Xanax, the trade name for prescription medication alprazolam, is prescribed to people suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks and sleeping problems. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which slows down the action of the central nervous symptom (CNS) and increases the activity of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). As a result, users feel less stressful and anxious.
Given the drug’s fast-acting nature, Xanax provides immediate but short-term relief and is often taken more frequently by its users. The drug is often abused for its sedative effects and if abused over a long period or in larger quantities, it can lead to drug dependence, tolerance and addiction.
Xanax abuse and addiction
Benzodiazepines are classified as Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) and have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Yet Xanax abuse and addiction is an increasing problem.
Xanax has the ability to slow down the user’s cognitive and physical functioning and produce a wide variety of side effects, including the following:
- Impaired motor coordination
- Drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue
- Impaired thinking and memory
- Confusion
- Depression
- Altered vision
- Slurred speech, stuttering
- Vertigo
- Tremors
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alprazolam is one of the most prescribed and frequently encountered benzodiazepines in the illicit market. It can be easily obtained via internet. Those struggling with a Xanax addiction may also obtain forged prescriptions or engage in “doctor shopping.”
Once addicted to the drug, a sudden cessation of Xanax may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, tremors and impaired coordination. A supervised detoxification treatment at certified Xanax detox centers can help ease the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the likelihood of a relapse.
Xanax abuse: signs and symptoms
There are various signs and symptoms that can indicate an addiction to Xanax or other drugs, hence, recognizing them is important so that timely treatment can be sought, before it gets late.
Following are some of the common signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse:
Compulsive seeking behavior — this can be daily or even several times a day
Feeling the need to consume more quantity of the drug to get the same effect
Making certain to maintain a supply of the drug
Spending money on the drug, even when it is not affordable
Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
Getting involved in illicit activities to obtain the drug
Driving or doing other risky activities under the influence of the drug
Failing to stop using the drug because of intense cravings or discomforting withdrawal symptoms
Those exhibiting these symptoms may be in need of Xanax addiction treatment.
Xanax addiction treatment
Owing to the drug’s painful withdrawal symptoms, it is often recommended to seek professional Xanax addiction treatment at certified rehab centers. A comprehensive treatment for Xanax addiction involves a medically supervised detox program followed by intense behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual and group therapies and experiential therapy. Seeking treatment from an expert is recommended, as that helps in facilitating a lasting recovery.
Why choose us?
As a leader in providing treatment for substance use disorders in Texas, we follow a philosophy that recognizes unique needs and circumstances of all patients and provides personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs. All patients coming to our Xanax rehab centers undergo a full evaluation to identify any triggers or factors that may be causing or contributing to their addiction. This allows our staff to design the most effective treatment for Xanax addiction for every patient.
Our staff comprises caring and experienced professionals dedicated to providing the best possible treatment. In addition to addressing the physical aspects of dependence on the drug, our treatment for Xanax addiction focuses on taking care of the emotional and psychological roots of the problem as well.
Treatment for Xanax addiction at our state-of-the-art treatment facilities combines medically assisted Xanax detox treatment along with intense behavioral therapies, such as CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), neurofeedback, individual, group, and family therapy; psychodynamic therapy, and experiential therapies, such as expressive arts therapy.
Following are some of the evidence-based treatment modalities offered at our treatment centers:
- Individual and process group therapy
- Stress and anger management groups
- Schema treatment
- Narrative treatment
- Mindfulness training
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- Life skills education
- Experiential outings
- Couples therapy
- Continuing care program
Our holistic approach to treatment for Xanax addiction allows our patients to reclaim their futures and enjoy lasting recovery. This is what differentiates us from the rest of the behavioral healthcare providers. For more information about our rehab for Xanax addiction, call our 24/7 helpline and speak with our admissions specialist. You can even chat online with our trained representatives for further assistance.