Xanax addiction treatment that actually works

Xanax is a popular brand name for the drug alprazolam. Belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (along with Ativan, Valium and Klonopin), Xanax is commonly prescribed short-term management of conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, or sleep disorders.

Benzodiazepine medications affect the central nervous system primarily by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which depresses sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the body. This leads to a reduction in anxiety and tension, as well as somnolence (sleepiness), loss of coordination, and impaired judgement.

In addition to increasing levels of GABA, Xanax also triggers larger-than-normal releases of the neurotransmitter dopamine (one of the “feel-good” chemicals naturally produced in the body), which produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

Xanax’s rapid rate of action makes it extremely effective, but it’s also the primary reason it’s so addictive. The body quickly builds up a tolerance to the drug (meaning users need to take more and more to get the same effect) and becomes dependent on it to produce GABA and function normally.

As a result, when someone who’s been taking Xanax for a long period of time suddenly stops taking it, the brain is unable to produce appropriate levels of GABA and dopamine. Without enough of these neurotransmitters, the brain and nerves become extremely sensitive and go into overdrive, which causes the withdrawal symptoms.

The physical and mental withdrawal symptoms typically set in within a few hours of the last dose. Factors like how long the person has been taking the drug, along with frequency of use and dosage will cause withdrawal symptoms to vary from person to person, but they may include:

• Increased anxiety and nervousness
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Panic
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Muscle spasms/tension
• Intense sweating
• Memory issues
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

The most effective way to treat Xanax withdrawal is with a combination of medical detox to ease physical symptoms and psychological support to help patients learn to cope with stress and anxiety.

Medical detox for Xanax usually involves carefully tapering down a patient’s dose under careful medical supervision. Gradually reducing the dose, as opposed to discontinuing it completely, allows the body to adjust to lower and lower levels without inducing the most severe withdrawal symptoms.

Physicians may also prescribe other medications, including longer-acting benzodiazepines like Valium, as well as aids such as antidepressants or beta-blockers that may help alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, so its effects wear off fairly quickly, and withdrawal symptoms typically set in as soon as the drug is out of a user’s system – about 10-12 hours after the last dose.

The amount of time a person will experience withdrawal symptoms depends on individual factors like how long they’ve been taking it and at what dosage, but a typical progression looks something like this:

Initial withdrawal phase (~1 – 4 days) – Common symptoms include anxiety and depression, insomnia.

Acute withdrawal phase (~4 days – 2 weeks) – This phase is where most people experience the worst symptoms and are at risk for things like seizures that require close medical supervision.

Post-acute withdrawal phase (~2 weeks – months, years) – Duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary greatly, especially if there are underlying psychological issues such as an anxiety or panic disorder.

Xanax abuse can result in a number of unpleasant effects, including:

• Short-term memory loss
• Flashbacks
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain
• Uncontrollable muscle twitches
• Migraines
• Seizures
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Suicidal thoughts
• Depression

One of the biggest dangers of Xanax abuse is that users often combine it with other substances, including alcohol and opiates like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and heroin, which can greatly amplify the effects of both substances.

This polysubstance abuse can profoundly impair short-term memory, judgement, and coordination, greatly increasing the chances of an accidental injury and/or potentially fatal overdose.

Using the drug in ways it wasn’t intended, including snorting Xanax, can also lead to health problems involving the airways and lungs.

The signs and symptoms of chronic Xanax abuse will vary slightly for each individual, but they often include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleeping for long periods of time
• Impaired thinking and judgement
• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Short-term memory loss
• Sluggishness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Delirium

Chronic Xanax abuse may lead to changes in appearance and behavior that affect relationships and work performance. Other signs of chronic use can resemble indications for using the drug in the first place, such as anxiety and insomnia.

Overdosing on Xanax is possible when you take more than the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases if mixed with alcohol or other drugs.

High doses of benzodiazepines can have serious side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma