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Xanax is a benzodiazepine type of sedative commonly used in psychiatric treatment for stress, anxiety, panic and insomnia.
It induces a sense of well-being, calm, and relaxation in the user.
Xanax abuse can lead to serious consequences. It can cause physical addiction with severe cravings and medically complicated symptoms of withdrawal.
Xanax is the pharmaceutical brand name for alprazolam. It is a controlled substance that is considered abusable, mood-altering and addictive.
It is estimated that approximately 50 million prescriptions for Xanax (or the generic
alprazolam) are written every year in the US.
After extended use, many people believe themselves unable to cope without it. Continuous use creates a psychological addiction that is difficult to overcome.
Xanax is fast acting. Its usual effects are similar to alcohol and include:
Xanax can temporarily boost confidence and help ease a usually difficult performance or social interaction. These effects can cause psychological reliance upon Xanax as a coping strategy for life's challenges.
Misuse results in intoxication.
Signs of Xanax intoxication can include:
If you don't know where to begin, call our addiction recovery helpline at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? for more information about your treatment options.
Xanax is frequently used along with other drugs for enhanced intoxication.
Common high-risk combinations are Xanax with alcohol or opioids. All three substances are central nervous system depressants that interact to increase the depressant effects of each other.
Indications of intoxication include: Unconsciousness and death from cardiac or respiratory can occur when mixing Xanax with other substances.
Unconsciousness and death due to cardiac or respiratory depression can occur.
Xanax is one of the most common drugs used in combination with opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and Vicodin.
It is also a common drug of abuse among those in Methadone treatment. Those who combine Xanax with opioids tend to have used the opioid over long periods of time and in higher than average doses.
Research indicates that they typically have poorer overall health and legal problems as well as a history of other addictions such as to alcohol or cocaine.
Xanax Use Disorder is a medical diagnosis given when one has negative consequences of Xanax use across various realms of one's life.
These consequences include:
With extended use, physical tolerance for Xanax develops, and higher doses or more frequent use is needed to achieve the desired effects.
This is accompanied by cravings and urges to use Xanax, as well as withdrawal symptoms if one's dose is lowered or use is stopped.
Strong urges that are overwhelming and difficult to resist cause compulsive behavior and continued use.
A Xanax Use Disorder creates a loss of control and unmanageability in one's life overall. Some examples are:
Anyone who uses benzodiazepines like Xanax for an extended time can become addicted. There are those at particularly high risk, however.
They include:
Some common indicators that you need professional help include:
Your loved one is in a state of distress and has difficulty concentrating, processing information, making decisions and solving problems.
Consequently, you may need to help navigate admission to a treatment program if that help is wanted.
You should act quickly whenever your friend or family member agrees to go to treatment for Xanax abuse.
It is important to have reasonable expectations and to set limits on how involved you can be, particularly if your loved one does not pursue recovery.
Becoming informed about Xanax addiction and options for treatment will prepare you to discuss your concerns with your loved one effectively.
The concern, kindness and compassion that you would have for any other seriously ill individual is also appropriate for an addicted loved one.
Treatment options for Xanax Use Disorders are varied across a range of settings. These include inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment options. A choice should be made with your individual needs in mind. It is helpful to discuss this with an addiction professional.
Outpatient sessions--individual and group--are typically scheduled on a weekly basis and take place in an office or clinic setting. It is important to consider whether outpatient treatment can provide you adequate help at the onset of your recovery efforts.
Many choose instead to leave home to have more structure, more support and a respite from the daily life in which the Xanax addiction developed. The severity of use and the time used are also considerations when choosing between outpatient or inpatient settings. You may also need inpatient treatment to withdraw safely and detox from Xanax.
Participants attend therapy sessions for some hours per day, usually several days per week. There may be occasional appointments for medical care. However, this varies between programs. This option allows you to live at home while having more support than an outpatient program.
Residential centers are beneficial for those who need a lengthier period away from the community to gain momentum in their recovery. Stays are typically in 30-day increments. Some residential centers provide luxury accommodations in resort or spa-like environments. Others accommodate the needs of executives who must stay in touch with the business world.
Medical monitoring is important during withdrawal due to the possibility of serious health complications.
Withdrawal and detox require medical supervision, and protocols vary to accommodate individual needs. Medical monitoring is important during these protocols due to the possibility of serious health complications.
In cases where use has been severe and prolonged an inpatient setting with 24 hour medical monitoring and supervision is typically recommended.
This can take place in a hospital or treatment center that provides medical services for withdrawal and detoxification.
Beyond withdrawal and detox, Xanax recovery includes learning to live successfully without use. Counseling and education to that end can be done in various treatment settings through individual, group and family sessions.
Typically these sessions address:
Xanax Use Disorder is treated with a variety of methods and it is common for treatment in all settings to include a core combination of the following:
Multi-drug use is common among teens that abuse substances and Xanax is often dangerously combined with alcohol and marijuana.
Mixing of drugs increases the likelihood of lethal consequences.
The prevalence of Xanax prescriptions used in the US gives teens easy access in their homes and the homes of relatives and peers.
It is estimated that 1 out of every 10 teens has used a prescription drug non-medically.
1 in 10 teens has used a prescription drug non-medically.Teens at high risk for Xanax abuse and addiction are those who are:
Please call our toll free line at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? to speak to a treatment support team member about such Xanax treatment options.
