Education Center
Xanax Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
Understanding Xanax Addiction and Rehab
Xanax is the most widely prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States. Although it is effective for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, trouble sleeping, and even alcohol withdrawal, Xanax can also be extremely addictive. Even with prescription use, you can become addicted to Xanax in as little as 2 weeks.
If you want to stop using Xanax but find that you cannot do so on your own, it is not your fault. Further, October Road can help.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam and the most popular benzodiazepine medication on the market. Like other “benzos,” Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Because Xanax affects the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor, it cannot only diminish feelings of anxiety but also create feelings of relaxation and euphoria. These feelings may encourage people to use Xanax outside the bounds of their prescriptions. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety can sometimes rebound when the Xanax wears off. The urge to replace feelings of stress and anxiety with relaxation and pleasure are understandable. If you’ve developed a Xanax addiction, it is not your fault. Nevertheless, you may need treatment to get better.
How Do I Know If I Am Addicted to Xanax?
Many people become dependent on Xanax, but drug dependence is not the same as drug addiction. Dependence means you will suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Xanax. While this can be a symptom of Xanax addiction, being dependent on Xanax does not mean you have an addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as “a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.”
With this definition, the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction may include:
- Using or wanting to use Xanax regularly
- Wanting to use Xanax so much it’s difficult to focus on anything else
- Taking more Xanax or being “high” for longer than you mean to
- Spending lots of time obtaining, using, and recovering from Xanax
- Having multiple prescriptions or doing illegal things do get Xanax
- Engaging in risky behavior while using Xanax (driving, unprotected sex)
- Spending money you don’t have on Xanax
- Neglecting responsibilities to use Xanax
- Suffering relationship problems because of Xanax
- Needing more and more Xanax to obtain the same “high” (tolerance)
- Feeling bad when you stop using Xanax (withdrawal and dependence)
- Continuing to use Xanax despite risks and problems
- Trying and failing to stop using Xanax
If one or more of these behaviors sounds familiar to you, it may be time to get help. Our team at October Road can also help you if your loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction.
Long Term Effects of Xanax Addiction
- Memory loss
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Depression
- Irritability
You Don’t Have to Do it Alone
Overcoming a Xanax addiction is incredibly difficult and trying to beat the disease on your own can lead to fatal consequences. At our outpatient addiction treatment center, you will not have to fight your substance use disorder alone. Our highly trained staff is ready to assist you with a tailor-made treatment program, and our entire team is dedicated to your recovery.
We will figure out what works for you and address any difficulties you are dealing with. Xanax can take a toll on your body and mind, but with the right treatment, you can be back on the road to success in no time.