Being that Xanax slows the brain’s activity, it can lead to lowered inhibitions. Signs of Xanax addiction can include reckless and risky behaviors like stealing, driving while under the influence of the drug, or even physical altercations. This can be a dangerous effect of this drug and addiction to it.
Changes in Interpersonal Relationships
Addiction to Xanax and other drugs cause the users to become isolated from friends and family. This is a coping mechanism. It can keep them in a place where they continue to use without influences trying to stop them. Holding onto the illusion that Xanax is helping them, the addicted person will withdraw from close family and friends and sometimes even seem to disappear completely from the face of the earth.
Loss of Interest
Withdrawing from usually enjoyed activities and hobbies can be another sign of Xanax addiction. The Xanax addict can seem disinterested in things that previously brought joy into their life. All of their energy and happiness is focused around Xanax and using it. Some may even give up their dream career because their addiction has taken over so deeply that working their once enjoyable job has become too much for them to handle. This is a low point of the addict and they may need to seek professional help.
Find Help for Xanax Addiction in Knoxville, TN
Ending Xanax addiction is no mean feat. It can be a dangerous undertaking that can lead to fatal results. Here at Discovery Place, we provide a safe environment to remove the drug and live life without it. Our team of professionals can help guide you to living a happy and free life. Contact us today and begin your journey to recovery from Xanax addiction.
