It also can also cause withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation, which may lead to a pattern of continued drug use and higher doses to help alleviate symptoms. Those suffering from Xanax addiction and abuse frequently combine the substance with alcohol or other pills — particularly opiates — to get a better high. Alcohol is particularly dangerous when mixed with Xanax because they are both depressants; combining the two can lead to an overdose and respiratory failure. They say drugs fill a void, or at least that’s what my therapist thinks. The first time I popped a Xanax was the first time I felt relief from my anxiety disorder… There was something oddly comforting about Xanax — the way it came in many shapes and colors, like peach and blue. They were a pretty little assortment of happiness I could feel just by holding in my hands.
- It is possible to overdose on this drug alone, especially with abuse.
- The signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction can be challenging to identify because Xanax is a legitimate medication with valid uses.
- Any substance purchased in illicit markets comes with the risk of contamination or deadly additives.
- MAT is most effective when it is part of a broader treatment plan that includes ongoing therapy and support.
- Despite its benefits, healthcare professionals limit its use to short durations because of its potential for misuse and the development of tolerance.
More about alprazolam
Xanax addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on the medication alprazolam, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It occurs when an individual uses the drug regularly, in higher-than-prescribed doses, or for longer periods, leading to tolerance, where increasingly larger amounts of the drug are needed to achieve the same effect. This eventually results in dependence, where the body becomes reliant on Xanax to function normally. As dependence develops, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures occur if the drug use is reduced or stopped, as studied by Drugs.com. The process of addiction is driven by the drug’s effect on the brain’s GABA receptors, which induce calming effects, making the drug desirable and reinforcing the cycle of misuse. Carbamazepine is also known to enhance catecholamine function and therefore may improve symptoms of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ mood instability, which are common in withdrawal.
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- However, misuse or long-term use leads to dependency, overdose, and other serious health risks.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery by supporting the body’s healing process and stabilizing mood.
- Do not take XANAX if you are allergic to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or any of the ingredients in XANAX.
- Effective treatment for Xanax addiction involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
- This chronic drowsiness can also contribute to a person’s inability to focus or concentrate while on Xanax.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Withdrawal refers to the body’s physical and mental response to the absence of a substance on which it has become dependent. Xanax withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe and include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, sweating, and headaches, according to Healthline. Healthcare workers and individuals in high-stress occupations also misuse Xanax to manage job-related anxiety or burnout. When struggling with addiction, anxiety, or panic disorder, it’s important to receive proper treatment to increase the chances of long-term recovery.
- Individuals prescribed Xanax for anxiety or panic disorders also misuse it by exceeding the recommended dosage to achieve quicker or more pronounced effects.
- Doctors generally recommend that first-time Xanax users start with the lowest possible dose.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), benzodiazepine misuse is highest among individuals aged 18–25, linked to peer influence and the desire to cope with academic or social pressures.
- The main symptoms of Xanax addiction include increased tolerance, severe cravings, and withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or seizures upon cessation.
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Alprazolam tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to store your Halfway house medicine. Many drugs can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time.
Because some drugs, like stimulants, have opposing effects to Xanax, a person may think they are less intoxicated than they xanax addiction actually are. Because these substances have similar effects on the brain and body, combining them can cause too much sedation, resulting at times in inability to breathe, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. All of these methods pose additional risks of physical harm, as Xanax and its inactive ingredients (fillers) are not meant to be consumed in any way other than orally. Abusing Xanax in these alternative ways may also raise the chance of overdose, dependence, and addiction. It is important to understand that these and additional diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders are not meant to be used by anyone other than professionals to provide a diagnosis. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Treatment may involve a combination of strategies, including detoxification and various psychotherapeutic and psychosocial approaches. Find rehab for yourself or a loved one by speaking with a treatment provider. Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered. The pills come in different shapes and colors depending on their strength. The 2 mg tablets are white, green, or yellow in color and rectangular in shape. The rest are oval shaped and colored white (0.25 mg), orange (0.5 mg), or blue (1 mg).
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If you become dependent on the drugs, you can have withdrawal symptoms and even seizures when you suddenly stop taking them. Only a very small percentage of people who take normal doses for short periods will become dependent on benzodiazepines. While Xanax is sometimes prescribed for longer than a few weeks to manage certain anxiety disorders, prolonged use can lead to a rebound of anxiety symptoms when the drug is eventually stopped.
One effective approach is participating in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment program. These programs offer a comprehensive plan to simultaneously address addiction and mental health disorders. Individuals who abuse Xanax are at a higher risk of developing co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. In fact, Benzodiazepine use is more common in people with severe mental illness and substance use disorders, complicating their treatment. If you take this medication as it’s intended — it’s commonly prescribed to treat anxiety or panic disorders — you may feel “normal” after your first dose.