Xanax, which is also known by its brand name of alprazolam, is only recommended for short durations of less than six weeks. Unfortunately, many people remain on their prescriptions for longer or access it for recreational use. Xanax is highly addictive, and what might have started as a treatment for anxiety can soon become a dependency.
Anxiety
Often people will take xanax for anxiety and it will initially work. Their symptoms will decrease. But after a while, their body begins to build a tolerance to the drug. The anxiety may return and so they begin to take more, thinking that a higher dose is all they need. This can become an addiction very quickly.
Somewhat ironically, one of the symptoms of chemical dependency is anxiety about when one’s medication is running out. Users often interpret this as a sign of needing more medicine, so they might then make the mistake of upping their dosage when instead, they really need to be talking with their doctor about finding a way off of it.
Long-Term Problems
When we become dependent on xanax, many of our brain’s functions start becoming erratic in the absence of the drug. It can affect memory, emotions, speaking, concentration, and one’s coordination. It can also lead to anxiety and panic which might have been what a person was taking xanax to deal with in the first place. Unfortunately the response is often to double-down on the drug rather than to get off it.
Extended use of xanax can result in violent mood swings and aggressive behavior. There can be a massive weight change, often either a gain in weight due to binge eating, or weight loss because of loss of appetite. Extreme tiredness may also set in, and one’s life may be negatively affected by this lethargy. Extreme irritability is also common, and people addicted to xanax often get in fights, especially when the drug also creates a confusion. In some circumstances it can also lead to hallucinations and delusions.
There are many more effects of xanax addiction beyond the few I’ve mentioned here, some as severe as seizures. Withdrawal from xanax can also be difficult and has many extreme symptoms. But you shouldn’t let the difficulty of withdrawing scare you away. It means that you should do it sooner rather than later. The longer one goes while addicted to xanax (or other drugs for that matter), the harder it is to come off them, and the greater the chance of a relapse.
If you have found yourself addicted to xanax–or fear you’re becoming addicted–seek help immediately. You can work with a trained professional to get off the addiction, find a solution to whatever pain facilitated the addiction, and work to develop new coping skills to prevent a relapse. There are xanax detox programs in Florida which can help you. Call us today at (833) 596-3502.