Xanax Addiction & Treatment

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of the prescription medication Alprazolam. It is a benzodiazepine sedative drug that usually comes in tablet form to be swallowed or in disintegrating tablets to be placed into the mouth under the tongue.

This medication was formulated to treat anxiety and is prescribed to people who have disorders including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder and stress disorders
• Depression
• Agoraphobia
• Insomnia
• Seizure disorders

It should not be used as a substitute for professional behavioral health care and therapy.

Xanax Effects

This medication is a sedative drug that alleviates uncomfortable stress, anxiety, and panic, producing a quiet stillness in the body and relaxing muscle tension. It does not create a “high” or euphoria. These effects of Xanax can cause you to fall asleep, and taking a high dose can cause you to black out entirely. Other common side effects are:

• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Sleep problems
• Dangerous results of taking too much Xanax include:
• Respiratory depression
• Blurred vision
• Dependency on Xanax or Xanax addiction
• Xanax overdose

Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Some signs of addiction and Xanax abuse may include:

• Being unable to quit taking Xanax even when you really want to
• Having intense cravings or urges to use Xanax, even when you don’t need it
• Spending a lot of time obtaining more Xanax, using it, and recovering from it
• Seeing multiple doctors and going to several pharmacies to fill your prescription
• Feeling like you need to take more to get the same effect (have built up a tolerance)
• Experiencing Xanax withdrawal symptoms after you have stopped taking the medication

If these symptoms of Xanax addiction and abuse sound familiar, it may be time to look into addiction treatment options that offer substance abuse and mental health treatments in an integrated program.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms from Xanax (Alprazolam) include:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate and palpitations
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Headaches/body aches
• Anxiety/paranoia
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Numbness and tingling
• Aggression and irritability

In a slow taper, detoxing from Xanax should be done in a professional medical setting, as hallucinations, seizures, and other dangerous side effects may occur if you quit “cold turkey.” The temptation to relapse may also feel impossible to overcome if you have stopped taking Xanax on your own.

Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse

The long-term Xanax side effects include:

• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight and appetite changes
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
• Poor coordination
• Decreased inhibitions
• Hallucinations
• Mania
• Violent or aggressive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts and actions
• Seizures
• Benzodiazepine addiction (drug addiction)

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Along with treating alcohol withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms that occur when you quit prescription opioids, an inpatient treatment plan that includes a medical detox program for Xanax withdrawal and detox can be an effective way to get through the most challenging moments of your substance abuse treatment without suffering. Some patients will move into an outpatient treatment program directly after drug detox or after their inpatient rehab is complete, accessing different types of treatment while living at home and returning to their everyday lives.

Many people suffering from Xanax addiction and abuse may also require a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan. This process involves a slow, long-term tapering-off of benzodiazepine use to help prevent severe Xanax withdrawal, combined with behavioral therapy and other addiction resources.

At Quantum’s outpatient treatment center for substance use disorders, we offer individual therapy, family therapy with loved ones and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. We also have holistic treatments like yoga, art therapy, and meditation and offer medication-assisted treatment support.

We have dual diagnosis treatment for people suffering from an anxiety disorder or panic and other mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, eating disorder, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, and more, integrating mental health care into every aspect of the addiction treatment program.

Levels of care offered at Quantum include several outpatient programs, including our intensive outpatient program, our partial care program, and our flexible outpatient rehab. We have strong connections to trusted detox and rehab facilities, ensuring you get the level of care you need inside or outside the addiction center.

Contact our team today to learn more about your sober living options, alcohol rehab, and drug addiction treatment, or if you are wondering how to pay for treatment. We can answer any questions you may have about the process of Xanax addiction treatment and help you get started immediately.