One of the most alcoholism commonly reported side effects of Xanax use is nausea that is often accompanied by vomiting. Like many drugs, the presence of Xanax can be detected with laboratory tests. This drug can be detected in urine, saliva, and hair follicles, although the reliability of these tests is not consistent.
- About 80% of older adults achieve abstinence, while about 25% of those with complicated addiction with polydrug use achieve abstinence.
- Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) have many medical uses, but they can easily lead to abuse, dependence and addiction.
- Overdose can occur with Xanax alone, but the majority of deaths occur when Xanax is combined with other drugs such as opioids, including heroin.
- They look for behavioral signs such as slurred speech, blurred vision, weakness, social withdrawal, etc.
Early Signs of Xanax Dependency
Xanax abuse results in cognitive impairment, which can affect a person’s long-term and short-term memory as well as their overall attention span. Instead, Xanax abuse may increase anxiety symptoms, particularly when people take higher doses of the drug. Even at relatively low doses, Xanax addiction can develop—in part because the drug has a relatively short half-life of 11 hours, which means that its effects wear off quickly. However, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, the consequences to the body may persist, potentially with lasting effects. For example, pulmonary aspiration during a lethargic state can lead to aspiration pneumonia or permanent lung damage. Behavioral therapies are essential in addressing Xanax addiction by helping individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors toward drug misuse.
- Outpatient Treatment allows patients to attend therapy sessions while living at home, providing flexibility for those with work or family commitments.
- This widespread impact underscores the urgency for effective intervention strategies.
- Medical supervision is essential to taper the dosage gradually and manage withdrawal safely with appropriate interventions.
- Outpatient treatment options provide maximum flexibility by allowing people to maintain their obligations at work, school, and home while in a treatment and recovery program.
- It is considered to be the most successful treatment modality in treating substance use disorder.
The Recovery Journey
Those who become addicted to Xanax will not be able to stop taking the drug on their own, even if they want to. This is because addiction takes away a person’s power to control their actions. Cravings for the drug will begin to occur, and their tolerance will increase so that higher and higher doses will need to be taken for the individual to experience the same effects.
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2020, approximately 12.5% of adults aged 18 to 25 reported misusing benzodiazepines like Xanax. Following detox, someone fighting a Xanax addiction might be referred for rehab or inpatient treatment. Inpatient programs are residential programs wherein the user will be living in the treatment center for a xanax addiction period that typically ranges from between 30 days and 90 days. Their time will focus on learning new skills in order to be happy and healthy without using substances. Learn more about the risks and side effects of substance use disorders, including the signs of intoxication and overdose. Furthermore, the accessibility of Xanax through prescriptions and illicit sources contributes to its addictive potential.
Underlying Mental Health Conditions
Offer support without judgment and encourage professional treatment through open communication and resources. To help someone with Xanax addiction involves giving them emotional support, professional treatment, and stopping enabling behaviors. Connecting them with an addiction treatment program and participating in family therapy also significantly improves recovery outcomes.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Social and environmental factors significantly influence the likelihood of Xanax addiction. These factors include accessibility, peer influence, and socio-economic status. Prescription drug misuse is often facilitated by the availability of the drug.
