This phenomenon is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Effective treatment for Xanax addiction must address both the addiction and any underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. At 12 South Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, providing comprehensive care tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. If you are taking other medications or substances, it’s important to speak with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects or overdose.
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- It was found to be the second most common prescription drug to be responsible for emergency department visits for substance misuse.
- A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf.
- If you suspect someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, or any other substance overdose, call 911 immediately.
Detoxification, or detox, is the process of allowing a substance to leave the body while treating and mitigating any withdrawal symptoms. Although some people can take benzodiazepines without complications, some individuals may develop dependence, and others may misuse the medication. Xanax is a prescription medication that treats conditions such as anxiety and panic disorder. The generic version, alprazolam, is the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States. A psychotropic is a medication that affects how the brain functions. It’s essential to recognize that Xanax addiction often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Xanax Detoxification
Someone who is abusing Xanax will usually exhibit certain warning signs that they are misusing it or going through withdrawal. Therapeutic techniques, such as music and arts therapy, and wellness-focused support groups, are beneficial in combatting the psychological impact of an addiction to Xanax. In addition, the physical part of addiction requires medical detox.
Xanax Effects And Abuse
This is another reason why it is often not recommended due to the drug’s highly addictive nature. The medication can sometimes be prescribed for phobias, such as agoraphobia. In this case, it will help the client to be calmer when attempting to step outside their comfort zone. It has quickly become one of the most popular answers to anxiety and its related disorders because of how quickly it takes effect. Side effects of Xanax may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, excessive sleepiness, and others.
What to know about Xanax addiction treatment
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal typically appear within 8 to 12 hours of your last dose. If you fail to taper your dose, your withdrawal symptoms will grow increasingly intense. Withdrawal is generally at its worst on the second day, and improves by the fourth or fifth day; however, acute symptoms can last significantly longer. Even if you only take Xanax for a period of several days, you may develop a physical dependence on the drug.
Warnings About Xanax Withdrawal
The following are some of the most common warning signs of Xanax misuse. As many as 44 percent of chronic benzodiazepine users ultimately become dependent on their drug of choice, the Journal of Addictive Behaviors notes. Addiction is often due to psychological factors that influence individuals to keep using.
Fear of Withdrawal
Xanax works by suppressing the inhibitory receptor, which causes excitability in the brain related to anxiety. For this reason, doctors traditionally prescribe other medications for long-term treatment when available. The physical xanax addiction symptoms alone are enough to make you wish you’d never heard of the drug. As your body screams for the drug it’s become dependent on, you might experience everything from heart palpitations to seizures in severe cases.
- What is important is the patient gets help getting off alprazolam, no matter the rehab used.
- From medically supervised detox to ongoing therapy and support, professional guidance can make the difference between success and relapse.
- Xanax addiction symptoms may not be easy to see right away, as the person slowly becomes more and more dependent on the drug to manage, but it becomes easier to see with some education.
- Therapeutic techniques, such as music and arts therapy, and wellness-focused support groups, are beneficial in combatting the psychological impact of an addiction to Xanax.
Side Effects of Xanax
It is widely known for producing memory loss and drunken behaviors. Oftentimes, due to reduced inhibition, Xanax intoxication can mimic alcohol intoxication. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Last?
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- When a person tries to quit Xanax addiction, the withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with and a substantial hurdle in quitting.
- There’s a whole arsenal of medications that can be used to ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Start by visiting a primary care doctor or urgent care center and tell them that you are in or are planning to be in benzodiazepine withdrawal.
- Some 20 percent of Americans suffer from anxiety, Everyday Health reports.
While Xanax can be highly effective in managing anxiety symptoms when used as prescribed, misuse or prolonged use can lead to dependence and addiction. Dependency is more likely to occur if a person is abusing large amounts of Xanax or using it too frequently. Even prescription users who adhere to a recommended dosing schedule can end up addicted https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to Xanax though. Poly-drug abusers are far more likely to grow dependent since the other substances they abuse often intensify the effects of benzos like Xanax. For instance, alcohol is commonly abused alongside Xanax and can significantly increase the chance of injury or death, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence states.