It’s possible to become addicted to Xanax, even when the fast-acting benzodiazepine is used as directed by a healthcare provider. Xanax addiction, like all substance use disorders, is a chronic but treatable condition. Read on to learn more about the addictive potential of Xanax and discover how to connect with effective and compassionate care.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Xanax (alprazolam) is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Although substances under this schedule are considered to have a low potential for abuse, more than 800,000 U.S. adults had diagnosable sedative-use disorders involving drugs like Xanax in 2022.
Xanax is addictive due to its mechanism of action in the brain, its short duration of action, and the strong calming and anxiety-relieving effects it produces, which some individuals may misuse. Additionally, suddenly stopping Xanax can result in withdrawal symptoms, potentially prompting a cycle of persistent use and increasing doses to mitigate these symptoms.
Over time, tolerance to Xanax can develop, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the initial effects, further increasing the risk of physical dependence. Dependence on Xanax – both physical and psychological – can lead to addiction.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
Developing an awareness of Xanax addiction signs can inform timely and appropriate intervention. Addiction can manifest through an array of behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms:
- Increased tolerance: Needing larger doses of Xanax to deliver the original effects indicates a growing tolerance, a diagnostic criterion for substance use disorder.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, sweating, tremors, and nausea when not taking Xanax suggests the development of physical dependence.
- Loss of control: Finding it difficult to control Xanax use – taking the medication more frequently or in higher doses.
- Preoccupation with the medication: Spending lots of time obtaining and using Xanax.
- Continued use despite adverse outcomes: Ongoing use of Xanax even when it leads to personal, professional, or health problems.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at home, work, or school due to Xanax use.
- Social sacrifices: Giving up important social activities because of Xanax use.
- Engaging in risky behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities like driving while under the influence of benzos.
- Using Xanax without a prescription: Taking Xanax without a prescription for non-therapeutic purposes or obtaining the medication through illegal means.
- Experiencing mood swings: Experiencing dramatic changes in mood, including irritability, aggression, or depression.
- Changes in appearance: Noticeable decline in personal hygiene or physical appearance.
Recognizing these signs in yourself or someone you care about can be the first step toward seeking help and treatment for Xanax addiction.
Xanax addiction symptoms are outlined in DSM-5-TR – the latest revised edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). If you notice many of the signs above in yourself or a loved one, consulting the diagnostic criteria for addiction can help you determine whether you require professional help to address benzodiazepine use disorder.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Treating Xanax addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical dependence and the psychological aspects of addiction.
- Medical detoxification: The first step in treating Xanax addiction often involves medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals can provide medications to ease discomfort and monitor health conditions during the detox process. Detox also facilitates the transition to ongoing treatment.
- Inpatient or outpatient rehab: For those with severe Xanax addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, inpatient rehab offers a structured and trigger-free environment for recovery. Research shows that intensive outpatient treatment can be just as effective for many people with mild and moderate benzo addictions. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab offer access to broadly similar treatments.
- MAT: MAT (medication-assisted treatment) may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and to treat any co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. MAT is most effective when blended with behavioral interventions.
- Behavioral interventions: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is proven effective for treating addictions, helping people to change self-defeating patterns of thoughts and behaviors. CBT also imparts healthy coping techniques, enabling people to deal with life’s stressors without reaching for prescription medications like Xanax.
- Family therapy: Addiction affects not just the person using substances but their entire family. Family therapy can help heal relationships, improve communication and conflict management, and establish a more supportive home environment.
- Holistic therapies: Most of the best Xanax rehabs supplement evidence-based interventions with holistic treatments like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.
- Addiction support groups: Support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) or SMART Recovery provide a community of individuals who share experiences and offer mutual support to those in recovery from addiction.
- Relapse prevention and aftercare: All effective Xanax addiction treatment involves an aftercare component to promote ongoing recovery and minimize the risk of relapse. This may involve ongoing counseling, access to alumni clubs, or participation in peer support groups.
It can feel overwhelming to get help for Xanax addiction, but reaching out for the right support could mean the difference between long-term recovery and ongoing substance abuse or relapse.
Get Premier Treatment for Xanax Addiction at Ohio Recovery
Although Xanax addiction is disruptive, it’s also treatable. At Ohio Recovery, we offer intensive outpatient treatment of benzo addictions at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH.
Engaging with our supervised medical detox program streamlines the Xanax withdrawal process. Access to medications, a tapered reduction in dosage, and continuous clinical care helps you overcome dependence on Xanax and transition to ongoing outpatient treatment.
Although intensive outpatient treatment at Ohio Recovery is highly structured, you can still fulfill your everyday commitments at home, work, or school. The unique aspect of all addictions means that treatment plans are personalized. Therapies may include MAT (medication-assisted treatment), psychotherapy, family therapy, individual counseling, and holistic interventions. Aftercare is also integral to all treatment plans at Ohio Recovery to reduce the risk of relapse.
Call 877-679-2132 today and begin your recovery from Xanax addiction right away.
