Recovery focuses on managing addiction as a chronic condition by addressing its underlying causes and maintaining sobriety rather than eliminating the possibility of relapse, which a cure indicates. Inpatient rehab is considered the most effective option, offering structured care and preventing relapse during the critical withdrawal phase. Medical supervision is essential to taper the dosage gradually and manage withdrawal safely with appropriate interventions. Abrupt cessation overwhelms the central nervous system, which has become dependent on the drug to regulate normal functions. Mild cases resolve within a week, while severe cases with long-term use may experience symptoms for several weeks or even months. At Carolina Center for Recovery, we’re here to help you or your loved one take the first step toward lasting recovery and a brighter future.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how taking XANAX with opioids affects you.
There is a subpopulation of patients exposed to benzodiazepines that is more likely to escalate their dose, mainly those with coexisting drug or alcohol use problem (Griffiths and Wolf, 1990; NICE, 2014). In another study of patients with panic disorder, neither anxiolytic tolerance nor daily dose increase was observed after 8 weeks of alprazolam treatment, with continued efficacy at 6 months (Schweizer et al., 1993). It is important to note that physical dependence, usually defined by withdrawal symptoms including seizures, does not require the presence of clinical tolerance, and conversely tolerance may develop without any signs of physical dependence. Alprazolam’s misuse potential stems from its unique pharmacokinetic properties of rapid absorption, low lipophilicity, and short half-life (t1/2), and pharmacodynamic properties of high potency and more severe withdrawal symptoms occurring after a shorter period of use. Most prescribers with experience in addiction medicine consider alprazolam to have high misuse liability, especially when prescribed to individuals with a history of some type of substance use disorder (Griffiths and Wolf, 1990).
- The first step may be to enter a professional medical detox because people are generally advised to withdraw from Xanax under medical supervision.15
- Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- If unhealthy behaviors have become addictions, and life has become unmanageable, it’s natural to feel hopelessness and despair.
- Xanax belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines.
- Affordable, virtual treatment to help you safely recover from substance use disorder.
Your risk of overdose increases if you take large doses of Xanax or combine it with other depressants like opioids or alcohol. Most adults are prescribed around 0.25 mg to 4 mg over multiple doses a fetal alcohol syndrome celebrities day. A prescription drug addiction assessment can lead to a diagnosis and determine how severe someone’s SUD is (mild, moderate, or severe).
Xanax leads the body quickly, which tends to lead to faster symptoms of withdrawal. Often, Xanax addiction signs mimic general benzodiazepine abuse warning signs. Physical dependence on Xanax often leads to addiction, but these conditions aren’t the same. This is because of the drug’s quick, strong effects on the brain. Yes, Xanax can and often does cause dependence, even when it’s taken exactly as prescribed.
However, misuse or long-term use leads to dependency, overdose, and other serious health risks. For those struggling with co-occurring mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, comprehensive treatment plans that address both the addiction and the underlying conditions are important for long-term success. The process of addiction is driven by the drug’s effect on the brain’s GABA receptors, which induce calming effects, making the drug desirable and reinforcing the cycle of misuse. Misuse is common, especially in those who are prescribed the drug for long-term use, highlighting the growing risk of addiction with extended periods of use. People at risk of misusing Xanax include individuals with a history of substance abuse, those suffering from untreated mental health disorders, young adults, and people exposed to high-stress environments. The medical conditions Xanax is used to treat include various anxiety and panic-related disorders, as well as certain secondary conditions where anxiety is a significant factor.
These facilities also offer resources like counseling and support groups to help individuals build the foundation for long-term recovery and prevent relapse. While at-home detox is possible for individuals with mild dependency, it is risky without professional guidance. This combination of medical and holistic care ensures a safer and more effective transition away from Xanax use, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Yes, detoxing from Xanax is necessary for individuals who have developed a dependency or have been using the drug for an extended period. While the powder form of alprazolam exists, it is used in manufacturing rather than for direct consumption. These side effects vary in severity, and their prevalence depends on factors such as dosage, duration of use, and individual sensitivity to the medication.
