Xanax is the brand name for the drug alprazolam, a type of benzodiazepine. It gets prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks, with symptoms including reduced anxiety, relaxation, and sedation. Unfortunately, many people – even those who have been prescribed Xanax by a doctor – can easily become addicted to this depressant.
The reason Xanax is addictive is due to its ability to boost dopamine levels, a chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure. When this happens, the brain’s reward system gets triggered, which influences a person into taking Xanax again and again to experience the same effects. Over time, a higher tolerance builds, and the person needs to take even more of the drug, so they may seek out stronger Xanax pills.
Eventually, this becomes a physical dependence, where a person experiences unpleasant physical symptoms if they discontinue using Xanax. At this stage, Xanax addiction treatment in a medical setting with proper medical supervision is often necessary to help the individual get clean.
The Signs of Xanax Addiction
Knowing the signs of a Xanax addiction is important, as early intervention is key to recovery. If you or someone you know shows any of the following signs, Xanax addiction treatment may be necessary.
Doctor Shopping for Xanax
Secretive Behavior
Borrowing or Stealing Xanax from Others
Wanting to Stop Taking Xanax but Being Unable to
Craving Xanax
Withdrawal Socially (for example, not engaging in hobbies or interests)
Having a High Tolerance for Xanax
Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms After Stopping Xanax
Showing Physical Signs of Xanax Use (such as slurred speech, impaired motor skills, and memory issues)
Who Is More at Risk of Xanax Addiction?
Some individuals have a higher chance of experiencing Xanax addiction compared to others. Here are some of the risk factors:
Having a Mental Health Disorder
A History of Substance Abuse
A History of Addiction in the Family
Access to Xanax
A Lack of a Support System
High Levels of Stress
Keep in mind that anyone, no matter their circumstances, can develop a Xanax addiction.
The Dangers of Xanax Abuse
There is no denying that Xanax abuse is dangerous. Here are some ways it can affect you.
Worsening Mental Health: Abusing Xanax can lead to worsened mental health. Ironically, despite being typically prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, it can actually worsen anxiety over time. It can also increase a person’s risk of suicide, hallucinations, and psychosis.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Suddenly stopping taking Xanax can have negative consequences due to withdrawals, which we’ll go into deeper a little further down.
Cognitive Impairment: Long-term use of Xanax can cause cognitive impairment problems, such as memory loss and difficulties with concentration.
Risk of Accidents: The physical side effects of Xanax increase a person’s chances of getting into an accident and injuring themselves. For example, by falling.
Overdose: The most dangerous aspect of Xanax abuse is the chance of overdose, which can cause respiratory depression, leading to brain damage, coma, and death. The signs of a Xanax overdose include extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, slow heart rate, slurred speech, blueish skin or lips, and loss of consciousness. If you spot any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
After taking a medication like Xanax for a long time, you develop a physical and chemical dependence. At this stage, a Xanax detox is necessary, which brings with it withdrawal symptoms. These include:
Increased Anxiety
Difficulty Sleeping
Agitation
Panic Attacks
Shaking
Headaches
Muscle Pains
Vomiting
Heart Palpitations
Sweating
In some cases, more severe withdrawal symptoms occur, such as seizures, hallucinations, and psychosis. If these happen, it’s always best to be in a Xanax addiction treatment facility where experienced professionals can provide medical supervision and manage withdrawal symptoms.
