Xanax, or alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine typically prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. And it’s highly effective at treating both. While it can provide temporary relief, prolonged use can lead to dependence and tolerance. What starts as a helpful solution can quickly spiral into a dangerous Xanax addiction.
The physical and psychological effects of Xanax addiction are both debilitating and far-reaching. The long-term effects of Xanax are something you want to be aware of. Especially if you or someone you care about has been prescribed this potent benzo.
It’s vital to know the drug’s risks and signs of Xanax addiction before it’s too late. Benzo addiction, including Xanax, is a growing public health concern. By raising awareness about the long-term effects of Xanax use, you can avoid yourself or someone you love falling prey to addiction.
Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in San Diego
Understanding Xanax and its Effects On Your Body
When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be an effective short-term treatment for anxiety and related conditions. However, the drug’s potency and the speed at which it takes effect can also make it highly addictive. Xanax binds to the GABA receptors in your brain, causing a rapid and intense sense of tranquility. This immediate relief from anxiety and stress can lead to dependence on the drug, seeking it out more frequently and in higher doses.
The effects of Xanax on the body can be both physical and psychological. Physically, Xanax can cause drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. It can also slow down the user’s breathing and heart rate, leading to a state of relaxation that can quickly become dangerous if the dosage is too high.
Psychologically speaking, Xanax can cause euphoria, lower inhibitions, and impair judgment. This makes it easier for users to engage in risky, impulsive behaviors.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
It’s vital to spot Xanax addiction signs and symptoms. This is key to getting prompt help and treatment. A clear sign of Xanax addiction is your lack of control over its use despite the harm it may be causing in your life.
If you or someone you know struggles with Xanax addiction, you may exhibit a range of behavioral and physical symptoms, including:
- increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effect
- withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures, when the drug is discontinued
- neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home in favor of obtaining and using Xanax
- continued use of Xanax despite the drug’s negative impact on relationships and social life
- engaging in risky or illegal activities, such as doctor shopping or forging prescriptions, to obtain the drug
- experiencing blackouts or memory lapses while under the influence of Xanax
- exhibiting physical symptoms like slurred speech, drowsiness, and impaired coordination.
It’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary. You may exhibit a combination of physical and behavioral signs in varying degrees. However, early recognition of warning signs can be crucial. It can help in seeking treatment and preventing the condition from worsening.
The Long-term Effects of Xanax Use
Prolonged Xanax use can have severe long-term consequences on your physical and mental health.
Cognitive Impact of Long-Term Xanax Use
One of the most concerning long-term effects of Xanax abuse is the risk of cognitive impairment and memory problems.
Long-term Xanax use is linked to decreased brain function. It can cause problems with concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Over time, the drug can cause structural changes in your brain, leading to a diminished ability to form new memories and recall past events. This cognitive decline can significantly impact your personal and professional life, making it challenging to maintain employment, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Another serious long-term consequence of Xanax addiction is the increased risk of worsening or developing mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. This occurs due to the drug’s effects on your brain’s neurotransmitter systems.
Physical Effects of Xanax Addiction
Long-term Xanax use can also lead to a range of physical health problems. Prolonged use can cause respiratory depression, increasing the risk of overdose and potentially leading to coma or even death. Xanax can also have a detrimental effect on your liver and kidneys, leading to organ damage and dysfunction over time.
Other Risks and Dangers of Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction poses a significant threat to your overall well-being. Along with the psychological and physical hazards, there are a range of risks and dangers that can have far-reaching consequences.
Overdose
One of the most immediate dangers of Xanax addiction is the risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening.
Xanax overdose happens when you take too much of the drug, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Symptoms of a Xanax overdose may include:
- extreme drowsiness
- confusion
- impaired coordination
- dizziness or light-headedness
- blue tint to fingernails or lips
- fainting
- respiratory depression, which can lead to coma or even death if not promptly treated
Risk of Developing Additional Substance Abuse Problems
If you or someone you know has a Xanax addiction, you may turn to other drugs, like alcohol or opioids, to boost Xanax’s effects or manage withdrawal. This can lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal combination of substances and further compounds the health risks.
Adverse Effects on Social and Professional Life
As Xanax addiction grows, you may neglect your duties, withdraw from loved ones, and engage in risky or illegal acts to get the drug. You can lose your job, cause relationship strain, and face legal consequences.
How to Help a Loved One with Xanax Addiction
Watching a loved one struggle with Xanax addiction can be a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience. However, there are steps you can take to support them and encourage their recovery.
The first and most crucial step is to educate yourself about Xanax addiction and its effects. Understanding the addiction and your loved one’s struggles can help. It will allow you to approach the situation with empathy and patience.
Next, have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about your concerns. Avoid judgment or accusation, and instead, express your care and desire to help. Encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to assist with treatment, like going to appointments with them or helping with transport or childcare.
It’s also important to set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling behaviors that may feed into the addiction. This might include refusing to fund a Xanax purchase. Or, it might mean not covering for your loved one’s missed duties due to their drug use.
During recovery, keep providing support, encouragement, and a listening ear. Celebrate small victories. Be patient during setbacks. Recovery from Xanax addiction is often a long and challenging journey.
Treating a Xanax Addiction
Overcoming Xanax addiction can be a difficult and complex process. However, several treatment options are available to help you regain control of your life. The first and most crucial step in treating Xanax addiction is detoxification. It involves safely managing the withdrawal symptoms from stopping the drug.
At BOLD Health, we provide medically-assisted detox to help minimize the risks and discomfort of Xanax withdrawal. We may prescribe other medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. This can prevent life-threatening complications, including dangerous seizures.
Following detox, you should transition to further addiction treatment that addresses the underlying causes of Xanax abuse. This may include individual and group therapies, lifestyle changes, and holistic practices like mindfulness and meditation.
You may need long-term meds, like benzodiazepine receptor agonists, to manage cravings and prevent relapse. While you may feel like taking medication to overcome withdrawal, these meds are not habit-forming. At BOLD Health, we will closely monitor you throughout your treatment plan and adjust as needed.
Choose BOLD Health for Addiction Treatment in San Diego
We understand how challenging it can be to not only overcome addiction but also how tough it can be to reach out for help. Rest assured, at BOLD Health, you can feel confident in our experienced physician-led team. We’ll take the time to genuinely get to know and understand you and what brought you to our door.
We will curate the ideal benzodiazepine addiction treatment program for you and your lifestyle. No matter how long it takes, we’ll be by your side to help guide and support you on your recovery journey.
It’s never too late to invest in your health and wellness. You don’t have to live your life in the shackles of Xanax addiction. We’re here to help you through it and set you free from addiction.