The main difference between Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) lies in their onset of action and half-life. The main difference between Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) is their primary uses and duration of action. The choice depends on individual patient needs and medical guidance. Ativan, on the other hand, is preferred for treating generalized anxiety disorders or pre-surgical anxiety due to its steadier effect. The main difference between Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) is their duration of action.
Withdrawal from Xanax is challenging, including intense anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. Therapeutically, it reduces feelings of anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it helpful for individuals facing severe stress. Problematic use of Xanax, including recreational use, has contributed to rising rates of dependency and overdose. However, its prevalence has raised concerns, as misuse and overprescription have become significant issues. You may report side effects to the FDA at FDA-1088.
How Does Xanax Affect the Brain?
This article will discuss how Xanax works, the side effects, the signs of Xanax addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and how to find treatment. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs known as central nervous system depressants, commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia.1 Xanax is the brand name version of alprazolam, one of the most prescribed types of benzodiazepines.1 Xanax is part of the drug class “benzodiazepines,” which are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Future research should also further investigate the misuse liability of alprazolam XR, and should attempt to clarify the role of carbamazepine, clonidine, other anticonvulsant drugs, and related compounds in the treatment of the alprazolam withdrawal syndrome. Many providers feel pressurized by their patients to continue prescribing as they try to wean them off benzodiazepines, and more-so with alprazolam, given the positive subjective drug effects.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2021), approximately 40% of individuals misusing Xanax report symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, memory impairment, and heightened anxiety, which often signal the onset of addiction. According to a study by Ronald Peters titled “Alprazolam Use Among Southern Youth,” published in the Journal of Drug Education (2007), even therapeutic use of benzodiazepines leads to dependence within a few weeks due to tolerance buildup. It takes 3 to 6 weeks of regular use to develop Xanax addiction, especially at higher-than-prescribed doses.
Plus, you can address any conflict or unhealthy dynamics within the family that might be contributing to the substance abuse. A family therapist knowledgeable in substance abuse can help family members better understand addiction while also improving overall communication and conflict resolution within the family. Additionally, if trauma is a contributing factor to your Xanax use, it’s important to seek therapy to unpack and resolve this trauma, not just for the sake of getting and staying sober but also for the sake of your general mental health. You’ll also learn healthy coping strategies and relaxation techniques. It helps you identify unhealthy and unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to your substance abuse.
Some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. If you take this medication to relieve symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart, those symptoms may begin to return as the drug is eliminated from your system. Xanax is a potentially habit-forming drug, so some people may develop a dependency or addiction without realizing it. XANAX (alprazolam) is indicated to treat anxiety disorders and for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Do not take XANAX if you are allergic to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or any of the ingredients in XANAX. If you or someone you care about are displaying Xanax misuse signs or think you may have an addiction, you should know that treatment is available.
When Xanax is reduced or stopped, the sudden lack of external support triggers hyperactivity in the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. In severe cases, withdrawal causes life-threatening seizures and hallucinations, particularly in those with long-term or high-dose usage. Symptoms of Xanax addiction include persistent drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination, alongside compulsive use and intense cravings. Xanax doses above 2 mg per day cause addiction, especially with prolonged use or recreational abuse.
- A person living with a Xanax addiction will then undergomedically supervised detoxification.
- (With misuse a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.) You should only take Xanax exactly as prescribed, and you should not share the drug with anyone else.
- Always consult your doctor about the effects of the medication on your ability to perform such activities safely.
- If you respond well to the drug and your doctor increases your daily dosage, they’ll do it slowly by 1 mg every 3 to 4 days.
- If you decide to stop taking Xanax, your doctor will likely have you decrease your dose slowly.
- Xanax is not approved for use in individuals under 18, except in rare cases where it is prescribed off-label under strict medical supervision.
