Xanax is the most commonly-prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States. It is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines—sometimes called benzos–are a class of drug that is thought to have a calming effect on the nerves in the brain and spinal cord by helping the body use a neurotransmitter called GABA effectively. Doctors prescribe it to treat anxiety disorders, including general anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders. Many people also use Xanax as a recreational drug. The majority of people who abuse it get it from someone who does have a prescription for it.
Xanax is highly addictive, and tolerance develops in a short time. This leads to people needing more Xanax to get the same results. People should only use it as prescribed and under the supervision of a medical provider. It is a powerful drug that, when abused, can lead to short and long-term health problems.
If you or someone you love are abusing Xanax, you need the life-saving treatment offered at the Northern Illinois Recovery Center. The experienced, compassionate staff is ready to support you in your journey to recovery and sobriety. Call 855.786.1978 to learn how Xanax addiction develops as well as the best method of treatment.
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What Are Common Benzo and Xanax Uses?
Xanax is commonly prescribed to help people cope with generalized anxiety, sleep issues, and to treat panic disorders. Benzos, including Xanax, effectively treat anxiety symptoms, including feelings of fear, restlessness, sleep disturbances, feelings of tightness in the chest, and sweating.
When prescribed, Xanax is more effective when used for a short time. Doctors sometimes use it to treat situational panic or anxiety, such as fear of flying or acute panic attacks. Panic attacks are episodes that start quickly and involve feelings of dread, pressure in the chest, heavy sweating, nausea, tremors, light-headedness, and the sensation of detachment from reality. Xanax is a short-acting drug, meaning it acts quickly in the body to produce the desired effect. Since panic attacks can happen with little warning, Xanax is a good treatment option for people who need relief quickly.
What Are Possible Xanax Side Effects?
Because Xanax has a depressing effect on the nervous system, it can produce a range of side effects when taken as a recreational drug, including:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Feeling sleepy
- Poor balance
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Memory impairment
- Hallucinations
Many users turn to abusing Xanax for its euphoric effect and calming properties.
What Are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Because tolerance to Xanax builds quickly, people who abuse it may find that they need to take a dangerous amount to get the same effects in very little time. It is not unusual for someone with an addiction to Xanax to be taking 20 or more pills every day. The amount of Xanax needed means the person will spend a lot of time trying to get more of the drug. Their work, family obligations, and social life can quickly take a back seat to drug-seeking activities.
The amount of Xanax people have to take means that withdrawal symptoms can be severe if they stop taking it. Common Xanax withdrawal symptoms are restlessness, anxiety, tremors, seizures, and insomnia. Symptoms of withdrawal sign that the person has developed an addiction to Xanax and needs intervention, support, and rehabilitation to get sober.
Learn More About Treating Xanax Addiction at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Xanax addiction keeps people from living full, healthy lives. As it is highly addictive and withdrawal can be difficult and sometimes dangerous, it is important to seek help from a rehab center that can provide life-saving care tailored to your unique needs. The experienced clinicians at Northern Illinois Recovery Center take a holistic approach to treat substance use disorders and make each client’s diagnosis a priority.
Located outside Chicago, our facility provides outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential treatment options. No matter your diagnosis or substance abused, we have the right program for you.
For more information about treating Xanax addiction, call the Northern Illinois Recovery Center at 855.786.1978 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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