For some people, addiction can start when prescribed medications, and they either misuse them or build a dependency. For example, a common medication that can be highly addictive is Xanax. Xanax treats anxiety disorders, anxiety-caused depression, and some panic disorders.
The use of Xanax is often misused to achieve the feeling of euphoria. Whether this is through taking it in large quantities or snorting, it can become very addictive. At Healing Pines Recovery, we offer drug rehab treatment for those struggling to get clean.
What Is a Benzodiazepine?
Benzodiazepines are a classification of depressant drugs that produce sedation, relieve anxiety, and prevent seizures. Xanax is considered to fall under this class. These medications slow down the central nervous system to help create a relaxed mood. While these medications can be helpful, they can also cause adverse effects.
Some of the adverse effects of benzodiazepines can be amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams. These medications can be dangerous and even fatal if misused or abused. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has published a fact sheet that you can refer to for more information on benzodiazepines.
What Is Xanax and How Long Does It Stay in Your Body?
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety disorders and panic disorders. When consumed, Xanax can stay in the body anywhere from 31 hours to almost six days. The time it stays in the system also depends on the person taking it. Factors — such as age, weight, dosage, and metabolism — play a role in how long it takes for your body to process the medication.
How Addiction Can Form From Prescription Medications
The start of a prescription medication addiction usually stems from drug abuse. This is when the medication is used when it is not prescribed to you, taken for other reasons, or in amounts other than your doctor has advised.
An article posted by SMARTRecovery states that addiction occurs when you continue to use the substance despite there being harmful effects on your life. For example, some people use Xanax to achieve happiness and euphoria they feel they can’t get naturally or on their own.
As well as addiction, some people who use Xanax can develop a dependency. This is different from addiction and medication abuse. A medication dependency can include some or all the symptoms of addiction. Other symptoms that can occur are the development of high tolerance to Xanax, leading to using higher dosages or more frequent use, and physical symptoms of withdrawal when attempting to stop using.
While it can be hard to differentiate between addiction and dependency, you can still seek treatment for both. With the help of a medical professional, they can give you further insight and options for a recovery plan.
How to Determine if You Have a Xanax Addiction
When unsure if you have a Xanax addiction, the best option is to seek professional help in diagnosing you. However, if you are hesitant to reach out, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide to seek treatment:
- Do you have uncontrollable urges and cravings to use Xanax?
- Are you using the medication as prescribed?
- Do you use Xanax only to achieve feelings of euphoria?
- Are you giving up important activities or hobbies to use Xanax instead?
- Do you feel anxious when you are not on Xanax?
Along with asking yourself these questions, some behaviors can be warning signs, such as “doctor shopping.” Doctor shopping is when a person tries to obtain controlled substances or medications from multiple healthcare providers. This is done without the prescriber’s knowledge of the other prescriptions.
If you think you have an addiction to Xanax, there are many treatment options out there. Healing Pines Recovery is a comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab center in Elizabeth, Colorado, providing you with many treatment options. Treatment options include traditional therapy sessions as well as holistic approaches to recovery.
The professionals at Healing Pines Recovery are there to help you through treatment and provide you with an individualized plan. This is a unique way to ensure that each client receives the care they need. Treatment at Healing Pines Recovery can be mixed and matched in whatever best suits you. Through holistic approaches, we can also make treatment engaging and exciting.
Admitting you have an addiction can be challenging and leave you feeling guilty or shameful. The best thing to do is remind yourself that you are not alone in your struggle and that help is out there. Healing Pines Recovery aims to guide you in this journey and help you live a life free of substance use and achieve long-term success.
Prescription medications can be highly addictive to some people and cause the body to become dependent. Xanax is a common medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders that can be abused. This type of medication is used to achieve a feeling of euphoria and is sometimes ingested in large quantities or snorted.
Once an addiction or dependency has been built, it can be extremely challenging to stop using Xanax. At Healing Pines Recovery, we have an expert team willing to help you through recovery and achieve a life of sobriety without the fear of relapse.
If you identify as male and want to know more about our drug rehab program, call (720) 575-2621.
