Xanax & Benzodiazepines : Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings

What is Xanax Addiction?

Xanax is a brand for Alprazolam which is in the category of drugs called Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines calm and sedate the user by reducing the arousal in the brain. Even though Xanax is a prescription drug which can be safe for therapeutic use, it is frequently used in a recreational manner or without a prescription. Like all other prescription drugs, it is very easy to misuse Xanax.

Xanax, similar to other drugs, hijacks the reward pathway of the brain by inducing pleasure and relaxation due to increased levels of dopamine. The reward pathway is stimulated by dopamine which motivates the repetition of certain behaviors even if those behaviors are harmful. Gradually, the body responds by lessening the reward system responsiveness. This phenomenon is referred to as tolerance. Due to the overstimulation caused by repeated Xanax dosage, the intense and pleasurable feeling that was felt originally severely diminishes. In order to achieve a pleasurable feeling, one will be required to take more and more Xanax, fostering dependency on it.

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What Makes Xanax So Addictive?

If someone is aiming to get high quickly, Xanax is certainly something worth considering. Just like any other drug, there are several concerning issues that come with it. This drug is extremely addictive because withdrawal symptoms beg for more depending on the body’s tolerance level. Once the drug is administered, it reaches the target organs, which in this case is the brain, within a very short time frame. It changes the state of the person’s body to a relaxing one while making them feel good. For those who want to ease their anxiety and stress levels, they pop xanax like candy. Sounds great, right? But of course, this fun comes with a hefty debt. Given the way it interacts with the body, the chances of addiction starting are uncontrolled. So, if an individual becomes addicted to Xanax, everything else in life becomes secondary. Help from a trained professional is required as part of rehabilitation.

If you know someone who is struggling with addiction, contact our treatment advisors for a no-obligation assessment today.

This Is How To Understand The Addiction To Xanax

Using Xanax is like picking up a loaded firework – you cannot predict when it will explode. No body wants to deal with deep sadness, so as soon as they sense it coming, they rub on some xanax and poof! All the sadness goes away. The only caveat is that it doesn’t last long. In short, Xanax is like a high from a drink that comes instantly and lasts long enough until you need to restock. Not to mention the fact that it’s very expensive.

The gradual increase in drug tolerance will lead to powerful cravings and difficulty in stopping drug use. The individual, over time, gets adjusted to the effect of Xanax, but when the drug is stopped, painful withdrawal symptoms set in, which makes the body crave the drug.

Xanax addiction is extremely difficult to treat, and many have to become dependent on it to get some relief from the withdrawal symptoms.

A person addicted to Xanax, regardless of the consequences, will actively seek it out.

What Are The Causes of Xanax Addiction?

Even though Xanax is prescribed, it is misused to a certain extent. Like any pharmaceutical drug, it has the potential to get abused.

With higher doses of Xanax, efficacy decreases. Patients may continue increasing their doses in order to achieve symptom control, making them increasingly dependent on the drug.

Regardless of the reason, usually environmental factors will dictate how addiction develops.

Environmental Factors

While poly-substance abuse leads to many cases of addiction to Xanax, there is a growing population of dependence among people without much history.

However, there are certain aspects that can affect the chances of developing an addiction to Xanax. Being in the company of drug abusers may be one of them. There is a lot of evidence pointing towards parental influence being a major risk factor when it comes to addiction. Children that witness drug abuse in their immediate surroundings are more likely to suffer from addiction at some point in their life.

The influence of peers can lead to using drugs for pleasure and adolescents tend to partake in more of these dangerous activities as there is a lack of developed reasoning skills due to certain areas of the brain still maturing.

Emotional Influences

Substance abuse is a major concern and various emotional aspects can influence it. Xanax is meant to alleviate anxiety. In severe cases, a person can become addicted to the very prescription medication that was given to mitigate the issue.

For people suffering with mental disorders, repetitive usage of Xanax can lead to tolerance. Over an extended period, the act of self-medication can become more prevalent and blend with the mental disorder.

Biological Factors

Some people trying to prescribe Xanax may do so without considering the specific needs of the patient, therefore, some stand the chance of developing an uncontrollable desire to intake the drug.

On one hand, neuroscience is revealing that people have differing degrees of genes or impulses alongside variations in the functioning of the brain in terms of controlling impulsive and aggressive behaviors. If these genes are passed down, then different family members can become more prone to developing addiction culture problems in the long run.

Changes to Brain Chemistry

Using Xanax repetitively often leads to hormonal changes that make self-restraint difficult.

The body’s reward system gradually becomes tolerant, resulting in a reduction in the ability to derive pleasure from the drug over time. This phenomenon is referred to as tolerance. The initial response that one gets becomes lesser and lesser. As a result, the drug has to be consumed in ever increasing quantities. In the case of addiction, the individual’s mind will compulsively lead the addict to the drug, and usage of the drug becomes the foremost and single most important issue in a person’s life.

Psychological addiction developed through the long term abuse of Xanax happens much faster than from other benzos, while over dosage is far more damaging.

What Are The Symptoms of Xanax Addiction?

In comparison to other substances, Xanax is far more dangerous as it can result in abrupt changes physically, mentally, and behaviorally. Some indicators are more obvious, while others may be concealed or present themselves over time.

Addiction customarily worsens over time. However, if treated at an early stage, the effects of the disease can be managed. Recognizing warning signs is critical and can significantly help in intervention.

Physical Symptoms

Drowsiness and lethargy

Sleeping for extensive periods of time

Cognitive Functions

Slurred speech

Xerostomia

Loss of coordination

Nausea and vomiting

Behavioral Symptoms

Inability to interact socially with friends and relatives

Frequent dishonesty

Poor academic or occupational performance

Emotional instability

Loss of interest in hobbies and other activities

Withdrawal and secrecy

Neglecting obligations

Xanax Abuse vs. Addiction: What’s the Difference

Using Xanax without permission, or not as directed, falls under abuse regardless of the circumstance. The term abuse means you are using Xanax in a dangerous manner and potentially, without fully comprehending the severity of the situation.

In some instances, Xanax abusers might mix it with alcohol during drinking occasions such as parties to help with the buzz. The assumption is that people who abuse recreationally still have some self-control hence, do not use it uncontrollably.

What is true is, long-term abuse of anything is damaging to health, much like addiction, along with everything else.

Addiction may suggest a physical need, but it mostly refers to some psychological dependency as well.

The inability to cut back on the intake of Xanax is the first symptom of addiction and is often experienced very uncomfortable side effects.

What Are The Effects of Xanax Addiction on Your Daily Life?

When drug abusing becomes of utmost importance, it puts relationships at risk as well as the user’s well being. Xanax addiction insidiously finds its way into every aspect of your life which ultimately reduces quality time with family and makes it impossible to fulfill responsibilities at work.

Addiction to Xanax can be very harmful. Addicts are usually quick to try and self-medicate by augmenting their consumption. However, the use of Xanax in high doses or in conjunction with other drugs, especially alcohol, can lead to dire consequences. The body can be shockingly responsive and when an individual overdoses, things tend to get out of control.

Getting Help with Xanax Addiction, Caring Hands Recovery Center

At Caring Hands Recovery Treatment Center, located in scenic Corona, CA, we have highly effective treatment and recovery options, supervised by our experienced and specialized staff, that we ensure are applicable and effective to the unique conditions of our clients and patients. Our qualified and caring staff are ready to readily respond to your questions. Please call us at +1 760-468-3444.

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