Treatment Center AZ Discusses Xanax Addiction

Treatment Center AZ Discusses Xanax Addiction

Xanax is a highly addictive benzodiazepine that is commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.^[1] When taken appropriately, Xanax can be effective at helping people manage overly anxious feelings, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and more. However, long-term Xanax use can lead to substance abuse and addiction. The side effects of withdrawing from Xanax can be severe and can prolong or worsen a Xanax addiction. Desert Cove Recovery, Treatment Center AZ can help you or a loved one overcome a Xanax addiction.

Since addiction to Xanax can be complex, it requires a two-step approach for recovery: Medical detox and Rehabilitation.  Continue reading to learn more about why Xanax is so addictive, the warning signs of addiction, and how the team at Desert Cove Recovery can help.

What is Xanax and Why is it So Addictive?

Since Xanax is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It produces a calm and tranquil effect on the body. There are two main reasons why people become addicted to Xanax. Some users eventually build a tolerance over time and develop a dependence. While others end up chasing a high that builds into addiction.

If it is taken for prolonged periods of time, the body will build a tolerance to the effects of the drug and begin to require a higher dose to feel the same relief.^[2] Eventually, the user might begin to feel nervous if their prescription begins to run low, or they might get irritable if they forget a dose. The user may even realize that they are building a dependence on the drug. But since it provides relief from really intense negative feelings, they often feel as though they have no other choice. Eventually, this leads to an addiction that cannot be overcome alone.

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Alternatively, some people abuse Xanax occasionally to deal with certain stressful situations. They may take more than they have been prescribed, or in a way that is not recommended in order to feel the effects immediately. In doing so, they achieve a euphoric high and are able to avoid negative feelings and situations. This can lead to the user depending on the drug just to get through the day and eventually lead to a dangerous addiction.

What are the Symptoms of Xanax Abuse?

There are often physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction. If you think a loved one may be struggling with an addiction, here are a few signs to look for^[3]:

Behavioral Signs

• Mood changes such as being irritable, anxious, or depressed
• Changes in behavior such as manic episodes, impulsivity, or suddenly becoming secretive
• Obsessing about having enough, getting more, and taking Xanax
• Ignoring responsibilities and obligations to family or work
• Trying to reduce Xanax intake, but are not able to

Physical Signs

• The onset of health issues such as frequent headaches, fatigue, or nausea
• Slurred speech
• Weight gain or loss
• Dizziness

Addiction Treatment Center AZ Can Treat Xanax Addiction

Fortunately, with the help of an addiction treatment center, you can recover from an addiction to Xanax and lead a healthy, happy life. The most successful way for patients to attain sobriety is through a treatment program that combines medical detox and a drug rehabilitation program. This method treats both the body’s physical dependence on the drug and the mind’s cravings for an escape.

Medical Detox

Since withdrawing from Xanax can be dangerous, it is best not to quit using ‘cold turkey’. The safest and most effective method for ridding the body of Xanax is through medical detox. Desert Cove Recovery will provide a referral to a professional detox facility, where you can safely and comfortably break the body’s dependence on Xanax.

Drug Rehabilitation Program

Once your body has detoxed from Xanax, and your mind is feeling clearer, you can enter into Desert Cove Recovery’s drug rehabilitation program. This phase focuses on dealing with the underlying causes that led to addiction. Whether you require inpatient or outpatient treatment, we will create a treatment plan that fits your individual needs. You will work closely with a counselor in individual and group therapy settings to learn the tools you need to maintain sobriety.

If you or a loved one has been suffering from an addiction to Xanax, recovery is possible. Contact Desert Cove Recovery today to get started.

Sources:

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”