Xanax Abuse is On the Rise

Xanax Abuse is a Growing Problem

Xanax abuse is something to be concerned about, even though Xanax is a prescription medication.

The truth is that Xanax is one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs in its class, according to the authors of a study in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

While Xanax does belong to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which have legitimate medical uses for the treatment of anxiety and panic, Xanax abuse is an unfortunate reality.

Experts warn that Xanax is incredibly addictive and should not be used for long periods of time.

Over time, Xanax abuse can lead to addiction and the need for drug rehab.

 

Rates of Xanax Abuse

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse or NIDA shows just how common Xanax abuse has become.

According to a 2018 report from this organization, 30.5 million American adults use benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax.

Among benzodiazepine users, 17.1% of people misuse these drugs, which means that we can expect the rates of Xanax abuse to be considerably high.

Among those who abuse Xanax and other benzodiazepines, a little under 2% will develop a benzodiazepine use disorder.

This is the clinical term for an addiction to drugs like Xanax.

If Xanax abuse leads to a clinical addiction, drug rehab will likely be necessary.

 

Reasons for Xanax Abuse

Some people take Xanax as prescribed by a doctor for an anxiety or panic disorder, but others engage in Xanax abuse. This can involve taking Xanax for reasons other than its intended uses or taking larger doses of Xanax than a doctor prescribes.

When prescribed Xanax, people should use caution and take the medication exactly as the doctor prescribes. Xanax abuse occurs when people do not follow a doctor’s directions.

There are various reasons for Xanax abuse. According to a research report from NIDA, almost half of people who abuse benzodiazepines such as Xanax misuse the drug to relax or relieve tension. Nearly 25% of people who abuse Xanax are trying to treat sleep problems.

Furthermore, slightly over 10% of people report Xanax abuse is a method to get high, and an additional 10% abuse Xanax helps them cope with their emotions. Finally, some people report that their Xanax abuse is a method of experimentation.

Regardless of the reasons for Xanax abuse, misusing this drug can lead to an addiction or substance use disorder.

Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

If Xanax abuse leads to addiction, it will be classified as a substance use disorder. NIDA has reported that symptoms include using larger amounts of Xanax than intended, being unable to cut back on Xanax use, or using Xanax when dangerous, such as while driving a vehicle.

Other signs that Xanax abuse has led to addiction include the following: spending a great deal of time using Xanax, giving up other activities in favor of Xanax abuse, or continuing to use the drug despite serious consequences, such as worsening physical or mental health, difficulty in relationships, or being unable to fulfill duties at work or home.

Once someone has developed a substance use disorder, Xanax rehab is needed to recover.

Xanax Abuse and Withdrawal

Another consequence of ongoing Xanax abuse is experiencing withdrawal. Xanax withdrawal occurs because, with regular use of the drug, the body will become physically dependent upon it. This means that when a person reduces Xanax abuse or tries to stop using the drug, the body will go through withdrawal symptoms as it adjusts to the absence of the drug.

Because Xanax abuse can lead to withdrawal, it is often necessary to seek the help of a professional detox program to stop using Xanax. In fact, Xanax withdrawal can be extremely risky, as it can lead to serious complications like seizures, according to experts.

 

Treatment for Xanax Abuse

If you have been struggling with Xanax abuse, it is important that you seek help from a professional if you want to stop using the drug. As previously stated, Xanax withdrawal can be serious, so it is important to have the help of a professional while you are detoxing from this drug.

Staff in a Xanax rehab can provide you with a detox program, where you will receive medical care, support, and supervision to keep you as safe and as comfortable as possible as your body rids itself of Xanax. After you complete detox, it is important that you receive ongoing behavioral care to help you address the underlying issues that led to Xanax abuse.

Takeaways on Telling Your Family You Need Help for Drugs

Telling your family, you need help for drugs and need to go to drug rehab can be challenging. Given the stigma and shame surrounding having a drug addict in the family, your loved ones may have a negative opinion of addiction treatment.

Some of the stigma surrounding drug abuse can be corrected by developing an understanding of addiction, such as learning that addiction is a legitimate medical condition that causes lasting changes in the brain.

Explaining that addiction is a lasting brain condition, informing your family of the benefits of treatment, and asking for their support as you go to drug rehab can make a difference. Letting them know the reasons you need help for drugs and telling them what to expect will increase the chances that your family will support you.

Xanax Abuse and Mental Illness

As the research indicates, Xanax treats anxiety and panic disorder, so many people who use this medication have a mental health condition. Furthermore, a significant portion of people engages in Xanax abuse to help them cope with tension or uncomfortable emotions.

It is not unusual for someone to have both a Xanax addiction and a co-occurring mental illness, such as anxiety, panic disorder, or depression. If you are struggling with Xanax abuse and mental illness, it is important that you seek treatment at a dual diagnosis rehab center.

A Xanax rehab specializing in dual diagnosis can provide treatment for both addiction and mental illness so that all of your needs are met. If you treat only the Xanax abuse but not the underlying mental health condition, you may return to Xanax abuse in order to self-medicate issues like stress or anxiety.

Xanax Rehab in Colorado and Arizona

Suppose you are living with Xanax addiction and are seeking a rehab center. In that case, Pathfinders Recovery Center has locations in both Colorado and Arizona, and we are happy to provide services to those in surrounding states as well.

We can offer both Colorado and Arizona Xanax rehab, and we are qualified to treat a dual diagnosis, to address Xanax abuse and mental illness together. We promise to provide research-backed treatment in our upscale facilities, and we employ a leadership team with upwards of 25 years of experience.

We are also accredited by the Joint Commission, and we offer a range of rehab services, including inpatient, outpatient, detox, and partial hospitalization.

 

Paying for Colorado and Arizona Xanax Rehab

You may be worried about covering the costs of rehab.

If this is the case, the Pathfinders Recovery Center can ease some of your concerns with our free insurance verification program.

Visit our website and fill out a quick form, and one of our team members will be in touch with you as soon as possible to inform you of how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for Xanax rehab.

Even if you are without insurance, our team will work with you to develop a cash payment plan to make rehab affordable for you.

Regardless of your financial situation, we are here to help.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey toward a life that is free from the grips of Xanax abuse.