What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of a prescription benzodiazepine sedative drug, Alprazolam, that is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, stress disorders, insomnia, and seizure disorders. It usually comes in tablet form, or in a disintegrating tablet that is placed under the tongue.
When used in combination with behavioral health treatments provided through a professional mental health services administration, taking Xanax is an effective method of treatment for anxiety and panic, as well as these other mental health disorders.
Xanax Effects
Xanax is a medication that raises the GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, slowing heart rate and breathing, producing a calming or sedating effect.
Other common effects that you can expect Xanax to produce may include:
- Memory/cognitive problems
- Dizziness/poor coordination/slurred speech
- Respiratory depression
- Sleep problems
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Becoming addicted to Xanax (developing a physical or psychological dependence on Xanax)
- Xanax overdose
Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Common questions you can ask yourself to determine whether you have a Xanax addiction or benzodiazepine addiction are:
- Are you always worrying about when you can take more Xanax, and ensuring you have a supply on hand?
- Do you feel like you need to take more than you used to so you can get the same high?
- Have you experienced Xanax withdrawal when you have stopped taking Xanax?
- Do you experience cravings or urges for Xanax?
- Are you using Xanax when you don’t need it?
- Do you continue to take Xanax even when it causes financial, work, or relationship problems?
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Common withdrawal symptoms that are seen when a person has stopped taking Xanax include:
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Body aches and pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Panic
- Nightmares
- Irritability
Severe withdrawal symptoms that occur when quitting cold turkey from serious substance use disorders may include:
- Hallucinations
- Aggressive behavior
- Seizures
Long Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse
The long-term side effects of Xanax prescription drug addiction and substance abuse include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Weight and appetite changes
- Poor coordination and dizziness
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Mania and hallucinations
- Decreased inhibitions
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Xanax alprazolam addiction requiring substance abuse and mental health treatment in a qualified treatment center
Xanax Addiction Treatment
For Xanax drug detox and drug abuse treatment, a dual diagnosis treatment plan that integrates care for drug addiction, substance abuse and mental health for a co-occurring disorder like bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, eating disorder or panic disorder in one seamless program, treating both issues at the same time. Using a slow taper in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan to wean off the drug slowly, you will remain safe and avoid uncomfortable or painful Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
At Novo Detox we offer levels of care to treat Xanax abuse that include inpatient medical detox, telehealth programs for California residents, and inpatient rehab programs, and we are partners with outpatient rehab facilities that offer outpatient programs like intensive outpatient treatment, sober living residences, and other outpatient treatment plans to treat anxiety and other mental health issues alongside substance abuse treatment.
Addiction treatment options for Xanax addiction and abuse in our addiction center include cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy treatment programs, holistic therapies, cutting-edge science, family therapy with loved ones, group therapy, and individual therapy.
You may call our treatment center for answers to questions like:
- Does my insurance cover rehab?
- How much do I have to pay for treatment?
- How do I get started?
We are standing by to help you get into your Xanax addiction inpatient treatment program now.