How Addictive is Xanax? Understanding the Risks of Xanax Abuse

Xanax can be highly addictive if used over a long-term period of time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Xanax is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the U.S. Xanax, or alprazolam, is one of the drugs known as benzodiazepines. Like other drugs in this category, Xanax carries a risk of addiction. Benzos are anti-anxiety medications, prescribed to people who have panic attacks or high levels of stress. Xanax can be a great relief from panic attacks and anxiety, but if used for an extended amount of time or without the help of cognitive behavioral therapy, it can become addictive.

Addiction occurs when Xanax, a medication developed to ease anxiety symptoms, actually makes you less emotionally stable. You may find yourself needing larger doses to achieve the same results, which may indicate drug tolerance. When you don’t have access to Xanax, you may have sharp mood swings, making you depressed, anxious, or irritable. And if you find yourself lying to friends, loved ones, or doctors about how much Xanax you’re really taking, it’s likely that you’ve developed a dependency.

Those addicted to Xanax may take up to 20 or 30 pills, per day. However, with high use comes high risk. Benzodiazepines depress the central nervous system, causing physical symptoms like slurred speech, loss of coordination or disorientation.

Worse, they can cause respiratory failure. It takes a significant dose to overdose on Xanax alone. Most Xanax overdoses, however, occur when the drug is taken in conjunction with another substance such as alcohol, other depressants, or opiates. If you are experiencing symptoms of overdose or suspect you may have overdosed, please get help immediately by calling the National Poison Control Center at 1 (800) 222-1222, or by dialing 911. If Xanax overdose has caused someone to stop breathing, administer CPR right away.

Xanax dependency and withdrawal can feel overwhelming, but never lose hope. There’s always a way out. By slowly reducing the dose of Xanax consumed, the body can adjust to having lower doses of the drug over time. This period, called detox, can last several weeks depending on the severity of your addiction. During detox, people can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. But with supportive medical staff on your side, medically supervised detox can help you cope with withdrawal and achieve long-lasting sobriety. The best way to get the attentive level of care you need is at a residential Xanax addiction treatment center.

Residential treatment offers a variety of care options, including treatment for multiple substance dependencies or for co-occurring psychiatric disorders. When you enter residential treatment you’ll have access to medical and mental health care to get you safely through detox. Psychiatric doctors and nurses will constantly monitor you and help you make progress one step, and one day, at a time.

After detox, you’ll begin building your new, sober, life. You’ll receive treatment that addresses the emotional causes of your addiction and learn new coping and life skills to help you stay sober. This can include a variety of treatments, such as group and individual counseling, art or music therapy, and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation.

Another benefit of residential treatment is access to a unique community. You can connect with other people who are facing similar challenges as you, so you no longer have to face them alone. Friends and family in your daily life may not be able to fully understand your problems; residential treatment has enabled many lasting friendships built on mutual support and empathy.

Xanax recovery takes time, dedication, and patience. But many people have healed from this addiction and have gotten their lives back; now, it’s your turn. Take the first steps to ending your Xanax dependency by calling a residential treatment facility near you. If you can’t do it alone, don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend or loved one to help you make that call. You’ll both be relieved you did it.