Benzodiazepines (also known as “benzos”) are commonly referred to as sedatives, hypnotics, or minor tranquilizers. They work by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This reduces the excitability of neurons (nerve cells), resulting in decreased feelings of anxiety.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
- When someone has unpredictable moods and increased anxiety, despite being prescribed Xanax by a doctor, they may be abusing their prescription drugs or struggling with various substance use disorders.
- Since Xanax addiction, or physical dependence, can occur quickly, it is crucial to recognize the effects of Xanax and the symptoms of Xanax addiction.
- That’s a ridiculous example, a well-placed source tells us.
- So consuming alcohol with Xanax can lower the activity further.
- Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Xanax, as the reaction could become severe.
To help reduce your risk of withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose when you stop taking Xanax. If you have hangover-like symptoms when stopping Xanax treatment, talk with your doctor. To treat panic disorder in adults, the recommended starting dosage of Xanax is 0.5 mg three times per day. The best way to try to lessen the severity of your Xanax withdrawal symptoms is by slowly tapering down your dose of Xanax. Tapering means taking progressively smaller doses over the course of several weeks.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
You may notice changes in mood, behavior, appearance, or performance at work or school, but many of these can be attributed to other factors as well. “On the day of the fatal traffic collision, Caliboso posted nearly a dozen photos or videos of his drug use on Snapchat,” prosecutors said. A 25-year-old man from Ventura County has been sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for a DUI crash four years ago that claimed the life of a grandmother and her 7-year-old granddaughter, authorities announced Tuesday.
Your Guide to Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Options
While inpatient treatment is typically more expensive, it is covered by many insurance plans. Switching from short-acting Xanax to its longer-acting cousin Valium will make it easier for you to quit. Once you are stabilized on a dose of diazepam, your prescribing doctor will help you slowly taper down a little bit at a time. This gives your body and mind the time to adjust to life without Xanax.
Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) vs. Xanax (Alprazolam) for Anxiety
The generic version, alprazolam, is the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States. A psychotropic is a medication that affects how the brain functions. Individuals battling mental illness may be on Xanax to treat symptoms or simply abusing it in attempts to self-medicate, and this abuse can often cause mental health conditions to worsen. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports around half of all people with severe mental illness also have co-occurring substance abuse problems, so this issue is a common one. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine drug widely prescribed to treat anxiety disorder.
- This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
- The detox and withdrawal from Xanax can cause deadly seizures, so professional guidance is vital during this time of treatment.
- The business was founded in 2013 and operated through 2018 by the supposed founder of this “drug ring,” Robert Taylor.
- Anyone who has used Xanax for an extended period is at risk for dependency.
How to reduce the risk of using Xanax again
You may benefit from one or more of these types of behavioral therapy. Upon leaving the treatment center, many people will pursue a 12-step recovery program to maintain abstinence or stabilization and maintenance. The severity of the disorder can be classified as “mild” if two to three criteria are met, “moderate” if four to five are met, and “severe” if six or more are met. These classifications may help direct the most appropriate course of treatment. And while the drug can be identified in the body, there are no blood or lab tests that can diagnose Xanax addiction.
If you have withdrawal symptoms after your doctor has reduced your dose or had you stop treatment with Xanax, talk with them. Your doctor may increase your dosage again and then reduce it more slowly. However, if you have serious withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor right away. If your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or your xanax addiction local emergency number immediately. Offering the ability to treat alprazolam addiction, polysubstance addiction, and other co-occurring mental health disorders, American Addiction Centers (AAC) include accredited treatment facilities across the United States. To learn more about treatment options, contact our Admissions Navigators.
