Defining Xanax
Xanax is considered a benzodiazepine, which is a drug that enhances the effect of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, which lowers feelings of anxiety by producing calming and sedating effects. Doctors often prescribe this medication to individuals suffering from panic attacks, agitation, seizures, mania, muscle spasms, withdrawal from alcohol, and insomnia. Unfortunately, Xanax can become highly addicting after taking them every day for six weeks.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
There are signs to look out for if you have a loved one who is taking Xanax to treat any of the issues mentioned above. After weeks of taking the medication, they may feel the need to increase their dosage on their own without consulting with their doctor. They may also develop a high tolerance that requires them to take higher doses in order to feel the same calming effects. They may even attempt to get more Xanax without a prescription. Some individuals may want to stop taking the medication but feel uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, inability to sleep, mood swings, blurred vision, vomiting, heart palpitations, muscle pain, nausea, and intense sweating.
Why Do Users Abuse Xanax?
Individuals suffering from specific issues may like how quickly Xanax kicks in, which could be as fast as 25 minutes. However, because the effects disappear after a few hours, individuals may feel the need to take more Xanax even if it does go against their prescription instructions. Taking more Xanax builds tolerance, and after a while, the body will depend on the medication and experience withdrawal symptoms without it.
Some individuals who technically don’t need a prescription for Xanax take it to quickly experience the intense euphoric feelings of relaxation and tranquility.
Because of the high potential for individuals to abuse the drug, it’s better if doctors only prescribe the medication for four weeks, which is an appropriate time frame to feel the benefits of the medication while decreasing the chances of codependency. Even if doctors plan to keep patients on a long-term Xanax plan, they should stagger the treatment with intermittent states that allow tapering off, instead of having the patient take the prescription nonstop.
Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction
Treating Xanax addiction requires addressing the physical codependency and the mental craving of the drug. To do so, individuals are weaned off of the drug during medical detox. This allows the individual to slowly come off of the drug with as little discomfort as possible. Once the physical need for Xanax has been cleared out of the system, individuals have to address the mental damage caused by the addiction, which is done with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
There are also alternative treatment options available for those who feel their loved one is abusing Xanax and needs professional help.
Alternative Treatment Centers in Tennessee
At Discovery Place, we have the resources and experience necessary to help those seeking help with addiction. We are an alternative treatment center located in Burns, Tennessee with several options available for those in need. Some of our alternative treatment plans include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information about our services, please call to set up a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.
