Whether its a new prescription for Xanax or a concern about abuse to a medication you thought was helping you or your loved one, we at Atlanta Recovery Place are here to help you clear up some of the facts about Xanax and the dangers of Xanax abuse.
Through our comprehensive treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia, we are inspired to encourage individuals to improve their mental and physical health through treatments designed to promote sobriety and lifelong recovery.
ARP is a Georgia addiction recovery center offering comprehensive substance abuse treatment. Learn more about the Xanax addiction treatment options at Atlanta Recovery Place today.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for a drug called alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, sleep disorders, depression, and premenstrual syndrome. As a benzodiazepine, Xanax calms the nervous system by making it easier for stress indicators to move undisrupted and unidentified throughout the body, thus alleviating the system overall. Through this process, benzodiazepines can produce a temporary sedated or calming effect.
How is Xanax Used?
Xanax is most commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Prescribed for its calming effects, Xanax can access it in a slow-release pill or dissolvable tablets and a liquid form. While the pill is only taken once a day, those prescribed can take the others 2-4 times a day, depending on the prescription provided by the doctor for safe use.
Xanax is a monitored prescription because of the potential that benzodiazepines have to become addictive.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Yes, Xanax is addictive. The medication used to create Xanax, alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine. The way it impacts the body by helping it process stress indicators without the negative feelings is rewarding for the body. When the body becomes used to this state of being and the alprazolam is removed from the body, it goes through a withdrawal period where it is more difficult for the individual to process stressors. This can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, inability to leave the house, severe panic attacks, and other personal reactions to previously held anxieties and phobias.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Abuse?
When an individual utilizes Xanax as part of their medical treatment plan, they can expect to feel relief from their anxieties and phobias, they may experience some drowsiness, headache, and even some irritability, but those feelings should even out as the body acclimates to the Xanax. However, when an individual abuses Xanax, it can cause several more severe adverse side effects, including addiction.
When an individual takes too much Xanax, the most common form of benzodiazepine abuse, their body may be challenging to control. Because of how alprazolam works in the system, an individual who takes too much Xanax can experience problems with speech, balance, and coordination and may experience mental confusion and an inability to focus or reason. This makes the person a danger to themselves and others.
While misuse of a benzodiazepine is mainly related to taking too much of the medication, but can also occur when an individual takes Xanax in combination with a contra-indicated substance. For example, individuals should not drink alcohol or use opioid painkillers while taking Xanax. These drugs’ sedation features can cause an oversedation of the body leading to slowed heart rate, breathing, coma, and death.
What Are the Dangers of Xanax Abuse?
Xanax abuse, whether through improper use of a prescription or by illegally obtaining and taking the medication, can have dangerous outcomes. Individuals can overdose and die from excessive benzodiazepine use, combined use with other substances, and accidents that occur while a person is high from the medication. Additionally, benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, are indicated in over 33% of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts.
Aside from those immediate potential dangers, when an individual decides they are ready for Xanax addiction treatment, the withdrawal period and the recovery can be incredibly challenging. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is often associated with increased levels of depression, increased anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and actions, an inability to sleep, and mood swings.
Atlanta Recovery Place is a Xanax Drug Rehab in Atlanta
Through Atlanta Recovery Place, we provide individuals with a safe, compassionate, and convenient treatment location for addiction to prescription medications and illegal substances and to address mental health concerns. Our comprehensive treatment programs help individuals manage their holistic health through a combination of traditional and alternative treatment methods designed to promote individual achievement toward sobriety goals.ARP is a Georgia drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta. To learn more about Xanax addiction treatment, contact Atlanta Recovery Place today.
