Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines work by “relaxing” your brain and nerves. More specifically, these medications work by binding to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), resulting in relaxation and sedation. When someone addicted to Xanax stops taking it without medical supervision, they can go into life-threatening drug withdrawal. There is a treatment program near you for Xanax addiction. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
- The symptoms of an overdose may persist for 12 to 36 hours.
- It is important for a person to remember that not every treatment works for everyone.
- That being said, the evidence speaks for itself, as thousands seek treatment every year for dependencies on this drug.
- Xanax can have many side effects, including some serious ones.
Practicing relapse prevention and management can improve your recovery outlook in the long term. Your doctor can help you find support resources in your area. If you — or your loved one — are ready to get treatment, it may be helpful to reach out to a supportive friend or family member for support. If you’re thinking about staging an intervention, remember that it might not result in a positive outcome. Read on to find out more about Xanax addiction and recovery.
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People often recognize they are dependent on Xanax but cannot stop taking the drug due to the severe withdrawal symptoms, which they can experience if they don’t take the drug. The time varies for each person and withdrawal symptoms vary xanax addiction depending on numerous factors. At this point, drug rehabilitation or medical intervention is the safest method for someone attempting to overcome their addiction. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
With Xanax, the effects of drug withdrawal can be severe and even dangerous, so detox is often a gradual process, especially if it had been used in high doses and/or for a prolonged period of time. For example, to reduce the risk of seizures, the Xanax dose is gradually tapered over weeks under medical supervision. Learn more about the risks and side effects of substance use disorders, including the signs of intoxication and overdose. Look into treatment options you can suggest to your loved one.
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People successfully recover from Xanax addictions using both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. However, people with more severe addictions might need the stability of an inpatient treatment center to recover. The detox and withdrawal from Xanax can cause deadly seizures, so professional guidance is vital during this time of treatment. It’s important that you consider all of your options and choose the treatment program that’s right for you. Healthcare professionals can also use medication to help a person detox.
One program that has been shown to result in successful treatment enrollment is called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). Detox is a process during which a person stops taking a harmful drug. The process can be rapid or gradual, depending on the drug. Like many drugs, the presence of Xanax can be detected with laboratory tests.
What Can Happen When You Mix Xanax with Other Drugs?
However, the right treatment isn’t the same for everyone. Xanax dependence can be a trigger that encourages addiction. When a person is dependent, they cannot stop using a drug without experiencing withdrawal. They also cannot function normally without the substance.
- The next complaint was that the doctors continued to treat patients who failed drug screens or showed “other signs that they were abusing or diverting drugs.” That’s kind of the definition of addiction.
- One program that has been shown to result in successful treatment enrollment is called Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- Context matters, which we hope journalists will start providing.
- Tapering allows your body to slowly get used to smaller doses and can prevent symptoms.
- When you carefully follow your prescription instructions for the medication, the chance of developing a substance use disorder is low.
Xanax Abuse and Xanax Addiction: What’s the Difference?
- In many cases, benzodiazepines like Xanax are prescribed in addition to another anxiety medication that you take every day, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- If you suspect someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, or any other substance overdose, call 911 immediately.
- Some are related to your environment and life experiences, such as having friends who use drugs.