Is Xanax Addictive?
Understanding the Uses and Risks of This Popular Medication
Xanax, a prescription medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, is a benzodiazepine that enhances the neurotransmitter GABA’s effects in the brain, leading to feelings of calm and relaxation. In this blog post, we’ll answer whether is Xanax addictive and explore the uses and risks of developing a Xanax addiction.
What Is Xanax Used For?
Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a fast-acting medication that can provide rapid relief from symptoms of anxiety, and it’s also sometimes prescribed for other conditions, such as insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms.
How Commonly is Xanax Abused?
While Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety, it is also a highly addictive drug that is commonly abused. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, benzodiazepines like Xanax are among the most commonly misused prescription drugs in the United States — a 2018 survey found that over 5 million Americans aged 12 or older had misused benzodiazepines in the past year.
One reason it’s so commonly abused is that it can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, making it a popular choice for recreational use. However, taking Xanax for non-medical purposes can be extremely dangerous and can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health problems.
Is Xanax Addictive?
If you’re wondering is Xanax addictive, the answer is yes. It’s highly addictive and can lead to physical and psychological dependence. When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. However, when misused or taken in higher doses than prescribed, Xanax can quickly lead to addiction.
Xanax works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which can lead to feelings of relaxation and sedation. Over time, the brain may become less sensitive to the effects of Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of relief. This can lead to physical dependence, meaning that the body has become accustomed to the presence of Xanax and experiences withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.
In addition to physical dependence, Xanax can also lead to psychological dependence. This means that the person has developed a strong emotional attachment to the drug and cannot function without it. Psychological dependence can be just as powerful as physical dependence and can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction, there are several signs and symptoms to look out for. These may include:
- Taking larger doses of Xanax than prescribed
- Taking Xanax more frequently than prescribed
- Using Xanax for non-medical purposes
- Craving Xanax or feeling like you cannot function without it
- Continuing to use Xanax despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems, financial difficulties, or legal issues
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using Xanax include anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and seizures
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies in favor of using Xanax
Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment for Xanax addiction typically involves a combination of therapy and medication-assisted treatment.
Therapy can help people identify the underlying causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies to avoid relapse. Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be particularly effective in treating addiction.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. MAT involves using medications such as buprenorphine and methadone to help ease the transition off of Xanax and reduce the risk of relapse.
In addition to therapy and medication, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can also be helpful for people in recovery.
Find out the most effective form of Xanax detox here:
Is Xanax Addictive? Call WhiteSands for Help in Florida
Xanax can be an effective treatment for anxiety, but it is also a highly addictive drug that can lead to serious physical and psychological dependence. If you or a loved one is struggling with wondering is Xanax addictive, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. With the right treatment and support, recovery from Xanax addiction is possible.
In Florida, WhiteSands Alcohol & Drug Rehab operates a network of facilities across the state that are recognized as some of the best places in the state to get help for drug or alcohol addiction. If you’re seeking help overcoming Xanax addiction, contact our team today at (877) 640-7820.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.