Xanax abuse is an example of prescription drug misuse. As a benzodiazepine, Xanax can help some people medically – but with misuse, such as taking more than prescribed or dosing even without a disorder to treat, it can be dangerous and even fatal. Developing a Xanax addiction can happen quickly.
Even if you want to stop misusing Xanax, your dependency may not allow it. What’s needed in cases like this is professional help in the form of detox. If you are looking for a Xanax detox center in Ohio, contact Midwest Detox Center by calling 833.647.0392 or reaching out to our team online.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is actually a drug called alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that affects your central nervous system (CNS). Taking Xanax produces a calming effect on your body – the drug does this by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical in the body that reduces neuronal excitability throughout the CNS.
Alprazolam is a highly potent benzodiazepine. It can help people with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia – but it is also highly addictive. Xanax is usually prescribed for short periods, up to six weeks of dosing, to prevent addiction. The risk of developing a dependency and addiction may be higher for people with a substance use disorder.
When alprazolam is used for a long time, it may not work as well for anxiety or insomnia treatment. Many people who take Xanax exactly as prescribed may actually become addicted without realizing it as their drug tolerance develops.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
Xanax is a CNS depressant often abused alongside other substances, primarily alcohol and opioids. However, doing so can result in serious side effects – such as respiratory arrest, serious injury, coma, and even death. Xanax can also be very dangerous when taken in large doses. Too much Xanax can result in severe sedation lasting up to several days.
Because Xanax is a sedative, there is a high risk of accidents due to decreased alertness and response time. Someone on Xanax must never operate automobiles or other types of machinery. Here are some signs of Xanax abuse to watch out for:
- Cognitive and coordination impairment
- Delirium
- Drowsiness and sluggishness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Isolation
- Legal consequences
- Lightheadedness
- Missing school, work, or previously enjoyable activities
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Sleeping for extended periods of time
- Slurred speech
- Vertigo
- Weakness
What Should You Expect From Pill Addiction Treatment Programs?
Like most addiction treatment programs, a typical prescription drug treatment program will usually start with a comprehensive examination and assessment. The patient will be evaluated and interviewed about their pill addiction – and may even be found to have other physical ailments or co-occurring mental health disorders. In cases like this, the patient will heal better in a dual diagnosis treatment program.
Many treatment facilities customize their patients’ treatment plans using the information from intake assessments. These plans include forms of care and therapy that are available in their programs. Typically, behavioral therapy will be part of the plan to help patients learn more about their pill addictions – its causes, triggers, and more. Patients will also learn coping skills to better deal with relapse triggers after treatment.
Before patients leave the program, they will usually form a customized aftercare plan with a professional. Without an aftercare plan, it will be much more difficult for patients to maintain lifelong sobriety.
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program
Looking for professional help in dealing with Xanax abuse? Contact Midwest Detox Center and ask about our prescription drug addiction treatment program. Call 833.647.0392 or reach out to our team online.
