Many prescription drugs have become widely used for recreational purposes as opposed to medicinal ones. One of the most commonly abused prescription drugs on the market is Xanax. If you struggle with Xanax dependency, the right Xanax prescription addiction treatment program can help you get your life back on track.
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax, a brand name for alprazolam, is a powerful, highly addictive benzodiazepine and has been a commonly prescribed psychiatric prescription medicine used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.
In addition to its sedative effects, Xanax is commonly abused due to the dopamine release that occurs upon taking the drug. This drug suppresses the central nervous system to relieve anxiety and provide muscle relief. As a result, Xanax slows reaction time and alertness when taken in large doses.
The effects of Xanax typically begin within the first hour of taking it and last up to 6 hours. It has a sedative, calming effect, and because of its short and effective effects, it can become highly addictive very quickly.
What are the Dangers of Taking Xanax?
Due to the short half-life and powerful effects, Xanax is easily abused without it being realized. Once the drug wears off, someone in pain or with a severe anxiety disorder may start to feel their symptoms again.
As a result, their tolerance increases every time they take another pill. With an increase in tolerance, many need a higher dose to relieve their illness.
Many teenagers who struggle with Xanax addiction have found the drug at home in the medicine cabinet.[1] With this drug available through family or friends, the number of emergency room visits due to recreational use of the drug has escalated dramatically from 2015 to 2010, increasing from 57,419 cases to 124,902.[1]
Signs of Xanax Addiction
Are you feeling like you can’t function in your day-to-day life without taking Xanax? Are you constantly thinking about getting more of the drug to remain at your desired high? You may be experiencing Xanax addiction, and seeking Xanax prescription addiction treatment can help you take control of your life again.
Xanax addiction can alter your daily life and includes physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms such as:[2]
- Higher tolerance and requiring higher doses to feel its effects
- Mood disorders such as depression or manic-type episodes
- Inability to concentrate and learn
- Constantly thinking about and having strong cravings for the drug
- Physical withdrawal symptoms include increased heart rate, night sweats, and nausea.
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination and speech
- Strained personal relationships with loved ones and friends
- Financial issues due to excessive spending on the drug
Xanax and the Body – Withdrawals
Whether you’ve been battling with Xanax addiction for weeks or for years, there are withdrawal symptoms to be aware of. These symptoms can be dangerous if not treated properly and have long-term effects on the body and the mind.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin setting in within hours after the last dose wears off and typically peak within 1-4 days. Some withdrawal symptoms that can be felt when coming off Xanax are as follows:[3]
- Head and eye issues such as headaches, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light and sound
- Muscle pain, numbness in the fingers, and sweating
- Tremors and Seizures
- Diarrhea and Loss of appetite
- Mental disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, panic, and paranoia
- Heart palpitations
Get Help for Xanax Prescription Addiction Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms can be treated, and your addiction can be overcome! Clear Life Recovery offers comprehensive, personalized services in our prescription drug addiction treatment program. Contact our team today by calling 866-256-3230 and see how we can help you get back to living a healthy, happy life!
Sources:
[1] https://discoverymood.com/blog/facts-stats-behind-xanax/
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/benzo-withdrawal
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