“Plus, as the dose requires constant increases, Xanax can ultimately make anxiety worse instead of less due to the GABA downregulation and rebound effects.” “Acute withdrawal usually peaks within one to two weeks, but the protracted symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, sleep disruptions, can linger for much longer — months at times.” “What makes this particularly tricky is that withdrawal symptoms may not show up right away,” Holland Benzodiazepine withdrawal says.
Q: What are the risks of mixing Xanax with alcohol?
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are taking Xanax, consult your healthcare provider to discuss safer alternatives or strategies to manage anxiety or other conditions. Xanax is made through a complex chemical synthesis involving the preparation of alprazolam, its active ingredient, which belongs to the triazolobenzodiazepine class. Attempts to acquire Xanax without a prescription, such as purchasing from unregulated sources, are illegal and carry significant health risks, including counterfeit products that contain harmful substances. Prescriptions are issued by licensed healthcare providers following a medical evaluation. It is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse, dependency, and serious side effects.
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS
In severe cases of Xanax withdrawal, individuals experience seizures, hallucinations, and delirium. This eventually results in dependence, where the body becomes reliant on Xanax to function normally. When used regularly, Xanax alters the brain’s chemistry, particularly affecting the GABA receptors, which lead to tolerance—where increasingly higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Over time, repeated use of Xanax alters the brain’s natural balance of neurotransmitters, potentially causing dependency and reducing the brain’s ability to regulate mood and anxiety alcohol poisoning symptoms and treatment independently. The calming effect increases dopamine levels temporarily, leading to feelings of euphoria, especially at higher doses. While Xanax primarily targets GABA, its indirect effects on other brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, also play a role in its action.
As dependence develops, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures occur if the drug use is reduced or stopped, as studied by Drugs.com. Xanax addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on the medication alprazolam, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax detox refers to the process of eliminating the drug from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms, which include anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and severe mood swings. The drug’s fast onset of action—within 30 minutes—and relatively short half-life make it effective for acute anxiety episodes but also raise concerns about dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use. Valium is a benzodiazepine drug prescribed for anxiety disorders and sleep issues, but can also lead to dependence & Valium addiction.
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The resulting active α-hydroxylated metabolite is quickly inactivated by glucuronidation, making the drug short-acting. Compared with diazepam, alprazolam is less lipophilic, thus having a smaller volume of distribution, and is less protein-bound at 68%, compared with 98% for diazepam, meaning its faster metabolism and shorter duration of action would increase its abuse liability more so than that of diazepam. Retrospective studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes of women exposed to alprazolam during the first trimester of pregnancy found conflicting results of congenital anomalies (Iqbal et al., 2002). According to the review, data from several studies showed the onset of antidepressant effect was significantly more rapid for alprazolam compared with the antidepressants, and alprazolam was just as well-tolerated as all comparator medications. The US FDA’s approval for alprazolam came after 2 large, randomized, clinical trials that demonstrated short-term efficacy and clinically acceptable tolerability versus placebo (Ballenger et al., 1988; Klerman, 1988). Alprazolam is biotransformed by hepatic microsomal oxidation, yielding 4 and α-hydroxyalprazolam as its principal metabolites, and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (Greenblatt and Wright, 1993).
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction or misuse of any benzodiazepine, you’re not alone, and help is available. In fact, around 17% of all benzodiazepine users report misuse, making this drug class one of the most misused in the country. An estimated 5.3 million Americans misuse benzodiazepines each year, with Xanax among the most frequently abused. Thanks to its calming effects, Xanax quickly became one of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety relief.
Xanax has been used off-label to help with anxiety and sedation before medical procedures, including dental work. With dependence, your body gets used to a drug and needs it for you to feel like you usually do. (Misuse means a drug is taken differently than how it was prescribed. Addiction means a drug is used even if it leads to harmful outcomes.) This wording is often used in the context of misuse and addiction.