Xanax is the brand name for Alprazolam. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a type of medicine that acts as a sedative and is classified as a central nervous system depressant. Xanax is a prescription medication created to be a substitute for barbiturates that is used to treat seizures and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).
Because of its significant risk for addiction, benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for relatively short periods, such as weeks or months.
Xanax is classed as a Schedule 4 / class C drug in the United Kingdom. This means that selling or buying Xanax is banned unless under rigorous conditions and it requires a prescription.
Taking Xanax by mouth, in the form of dissolving tablets, is the most usual method of administration. If the tablet is chewed or crushed in any way, it will be taken into the bloodstream at a hazardous rate, posing a danger of overdose and severe side effects.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
A variety knows Xanax and other benzodiazepines of names, including:
The brain and the Central Nervous System (CNS) are both affected by Xanax. It increases the amount of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), a brain molecule that reduces nerve cell activity. As a result, you’ll feel peaceful and relaxed, which is very helpful in controlling panic disorders, for example. However, the drug’s efficacy in treating mental disorders also makes it particularly susceptible to What is Xanax Addiction? Substance use disorders (SUDs), such as Xanax addiction, emerge when a person’s substance usage produces changes in brain chemistry, leading to uncontrollable use despite the negative consequences. Abuse of Xanax can start when a person does not take the medicine as directed, such as: When a person uses Xanax for an extended period, their body and brain can develop a dependence on the drug, which means they will experience withdrawal symptoms if they reduce or stop using it. Some people may continue to use Xanax to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to remember that dependency isn’t the same as addiction. However, many people who develop addiction are also dependent on the substance they’re abusing. The terms “dependence” and “addiction” are not interchangeable. Dependence is a physical state in which your body is dependent on a substance. If you stop using the medicine suddenly, you will have mental and bodily repercussions (withdrawal). Tolerance, which occurs when you need more and more of a substance to achieve the same benefit, can accompany drug dependency. When you have an addiction, you will continue to use a drug despite the repercussions. Physical dependence can arise without or with the presence of substance addiction, but it is a common symptom of addiction. It is prescribed to those suffering from anxiety and depression, which is one of the leading causes of Xanax addiction. People suffering from these diseases are susceptible to taking high doses of it due to its soothing properties, which can lead to substance abuse. Another risk factor for Xanax addiction is that substance dependence and addiction are difficult to detect in the early stages. Unlike other medications, whose addiction symptoms are apparent from the start, signs of Xanax addiction grow more evident as the addiction progresses. This makes it difficult for those close to users to intervene, as well as for users to notice and fully comprehend the negative repercussions of substance usage on their life. Alcoholism and other forms of substance misuse also make Xanax addiction more prevalent. When Xanax is used with other drugs, the effects increase, and the user develops a desire over time. Substance dependence develops in a relatively short amount of time as a result of this. An individual’s risk of developing Xanax addiction is significantly increased if they have a history of substance misuse, even if it has stopped. Addiction occurs quickly in these conditions, and people are more likely to take large doses in a short time.
Difference between Xanax Dependence and Addiction
Xanax Addiction: Causes and Risk Factors
Regardless of the substance consumed, there are some common indicators of addiction. The following are some general warning signs that you may have an addiction:
The following are some of the symptoms of Xanax addiction:
If a person takes Xanax for longer than recommended and then abruptly stops or reduces their dosage, they may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be fatal.
Withdrawal symptoms can appear as soon as a few hours after a person’s last Xanax use and can include:
A professionally supervised detoxification programme is generally required for someone seeking to stop using Xanax, as withdrawal can be deadly. A safe atmosphere with 24-hour monitoring is provided in a professional medical treatment setting, where a person can detox with doctors and nurses on-site.
Xanax relaxes muscles and relieves restlessness and anxiety in the short term.
It can also trigger symptoms known as “rebound.” If you stop using Xanax suddenly, the symptoms you were taking it to treat will resurface in a more severe form.
The following are some more common adverse effects:
Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, reduces driving abilities. It’s also linked to an increased chance of falling, breaking bones, and being in a car accident.
Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other drugs, particularly opioids, is exceedingly risky because Xanax can induce significant adverse effects and has a high potential for addiction on its own. Mixing Xanax and other benzodiazepines with opioids are risky since both medicines cause sleepiness and respiratory suppression, a common cause of overdose deaths. This combination has the potential to have devastating repercussions.
If you or a loved one has been prescribed Xanax, it is critical to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking to avoid any potentially dangerous interactions.
Long-term use of Xanax can result in protracted episodes of drowsiness and lethargy that can last three to four days. Another typical long-term effect of Xanax use is memory impairment (particularly short-term memory impairment). Agitation, wrath, hyperactivity, and anxiety are some of the other side symptoms you may experience.
In addition to jaundice, impaired or double vision, and tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate), physical issues such as seizures, tremors, and heart palpitations may occur. Long-term Xanax abuse has also been related to an increased risk of dementia.
