CBT is advantageous for addressing underlying psychological issues but requires consistent participation and commitment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Drug rehabilitation has been shown to be an effective treatment for addiction, with a study by Verywell Mind reporting success rates of around 60–67%. The first step to recovery is recognizing problematic Xanax use and accepting and admitting that it is necessary to make changes. Contacting a healthcare provider can help people learn more about the available options. You may have an increased risk of dependence and withdrawal if you take more than 4 milligrams (mg) of Xanax per day.
ALPRAZOLAM WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
- You may exhibit a combination of physical and behavioral signs in varying degrees.
- Call emergency services right away if you have slow or shallow breathing, feel dizzy or confused, or have trouble staying awake.
- UKAT aspires to deliver the highest quality care across all our centres and clinics.
- If you’re unsure whether you or someone else has a problem, a doctor can diagnose Xanax addiction.
The DSM-5 criteria assessment is a structured diagnostic approach used by healthcare providers to identify substance use disorders. It evaluates behaviors such as loss of control over use, cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. This method is highly effective as it provides a standardized framework to diagnose addiction, ensuring consistency across clinical settings. Treatment for Xanax addiction includes medical detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups.

Anxiety Treatment and Management
Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. The prevalence of Xanax addiction has surged, with emergency room visits related to recreational abuse rising from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 in 2010. Meanwhile, the number of prescriptions for Xanax increased from 38 million in 2006 to 50 million in 2013, reflecting a steady annual prescription growth rate of 9% since 2008, according to Drugs.com.
Understanding Xanax Addiction: Symptoms, Treatment, and Support Options
Xanax addiction can have a number of serious consequences that can affect every aspect of someone’s life. Oftentimes, people struggling with Xanax misuse think they have everything under control, but sooner than later, serious, even devastating, consequences begin to manifest. Signs of Xanax use may also include Xanax withdrawal symptoms like irritability, flu-like symptoms and seizures. While Xanax is used for many medical purposes, it can also be misused. Xanax causes chemicals like dopamine to be released in the brain.

How to Get a Script for Xanax: Understanding the Process

Most people with a substance use disorder live chaotic lives and find it difficult to overcome specific stressors. In treatment, you’ll prioritize routine and structure to get your life back on track. Counselors and peer leaders will encourage a daily routine to help you overcome troubling mental problems and undergo healthy activities to take with you post-treatment. Among college students misusing Xanax, many have an untreated or undiagnosed mental problem. Some who develop a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Xanax addiction may have never suffered from substance use disorder before obtaining a prescription. They likely suffered from anxiety and looked to the medical field for relief, started using Xanax and saw an improvement in symptoms.
- If you or someone you care about is struggling with Xanax addiction, remember that help is available and recovery is possible.
- The first step is detoxification, where the body gets rid of Xanax.
- Xanax addiction, which is potentially dangerous because the drug can cause a fatal overdose when too much is used.
- People are prescribed Xanax to treat anxiety and panic conditions.
About Xanax misuse and addiction
The timeline lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, with some individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms known as protracted withdrawal. Medical supervision is recommended for safe management during Xanax withdrawal, as abrupt cessation leads to life-threatening complications, including seizures. Xanax works by binding to GABA-A receptors in the brain, enhancing their affinity for GABA, and increasing chloride ion influx into neurons. This hyperpolarizes the neuronal membrane, reducing neuronal excitability and producing calming and sedative effects. Its lipophilic nature allows rapid crossing of the blood-brain barrier, contributing to its quick onset of action and increased potential for tolerance and dependence with prolonged use, as noted by Drugwatch.
Achieving long-term recovery
Misuse for non-medical reasons, such as getting high or coping with stress, accounts for a large portion of the Xanax addiction cases. Founded in 2014, Addiction Resource provides free support and guidance for addiction recovery. In calling the helpline you agree to our Terms and Conditions. We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller xanax addiction chooses. Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser.