Xanax addiction is a growing problem in the United States. With the ever increasing prescriptions being written for anxiety related issues, addiction to the prescribed medications also increases. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are highly addictive and doctors have noticed that prolonged use of these drugs can lead to addiction. As this becomes more apparent, some prescribers are trying to keep prescriptions low and for as short of time as possible. If you do find yourself or a loved one addicted to these it is important to get them help, as overdose is likely. Here at Recovery Ways our Master level clinicians are dedicated to providing all of our patients with the highest quality of care. We have individualized plans for each of our patients so that they get the treatment that is best for them and their addiction. Knowing the Xanax addiction facts, we can help make overcoming the addiction and staying sober easier.
Xanax is the brand name for Alprazolam, an addictive benzodiazepine that is prescribed for panic disorders, insomnia, general anxiety disorder (GAD), and even clinical depression. It affects the central nervous system and brain promoting GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that slows down nerve cell activity in the brain. It is 20 times stronger than Valium and is the number one prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. Tolerance and addiction to this drug develop quickly. Some addicts can take between 10 – 40 Xanax pills in a day.
Is xanax abuse becoming a problem?
If so, you may be suffering from a xanax addiction. To seek treatment for prescription pill abuse please contact our admissions coordinators. They can help review your insurance and find the best addiction rehab program for you.
Depending on the dosage, Xanax can come in pills of different colors and shapes. 2 mg tablets are white and rectangular. The rest are white (.25 mg), orange (0.5 mg), or blue (1 mg) and oval shape. Alprazolam can be yellow or green. Niravam is a form of Xanax that dissolves on the tongue instead of being swallowed. When taken as prescribed Xanax effects are usually felt within one to two hours making it a fast-acting drug, but the drug can stay in the body for 12 – 15 hours. 70% of teenagers and young adults who are addicted to this drug get it from their parent’s or other relative’s medicine cabinets. Xanax is a regulated Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it is less likely to be abused than Schedule III substances such as Vicodin and Suboxone. Just because it is labeled as not as addictive as other drugs doesn’t mean it is not addictive. According to the Xanax addiction facts provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 17,019 people sought treatment in 2012 for benzodiazepines like Xanax as their primary or sole drug of abuse. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, daily use of benzodiazepines for six or more weeks leads to 40% of users being dependent on the drug.
Xanax is taken in pill form or can be crushed and snorted. It can also be crushed, heated up until it melts, and then injected like heroin. Xanax is commonly mixed with other drugs including opioid pills, heroin, and alcohol. All of these combinations are dangerous, can lead to an overdose, and in some cases be fatal. Withdrawal symptoms resemble those of barbiturate or alcohol withdrawal and can be deadly. Usually, addicts will be weaned off the drug to help lessen the severity of the withdrawal symptoms at the .
Other Names for Xanax
Alprazolam
Niravam
Common Street Names
Benzos
Bars
Handlebars
Blue footballs
Zannies or Xannies
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Symptoms and Warning Signs of Xanax Abuse
Xanax is prescribed as pills and intended to be orally taken but users might also crush it, snort it, or inject in. Sometimes people do not realize they are addicted to it because their doctor prescribed it. However, if you notice unusual behavior, they can’t function with the drug, constantly needing it even when the prescription isn’t ready to be filled, or they are visiting multiple doctors for multiple prescriptions, also know as “doctor shopping.”
Doctor shopping is just one of the signs of Xanax addiction. They can range from short-term to long-term and physical and/or mental. These are some signs you or your loved one may be addicted to benzodiazepines. After learning Xanax addiction facts, help your loved one seek help at a substance abuse treatment program in Utah.
Short Term Symptoms
Insomnia, drowsiness, coma
Blurred vision, dizziness, lack of coordination
Anxiety, headaches, slurred speech
Weakness, difficulty breathing
Long Term Symptoms
Dizziness, fainting
Slowed breathing
Depression, aggressive, hostile
Hallucinations, confusion
Loss of bladder control
Muscle tremors
Ready to end your addiction to Xanax and live a new life in recovery?
If so, it’s time you start the admissions process with Recovery Ways. Recovery Ways operates a network of that offers medically supervised detox, residential & PHP treatment, sober living and intensive outpatient services. Our JCAHO accredited, dual-diagnosis programs in Utah offer a highly personalized and unique addiction treatment experience. Our admission coordinators are available to help you or your loved one take the first steps towards a drug-free life.
Talk to our admission coordinators today: 888.986.7848
Are you suffering from xanax abuse symptoms?
Recovery Ways offer exceptional addiction rehab program to treat xanax abuse. Contact our admissions team and we can review your insurance and walk you through the entire admissions process.
Are you ready to end your Xanax addiction?
If so, it’s time you start the admissions process and get the help you deserve. Recovery Ways operates a network of Xanax addiction treatment clinics in the Salt Lake City area that offers medically supervised detox, residential & PHP treatment, sober living, and intensive outpatient services. Our admission coordinators are always available to help you or your loved one take the first steps towards recovery.
Talk to our admission coordinators today: 888.986.7848