Overdosing on Xanax occurs when it is used for extended periods or in higher doses than prescribed. You may have overdose symptoms if you crush, chew, or break up Xanax before taking it. Extended-release Xanax tablets are designed to release Xanax into your bloodstream slowly. As a result, if you change the form of the drug before taking it, it will be delivered all at once rather than in precise doses. Difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, fainting, loss of balance, and even coma are all signs of an overdose.
Alcoholism is a typical Xanax co-occurring condition. When drinking beer and taking Xanax simultaneously, people tend to take too much of the latter. As a result, the body’s tolerance for Xanax grows, encouraging users to raise their dosages to attain the desired benefits.
Taking large dosages of Xanax can lead to depression, and Xanax addiction can exacerbate pre-existing depression. The intensity of depression, which can sometimes reach the point of compulsive suicidal ideation, is determined by the amount and frequency of Xanax used.
Paranoia is a common side effect of Xanax abuse. When people addicted to Xanax take a dose or begin to experience drug withdrawal symptoms, they may experience paranoia.
Excessive aggression is a symptom of Xanax addiction that many people experience. This disease can express itself in various ways, from mild irritability to frequent outbursts of physical aggression.
Individuals suffering from Xanax addiction frequently experience an inability to function in professional and familial environments. It can even extend to a lack of personal organisation.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Several effective programmes are available to assist you in overcoming your Xanax addiction. If you were prescribed Xanax to treat anxiety or depression, you might need a different medication to relieve your symptoms. If you were taking Xanax recreationally, you might need to detox your body and continue treatment with therapy.
A medically supervised detoxification is the most effective way to start recovering from a Xanax addiction. Following your detox, you can begin a comprehensive rehabilitation and treatment programme to address the root of your addiction and help you break free. Several therapies can be used to address the roots of the substance abuse problem.
When you stop using a substance after a lengthy time of misuse and dependency, you may experience drug withdrawal symptoms. The intensity of these varies based on factors such as alcoholism, the length of addiction, the dosage taken, and the length of time the user was dependent on Xanax.
The complexity of detoxification varies depending on the same reasons discussed earlier. When attempting detox, it is strongly advised that people seek the help of professionals. Detoxification can be dangerous if it is not properly monitored and treated to match shifts in symptoms.
Depending on whether or not the individual’s addiction was severe enough to justify it, detoxification can be done with the help of medicines.
The most frequent method of treating Xanax addiction is to taper a user off the drug by gradually lowering their daily dosage. Long-acting benzodiazepines can be used instead of Xanax to help with withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms will most likely become more frequent and severe as you taper. Buspirone is a drug that is commonly used to treat this.
Flumazenil is an effective treatment for Xanax withdrawal symptoms in long-term users. On the other hand, Flumazenil may exacerbate symptoms in people with a history of head trauma or seizures.
In the treatment of Xanax addiction, various therapy strategies are typically used, all of which are tailored to your specific needs. The following are some of the therapy methods employed in the treatment of Xanax addiction:
A well-organised Xanax recovery strategy will assist you in maintaining a sober lifestyle and avoiding relapse. Make sure your aims and goals are as realistic as possible while creating your own Xanax recovery plan, and incorporate external support from family and friends.
Support organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also be incorporated into your recovery strategy. This group can offer emotional and social support, which is especially beneficial during stressful times.
The importance of relapse prevention in aftercare cannot be overstated. There will be more opportunities to abuse Xanax in the future. You may be confronted with some difficult situations in the weeks and months following official recovery. Aftercare provides you with the resources you need to overcome those obstacles.
Do not give up if you find yourself relapsing during the first year. Return to rehab and give it another shot. Recognise that it may take a few tries for some people to stop using. It’s not meant to be a dig at you or your self-control. Keep in mind that addiction is a condition that requires medical attention. It’s not as simple as just saying no to addiction.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
Ever felt that gnawing ache or burning sensation in your gut after a night of drinks? You’re not alone. Stomach pain after drinking is a common complaint, and there are a few reasons why it might happen. Let’s delve into the science behind the discomfort and explore ways to soothe your stomach. The Irritating Truth: … Continued
Cocaine, a stimulant known for its short-lived burst of energy and euphoria, hides a dark side. Behind the initial high lies a dangerous potential for overdose, with severe health consequences and even death. This article delves into the world of cocaine overdose, equipping you with the knowledge to recognize the signs, understand the dangers, and … Continued
Adult smoking habits in the UK refer to how often and in what ways people aged 18 and above use tobacco. This includes everything from smoking cigarettes every day to occasionally lighting up, as well as using other tobacco products. Understanding these habits is important for several reasons: Public Health: Smoking causes many diseases that … Continued
Addiction in the UK is a complex issue that is connected to various aspects of society such as healthcare and law enforcement. It affects people from all backgrounds and has negative impacts on families, communities, and the entire nation. Understanding addiction involves not only looking at the uncontrollable use of substances and repetitive behaviors but … Continued
