Many of us are taking prescriptions given to us by our doctors to treat particular conditions. For the most part, we tend to think that these prescriptions are completely safe since they are given to us by a doctor, and we need them. However, just because a medication has its benefits doesn’t mean that it isn’t addictive and that we don’t have to watch out for how the drug is taken or how it interacts with our bodies. It’s essential to understand how the drugs we are given by our doctor work so that we can minimize the chances of dependence and addiction. Learn is Xanax addictive and how to find treatment.
Atlanta Recovery Place knows that medication can be addictive and we want to give our clients and their families the information and tools to combat that addiction. In this post, we are going to discuss the drug Xanax, the Xanax addiction rate, how Xanax dependence happens, including the signs of abuse, and how to find a Xanax addiction treatment program.
What is Xanax Used to Treat?
Xanax is the brand name of a medication known as Alprazolam. It is most commonly used to treat certain anxiety and panic disorders and can sometimes be used in combination with other medication to treat specific disorders as recommended by specialists.
The drug itself is categorized as a benzodiazepine. All benzodiazepines or benzos act on the part of the brain and central nervous system to either calm or boost certain signals transmitted between the two. In the case of Xanax, it works to treat anxiety and panic disorders by enhancing the production of the chemical GABA.
By boosting this particular chemical in the body, it works to reduce the feelings of fear that come along with anxiety and panic, thereby lessening the likelihood of an attack and reducing the symptoms if one should occur.
How Addictive is Xanax?
Xanax is considered highly addictive and is only meant to be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Even with a prescription, it is possible to become addicted, and in almost all cases, Xanax is only prescribed as a short-term use medication. This is because, by its very nature, the drug has the ability and high chance of developing dependency. In fact, all benzodiazepines share this characteristic and are tightly regulated.
There are two primary reasons why Xanax is so addictive. The first reason is that many people find the effects of the drug to be pleasant and want to continue to have that feeling. The drug produces a calming effect that makes people feel relaxed and almost sedated. It may also aid in weight loss and have other effects that people enjoy.
The second reason is more difficult for people to avoid. Because of the way Xanax interacts with the brain and the central nervous system, it causes the body to gradually change in a way that it becomes dependent on having the drug to function normally. Over time this chemical dependence is the reason that people become addicted to Xanax.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Abuse?
The signs of Xanax abuse are pretty typical in terms of what signs you look for when a person is abusing any type of drug.
Firstly, they begin taking more than is prescribed, they may say they need it or that it no longer works as well as it used to. They may begin taking it in a different manner, such as snorting it or injecting it instead of the usual pill form.
Second, their mood or daily behavior begins to change. They become anxious without the drug, and if they run out, they are constantly trying to find new ways to get more, often rather than doing things they used to enjoy. They may even engage in illegal acts to acquire more of the drug, which can lead to other complications such as trouble at work or school and financial and even legal troubles.
How to Find a Xanax Addiction Treatment Program
If you know someone addicted to Xanax and needs treatment, then Atlanta Recovery Place is here to help. We offer comprehensive treatment that is focused on giving our clients the tools they need to overcome addiction instead of just treating the drug they are addicted to.
We are the premier outpatient drug rehab in Georgia. We offer outpatient care, dual diagnosis, and aftercare programs for when treatment has ended. Let us be your first stop on the road to recovery. Contact Atlanta Recovery Place today when you or your loved one are ready to get help at our Georgia addiction recovery center!
