In our increasingly fast-paced and ever-changing society, it’s no surprise that anxiety is the most common mental health issue. Tens of millions of American adults have an anxiety disorder. Thankfully, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Xanax is one of the most common drugs prescribed to combat anxiety. Xanax is frequently prescribed because it treats anxiety symptoms quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, this is also what makes Xanax highly addictive.
Can I become addicted to Xanax? The short answer is yes and very easily. If you or a loved one have been using Xanax, Vertava Health’s Xanax addiction treatment can help. Contact us at 844.470.0410 to learn about Xanax addiction and treatment options.
What Is Xanax Used For?
Doctors often prescribe Xanax to help treat anxiety disorders. However, it can also be used to treat a range of other health problems, such as:
- Insomnia
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Phobias
- Panic disorders
- Epilepsy
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Physicians will rarely prescribe Xanax as the sole source of treatment for someone suffering from an anxiety or panic disorder unless they feel like there is no better option. Due to its highly potent nature, Xanax is often prescribed to patients to take as needed and only for a short period of time.
Xanax falls into a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, more commonly called benzos. Benzos work by actively slowing down brain activity to reduce excitement levels and create a calming, almost tranquilizing effect on your brain and body. This is what makes it so effective at alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorders. The full effect of Xanax can be felt in as little as one to two hours after being administered and can stay in the body for several hours. If you are experiencing an extreme sense of panic, the relief that Xanax can provide is immeasurable. However, the calming effects of Xanax are still only temporary.
Can I Become Addicted to Xanax?
Can I become addicted to Xanax? Unfortunately, a dependency on Xanax often beings as a means of self-medication. Even if you are prescribed Xanax by a doctor, you are at risk for a Xanax addiction. If Xanax use is not thoroughly managed, this simple solution will become dependent. From there, the Xanax dependency can easily slip into addiction. Gradually and without realizing it, you can become trapped in your solution.
Due to its sedative qualities, those suffering from a Xanax addiction may lack their usual energy or motivation to engage in the things they used to love. After a long period of Xanax use, the user will start to lack the motivation to even participate in everyday activities. Other outward signs of Xanax addiction include:
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Sleeping for extended periods of time
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Headache
- A decline in cognitive skills
Over time, as the dependency deepens, those abusing Xanax will need to take increasing quantities of the drug to get the same euphoric effects as before. The more Xanax that is taken, the longer these symptoms will prevail and can lead to permanent damage.
How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Xanax?
It is difficult to determine exactly how long it will take for someone abusing Xanax to become addicted. Generally, it can take anywhere from three to four weeks to become dependent. At this point, the user will feel a strong urge to keep using Xanax even though they know it is causing harm. At this stage, the user has lost control over their usage and can be considered to have an addiction. It’s important that anyone taking Xanax, either as prescribed or for recreational use, be aware of the risks and signs of addiction. I
How Is Xanax Addiction Treated?
As a central nervous system depressant, Xanax will slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and reduce your body’s temperature. If you’re misusing Xanax, your body will inherently begin to adjust to these conditions and accept them as the new normal. If you were to stop taking Xanax suddenly, these functions would quickly rebound. This makes quitting Xanax cold turkey incredibly risky. Detoxing from Xanax or any drug in the benzo family should only be done under medical supervision. Your body’s vital signs must be closely monitored during the detox process to help avoid and treat withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Heart palpitations
- Impaired respiration
- Sweating or fever
- Tingling in arms and legs
- Hypertension
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
If detox from Xanax is done without medical supervision, some more dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as hypertension or heart palpitations, can be deadly.
Once Xanax has been completely detoxed from your body, true mental and physical healing can begin in treatment. Throughout treatment, patients will work with professionals to recognize the root cause of their addiction, identify their triggers and set up boundaries to maintain their sobriety and thrive without Xanax. While the cravings for Xanax may never truly disappear, it’s important to recognize that these compulsions are manageable with the right tools and support.
Treat Xanax Addiction at Vertava Health
A Xanax addiction cannot and should not be fought alone. If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Xanax or another substance, Vertava Health can help. Our treatment centers provide various services to help you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today at (Direct) and start building the future you deserve. We are here for you.
