Xanax can be beneficial when taken as prescribed to treat anxiety or panic disorders. However, since it is such a calming drug, it has become one of the most addictive benzodiazepines on the market. Taking Xanax for an extended period, in high doses, or recreationally can lead to addiction. If you or someone you know struggles with Xanax addiction, it’s important to know how this condition affects your body physically, emotionally, and mentally.
In this article, we will discuss some of the warning signs of Xanax addiction, behavioral and physical symptoms, risks associated with taking too much Xanax, and what to do if you need help.
What Is Xanax Addiction?
Xanax, otherwise known as alprazolam, is a prescription benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders. Xanax works by calming overstimulated nerves in your brain. Dependency on Xanax occurs when your brain requires you to take more of the drug over time to experience its calming effects. This tolerance can lead to drug misuse and ultimately addiction.
Misuse of Xanax involves taking the drug without a prescription, in higher doses than prescribed, or to get high. When someone can’t seem to stop taking Xanax despite its negative physical and emotional effects, they are considered addicted.
Behavioral Signs of Xanax Addiction
One of the first indicators of Xanax addiction is a noticeable change in behavior. As dependence on the medication grows, individuals often prioritize obtaining and using Xanax over responsibilities, relationships, and personal health.
Behavioral symptoms of Xanax addiction include:
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions for Xanax.
- Secretive Behavior: Hiding their Xanax use from family or friends and being secretive about their habits.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home due to Xanax use or its aftereffects.
- Risky Behaviors: Increasingly engaging in behaviors like driving under the influence of a drug or combining Xanax with other substances (e.g., alcohol or opioids).
- Loss of Interest: Withdrawing from hobbies, social activities, or relationships that were once important.
Individuals suffering from Xanax addiction often become preoccupied with finding, using, and recovering from the drug, which disrupts their ability to function day-to-day.
Physical Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
In addition to the changes in behavior, there are distinct physical symptoms that may signal Xanax addiction. Short-term effects of the drug, such as drowsiness and relaxation, can escalate to more severe physical signs as misuse continues.
Common physical symptoms include:
- Sedation or Drowsiness: Extreme lethargy or an inability to stay awake, even during inappropriate times.
- Slurred Speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly due to the drug’s sedative effects.
- Poor Coordination: Loss of balance, clumsiness, or frequent stumbling while walking.
- Slowed Breathing: Xanax can suppress the central nervous system, leading to shallow or slowed breathing.
- Blurred Vision: Persistent vision problems, which may stem from the drug’s impact on motor functions.
Over time, chronic misuse may weaken the body’s natural ability to manage stress and arousal, leaving the individual dependent on Xanax to function normally.
Emotional & Psychological Signs of Xanax Addiction
Xanax doesn’t just impact the body—it affects the mental and emotional well-being of those who misuse it. What may begin as reliance on its calming effects can transform into mood swings, irrational thinking, and a lack of emotional regulation.
Psychological symptoms of Xanax addiction may include:
- Intense Cravings for Xanax: A persistent desire or obsession with using the drug.
- Mood Swings: Rapid and extreme shifts between euphoria, irritability, depression, or anxiety.
- Memory Problems: Experiencing short-term memory loss or an inability to recall details from recent events.
- Paranoia or Confusion: In some cases, prolonged Xanax misuse can lead to paranoid thoughts or difficulty thinking clearly.
- Emotional Numbing: A sense of detachment or lack of feeling that prevents someone from engaging with others emotionally.
These emotional and psychological changes often exacerbate pre-existing anxiety or depression, trapping individuals in a cycle of relying on Xanax to “feel normal.”
Signs of Xanax Withdrawal
A hallmark of Xanax addiction is the experience of severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug is reduced or discontinued. For individuals dependent on Xanax, withdrawal can occur within hours of a missed dose, as the body struggles to cope without the medication.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Tremors or shakiness
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures in severe cases
Xanax withdrawal can be life-threatening in some situations, which is why medically supervised detox is highly recommended for anyone attempting to quit the drug.
Side effects of untreated Xanax addiction
Long-term abuse of Xanax can have detrimental effects on your physical and mental health. Chronic abuse of this drug can damage your organs, like your liver and brain. Abuse of Xanax can also cause overdose if you take too much or mix Xanax with substances like alcohol or opioids.
Risk of overdose
Taking too much Xanax can cause CNS depression. Symptoms of CNS depression can include slowed breathing to the point of death or loss of consciousness. If someone experiences respiratory depression, unresponsiveness, or blue lips/fingernails after taking Xanax, call 911 immediately,y as these are signs of a Xanax overdose.
When Should I Seek Help for Xanax Addiction?
Identifying the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction in yourself or your loved one can be the first step towards seeking help. If you or someone you love is displaying any physical, emotional, or behavioral signs of addiction, remember that it’s never too early or too late to ask for help.
Help is available in the form of evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and medically supervised detox. Look for programs that offer comprehensive care and address any underlying mental health issues in addition to addiction. With the right help and treatment plan, you can learn how to manage symptoms of anxiety and live a stable life.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to struggle with addiction, and you should never feel embarrassed for needing help to recover from Xanax misuse. Now that you know what to look for, you can spot the behavioral signs of addiction in yourself or your loved ones. Remember, the sooner you seek professional care, the better your chances of living a happy, healthy life without addiction. Contact us today to begin treatment for you or a loved one.