Understanding the signs of Xanax addiction requires understanding why it is prescribed, and the powerful risk of Xanax abuse. People with a Xanax addiction need to know how to choose an ideal treatment program to help with their specific addiction treatment needs.
The experienced team of specialists at Oceanfront Recovery understands the signs of Xanax addiction, and how to develop the best treatment options, taking a multi-faceted approach to treatment for Xanax addiction.
What is Xanax and Why Do People Experience Addiction to the Drug?
Xanax is another name for the drug Alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine. So what are benzodiazepines? It is a class of prescription drugs approved for treating conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), insomnia, and panic disorders.
Xanax and other benzodiazepines work to induce a calming effect or to induce sleep. Doctors sometimes prescribe Xanax to patients who have ongoing issues with symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep or waking during the night
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Depression
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also lists muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and other possible symptoms.
Xanax puts the person taking it at risk for physical dependence or addiction, after even a short period of time. This is one reason that many physicians prescribe it for as short a duration as possible. People who develop an addiction often find ways to get more of the drug prescribed or to buy Xanax on the street.
The addiction treatment team at Oceanfront Recovery understands that people often develop an addiction to Xanax quickly and that they need a treatment program focused on Xanax addiction recovery. We also treat people with addiction to other benzodiazepines.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
The signs of Xanax addiction often start shortly after beginning treatment, or after buying it from a street dealer. Some people steal Xanax to get high on the drug. The euphoria and other initially enjoyable effects soon put a person at risk for serious health risks and at a high risk of overdose or death.
Some common signs of Xanax addiction include:
- Taking Xanax more often than prescribed or for a longer period of time
- Exhibiting irritability or hostility when you do not have the drug
- Continuing to use Xanax even after experiencing side effects
- Spending money to get Xanax even when you cannot afford to do so
- Experiencing difficulties at work and in your relationships
- Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other drugs
A WebMD article warns that the risk of Xanax addiction is higher if you have another substance abuse disorder. The substance abuse treatment programs, mental health treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment program at Oceanfront Recovery help individuals with signs of Xanax addiction, or signs of other addictions, get on the road to recovery.
Risks Associated with Xanax Addiction
There are serious risks associated with Xanax addiction, including overdose and death. The American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) reported on overdoses and deaths related to benzodiazepines from 1996 through 2013. The research results showed that 31 percent of all drug overdose deaths in 2013 were related to benzodiazepines.
Similarly, other research published by the AJPH revealed that emergency department visits related to combining opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 percent in 2004 to a 2011 rate of 34 percent.
Contact Oceanfront Recovery for Help with your Signs of Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction puts your health, and possibly your life at risk with symptoms such as shallow breathing, heart palpitations, confusion, and memory impairment.
You do not have to let addiction control your life. Oceanfront Recovery welcomes you to our tranquil recovery environment where we treat the whole person, not just your addiction.
Contact us at 877.279.1777 to take your first steps on your path to recovery today.
