What is Xanax?
Xanax is a prescription drug that is classified as a benzodiazepine. Xanax is also provided under the generic name alprazolam. Doctors will prescribe Xanax for patients that are experiencing the impacts of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, and insomnia. Xanax is considered to be a schedule IV drug meaning that it has medical purposes and has the potential to become addictive when misused. This benzodiazepine is taken orally within a pill or tablet that ranges in doses depending on your prescription that is provided by your physician depending on your history with Xanax use and the severity of your symptoms from your co-occurring disorder.
Xanax Effects
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that works to increase the levels of GABA which is a neurotransmitter within the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for promoting feelings of calmness and increases the feelings of relaxation within the body and mind. The increased levels of GABA help reduce any feelings of adrenaline causing excitement or alertness. As you take Xanax, individuals will have a decreased level of excitement or energy allowing you to maintain feelings of anxiety or panic.
Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Xanax is a unique prescription drug as it can create physical dependency within its users quickly. As you continue to develop a dependency on Xanax, the need to take more to reach the same desired effects progresses. If you are concerned about your use of Xanax or a loved one’s use of Xanax and are worried it has progressed into a drug addiction, the following are signs and indicators of a Xanax addiction:
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Inability to stop your use of Xanax even after expressing a desire to do so
- Poor or decrease in motor coordination
- Engaging in high-risk behavior while taking Xanax
- Going “doctor shopping” to gain more prescriptions for Xanax
- Asking others for or stealing others’ prescriptions for Xanax
- The majority of your time is consumed by planning for, engaging in, and thinking about using Xanax
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop using Xanax
- Continuing to use Xanax even after experiencing relationship concerns or personal difficulties due to your drug abuse
Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Xanax abuse leads to strong physical dependency among its users. Due to the impacts that Xanax abuse has on your brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, when you attempt to stop your use of Xanax, your body and brain will attempt to restore functioning without the presence of Xanax in your central nervous system. This can lead to the onset of withdrawal symptoms including the following:
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Experiencing discomfort
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular sensations
- Feeling detached from your body
- Sweating
- Hyperventilation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Psychosis
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax abuse leads to strong physical dependency among its users. Due to the impacts that Xanax abuse has on your brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, when you attempt to stop your use of Xanax, your body and brain will attempt to restore functioning without the presence of Xanax in your central nervous system. This can lead to the onset of withdrawal symptoms including the following:
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Experiencing discomfort
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular sensations
- Feeling detached from your body
- Sweating
- Hyperventilation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Psychosis
Long Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse
Due to Xanax being a central nervous system depressant, long-term Xanax abuse can have significant impacts on your body functioning and emotional and mental health well-being. There is hope to restore these long-term side effects by ending your abuse of Xanax while receiving effective medical and behavioral health treatment and care. Potential long-term side effects of Xanax abuse are:
- Reduced or abnormal heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Tachycardia is also known as having a rapid heart rate
- Cognitive impairment
- Long-term memory complications
- Increased liver enzymes
- Liver inflammation
- Liver damage especially if Xanax is abused alongside alcohol abuse
Xanax Addiction Treatment
There is hope to overcome your Xanax addiction. At TruPath, we empower our patients to see the bright future they have ahead in addiction recovery. With the support of our personalized treatment plans, you will be able to gain perspective on what has been fueling your drug addiction all along through evidence-based therapy methods to heal from your past addiction and lay a new foundation in your life that fosters sober living. Through our comprehensive treatment plans, you will develop the coping skills and tools to manage any co-occurring disorders and create relapse prevention techniques that will ensure long-lasting success in addiction recovery. Call us today, we are waiting for your call to help set you on the right track to begin your journey toward a life free of alcohol and drug abuse. Your future in addiction recovery is nearer than you think.