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Xanax Overdose Risk Factors and Addiction Treatment

What Is Xanax?

Xanax (generic name alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine drug and central nervous system depressant—a grouping that includes several other sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic drugs.1,2 When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be very helpful for the short-term management of panic and anxiety.1 That said, like many other psychoactive medications, when use becomes chronic, more frequent, or otherwise exceeds prescription recommendations, Xanax can become highly addictive and potentially dangerous, and it can even lead to overdose if Xanax is mixed with other substances.

Can You Overdose on Xanax?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Xanax. While it’s difficult to overdose on Xanax alone, when it is taken in conjunction with other drugs—such as alcohol or certain other drugs that alter vital physiological processes—the effects of Xanax are intensified, which can result in severe injury and death.7 Not only that, but the physical and psychological dependence that commonly develops alongside Xanax addiction can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s health and quality of life. A person can become quite dependent on the drug in just a short amount of time and may experience highly uncomfortable Xanax withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, nervousness, and insomnia when they try to stop taking it.7

If you’ve become addicted to Xanax, you may find yourself preoccupied with taking Xanax and begin to believe that you can’t function in normal daily activities without it. This may result in social withdrawal, financial hardships, and isolation.8

Is Xanax Really That Addictive?

Xanax is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning that it has relatively low potential for abuse and dependence.3 However, the statistics on Xanax abuse and addiction tell a different story. In 2017, 19,683 people were admitted to treatment facilities in the United States citing addiction to benzos like Xanax as their primary reason for seeking addiction treatment.4

Benzos like Xanax are so addictive that, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 4 in 10 users may develop significant physiological dependence in as little as 6 weeks of daily use.5 This may seem surprising considering that it is a widely prescribed medication; some may even say it’s simple to get a Xanax prescription from your doctor.

What Makes Xanax So Addictive?

Often, patients taking regular doses of Xanax are doing so to manage panic or another anxiety disorder. With its quick onset of action, shortly after taking a dose of the drug, you will generally feel more calm and relaxed. Benzos increase inhibitory brain signaling to depress the central nervous system, which may be unusually activated, or excitatory, during times of high anxiety.6

Due to its fast-acting calming effects, many users feel compelled to take more Xanax than prescribed or take it more frequently than prescribed, both of which make the development of dependence more likely.6 People with significant dependence are also at risk of experiencing unpleasant and at times dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they aren’t able to continue taking the drug. Being caught in such a cycle can ultimately exacerbate the illness or disorder that the user was originally trying to treat.

What Are Some of the Drawbacks to Problematic Use?

Signs and symptoms of drug misuse can include fatigue and drowsiness.

Signs and symptoms of Xanax misuse can impact many facets of your life and may include:4,6,7

  • Ever-growing tolerance to the drug (you have to take more to feel the same effects).
  • Frequent drowsiness.
  • Prolonged sleep.
  • Lethargy and fatigue.
  • Dizziness and light-headedness.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Memory problems.
  • Depression.
  • Persistent headaches.

What Treatment Do I Need for Xanax Addiction?

If you’re concerned that you or someone close to you has developed a Xanax addiction, your best option may be to seek out professional treatment, which can come in several forms, such as short-term or long-term inpatient or outpatient rehab, depending on the level of dependence.9

Medical Detox

Since Xanax is associated with significant physical dependence and a risk of severe or complicated withdrawal symptoms, a program of supervised medical detox and withdrawal management may be needed. Benzodiazepine dependence and the accompanying withdrawal syndrome are notoriously difficult to manage on your own and may require significantly more time and effort than certain other types of substance withdrawal management.

Inpatient Treatment

If your addiction is quite severe, you may want to find yourself an inpatient treatment program. Not only do inpatient treatment settings provide you with a safe space to withdraw from the drug in a temptation-free environment, but you’ll also have access to round-the-clock care and support, a structured schedule, and individual and group therapy sessions designed to help you recalibrate and plan the next steps in your life.

Outpatient Treatment

If personal recovery supports are in place and individual stressors, triggers, and temptations to take Xanax are relatively low at home, outpatient treatment programs may be a viable rehabilitation option for you. You’ll like this option if you still need to go to work or live at home.

Depending on your program and your individual situation, you’ll visit the treatment center for treatment—this could be every day for a quick check in, a few hours a day, or for several days a week, depending on program intensity. Regardless of the specific structure, all outpatient treatment programs offer various forms of therapy to assist you with ongoing recovery, as well as addiction education and life planning.

Community-Based Treatment

Another option you may want to look into is community-based recovery, such as 12-Step programs (e.g. Narcotics Anonymous, Pills Anonymous). Meetings are free and hosted all over the U.S. They can be highly effective when it comes to recovery, relapse prevention, and helping you maintain a Xanax-free life.

One final thing to keep in mind: though outlets of community support are a great option and are often utilized both during and after structured rehabilitation programs, attention should be paid to your withdrawal risks. Xanax withdrawal can be dangerous if doing it alone. Evaluation from a physician or another treatment professional can help you decide if your dependence and other addiction-related issues are severe enough that you may first need inpatient care.

Find Xanax Addiction Treatment Programs

Treatment can start anyone battling addiction on the path to long-term recovery. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading treatment provider and has trusted rehab programs across the country. For helpful advice, information, or admissions, please contact AAC free at at any time, day or night.

AAC maintains a strong partnership with a large group of health insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly using the form below whether your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab and associated therapies.

Check if Your Insurance Covers Xanax Addiction Treatment

Learn more about health insurance coverage levels from some household health brand names for Xanax addiction rehab and treatment:

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