Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine. People widely use it as a sedative and to treat anxiety-related disorders. The challenge with this psychoactive drug, which doctors frequently prescribe, is that people can easily abuse it, and many consider it one of the most addictive benzos. If you are concerned that your Xanax use may have become Xanax abuse, seek help at a benzo addiction treatment program where compassionate professionals provide evidence-based treatments in a safe environment.
At The Right Step Houston, we offer inpatient and outpatient rehab options to support you as you enter treatment for Xanax dependency. We can answer your questions about Xanax side effects, how to address anxiety without a benzodiazepine prescription, and what to expect in rehab. Contact us by calling 1.844.768.0169.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a tranquilizer, also called an anxiolytic. It treats anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. It has a powerful depressant effect on the central nervous system, slowing brain activity and relaxing muscles. Xanax and other benzos interact, particularly with one of the brain’s neurotransmitters—gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—that has a calming effect on the brain. Because of this calming effect, it addresses the symptoms of anxiety, such as heightened high-alarm reactions, and helps with sleep.
Though it does not address the causes of anxiety or treat it at its roots, Xanax affects the symptoms so that people can function. However, it is easy to abuse as people become tolerant and must increase doses. Also, if you want to experience the pleasant, relaxed feelings Xanax gives you but outside standard treatment protocols, you are more likely to ignore dosage and frequency instructions. Whatever the reasons, if you have begun to take Xanax not as directed, that is a sign of Xanax abuse.
Xanax Side Effects
You may be wondering how you can recognize Xanax abuse in yourself or someone you care about. It is often challenging to see drug misuse in yourself, but the one sure way you can know that you are abusing Xanax is if you try to stop and can’t—at least without signs of withdrawal. Other symptoms of Xanax abuse include:
- Decreased motor coordination or control
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness or sluggishness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Delirium
- Mood swings
- Problems with memory
- Running out of prescriptions too soon
- Asking to borrow pills from friends or family
- Turning to illicit sources of the drug
- Showing poor judgment when under the influence
When combined with other drugs or alcohol, the effects of Xanax can be even more dangerous. Xanax abuse has become an addiction if you cannot stop using, experience withdrawal if you miss a dose or two, or focus more on your next Xanax than on things like work, family, or self-care.
Our drug treatment center will usher you safely through withdrawal in a medically supervised detox, reducing the risks associated with coming off this drug.
Start Your Recovery Today with Xanax Addiction Treatment at The Right Step Houston in Texas
Compassionate professionals at The Right Step Houston will care for you in a safe setting. Our staff of addiction specialists, physicians, and psychotherapists is more than ready to usher you safely through benzo rehab so you can regain balance, joy, and confidence away from the grip of drug dependency.
Learn about our outpatient and inpatient options, including an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and a partial hospitalization program (PHP). Whatever you choose, you will have access to evidence-based therapies that are trauma-informed and provided by licensed experts in their field.
Don’t wait. Reach out today. Call 1.844.768.0169 or submit our online form, and we will connect you to just the right person.