Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Xanax Abuse and Addiction to Alprazolam

Xanax abuse is an increasingly common problem in the United States.

Xanax, the brand name for Alprazolam, is one of the most common mood-altering prescription drugs.

Doctors prescribe it for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.

Because of its strength and addictive qualities, medical professionals often recommend small doses for short-term use.

However, considering the rates at which prescription drugs are sold in illicit settings, this is difficult to monitor.

If you are battling Xanax addiction and abuse, we can help.

Is Xanax an Opioid?

Drugs and their side effects are not always easy to classify immediately.

The questions: “Is Xanax an opioid?” and “Is Xanax a benzodiazepine?” are frequently asked.

Xanax is not an opioid. Opioids are traditionally used for pain relief.

However, one of the biggest problems with Xanax abuse and addiction is that it is often linked to opioid abuse.

One of the most common combinations is Xanax and heroin.

Both depress the central nervous system and alter important functions in your brain and body.

The Dangers of Combining Xanax and Heroin

Putting Xanax and heroin together can have fatal consequences.

While Xanax eases anxiety and stress, heroin and other opioids reduce physical pain and increase pleasure.

The combination can be appealing for people with high levels of anxiety, stress, or physical pains.

However, heroin is not approved for medical use.

The escalation from a prescription drug to heroin or another illicit and dangerous drug can affect your brain and body in the short and long-term.

Overdoses and fatalities can become more likely.

Both drugs interfere with vital functions. When taken together, they can slow your breathing down to dangerously slow rates. Combining Xanax and heroin can make it harder to breathe and lead to irregular heartbeats, confusion, or nausea. The impairments to your cardiac functions can increase your risk of overdosing.

If you are combining Xanax and heroin or other opioids, reach out for help today.

Changing your approach can change your whole life.

Is Xanax a Benzodiazepine?

Xanax is a powerful and addictive benzodiazepine.

Its stress-relieving and sedative-style effects appeal to many people with anxiety disorders and others who have trouble coping with high-stress situations in their lives.

Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and social anxiety disorders, are among the most common mental health disorders in America.

With prescription solutions readily available, it can become an afterthought to exhaust alternatives or end a prescription at the recommended time.

Benzodiazepine prescriptions rose by over 200% between 2009 and 2014.

Xanax addiction can be challenging to avoid when you feel like it is the only option available.

Choose Pathfinders for long-term support and solutions.

Choose your health and sobriety above all else. Choose a better way.

Xanax Addiction and Mental Health

While Xanax is prescribed to aid certain mental illnesses, it can also make them worse.

When taken as prescribed, this risk is mitigated. However, you are still at risk for addiction depending on individual factors, such as your mental health, dosage, and frequency of use.

When Xanax is abused, the risk of worsening or developing mental health disorders is heightened.

Approximately half of all individuals who have a mental illness will also experience a substance use disorder. In addition, nearly one-third of voluntary overdoses or suicide attempts involve benzodiazepines.

Like anxiety or depression, addiction is an illness that changes your brain chemistry in significant ways.

Your thoughts and behaviors may change over time.

Xanax abuse and addiction can worsen the original condition you were taking it to treat.

We will help you address your addiction needs and mental health.

We will help you build healthy habits, coping mechanisms and practice relapse prevention.

We will help you build strong support systems and use holistic remedies — like exercise and meditation — to ease your stress and anxiety. Journaling, reading, and participating in recreational activities are a few other holistic remedies that will help you move toward your goals.

We will help build the tools and techniques you need to leave your Xanax addiction behind.

Xanax Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms

One thing that prevents many people from ending their Xanax use is the withdrawal symptoms that start shortly after you stop taking it.

Overwhelming withdrawal symptoms or cravings can make it difficult to get sober on your own.

Without a thorough support system, healthy coping mechanisms, and medical attention, you may feel like there is no hope. Unfortunately, the short timeframe before withdrawal symptoms start does nothing to help the situation.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms are often present for anyone who takes the drug regularly for more than three weeks. This is one of the biggest drivers for relapses.

Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include headaches, muscle pains, insomnia, and heart palpitations. You may also experience blurry vision, tremors, diarrhea, finger numbness, light, and sound sensitivity, or cold sweats.

Xanax withdrawals can increase your anxiety levels or lead to a panic attack or intense paranoia for a time.

What are Medical Detoxes?

A medically-assisted and monitored Xanax detox gives you a safe and comfortable setting to get through the worst stages of your recovery.

If you qualify, we will administer safe and approved medications that ease your withdrawal symptoms and cravings when they are at their worst.

There is no reason to suffer in silence at home.

Xanax addiction withdrawal symptoms often peak around one to four days after you stop taking it. From there, it begins to get easier.

You will find the clarity, strength, and confidence you need to face the next steps on the road to recovery at Pathfinders Recovery Center.

Xanax Addiction Treatment Methods

In addition to holistic remedies that address your body and mind’s health, we use proven and research-based therapeutic techniques for a well-rounded addiction care program.

These Xanax abuse treatment methods include techniques like:

• Medical detoxes
• Individual therapy sessions
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Support groups

Xanax Addiction Treatment Settings

Depending on your addiction, mental health, and other individual factors, we will work with you to choose the treatment setting that best fits your needs.

Our inpatient or residential care program offers the highest levels of support for patients with severe addictions, underlying mental health disorders, or troubling cravings or withdrawal symptoms. It may also be the better option if you have tried to quit on your own and relapsed. This care method offers 24-hour care, guidance, and support.

This care method often starts with a medically-assisted detox to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and enforce early sobriety.

In our safe and comfortable facility, you are free from distractions and temptations.

You can focus on a well-rounded and holistic recovery.

You can focus on your future.

These programs can last from one month to over a year, depending on your needs.

We also offer partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs for patients with milder addictions, no underlying mental health concerns, or schedule limitations.

Pathfinders Addiction Care

Choosing not to face your addiction alone is the best choice you can make for your present and future self.

At Pathfinders, our dedicated and friendly teams are waiting to welcome you, support, and guide you.

We are here to show you all of the ways you can regain control of your life to have a strong foundation to work from when you return home.

Let us show you the difference Pathfinders’ addiction care programs can make.

Call us today to break free from the addictions holding you back.