Drugs containing Xanax are known as Benzodiazepines or benzos. They may also contain Klonopin, Valium, and Ativan and are often prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. Unfortunately, they can also lead to addiction. When used medically, they are taken orally or sublingually for short-term use and under close monitoring of a doctor. Unfortunately, abuse of these drugs can lead to serious consequences.
What is Xanax Addiction all About?
Benzos tend to be addictive because they release dopamine to the brain. This dopamine controls the reward system and often increases pleasurable feelings while decreasing negative emotions. This means that users stay in a euphoric state of mind and can easily become addicted to the good feeling, leading to drug abuse. The addition sets in when the users no longer function without the benzos. Unfortunately, it also means that they will desire larger amounts and will do anything to acquire them illegally.
Why is Xanax so Addictive?
One may wonder why a drug that was approved for panic attack in 1970 suddenly became a drug that would be abused this much? Well, like it happens with all drugs that are abused, Xanax becomes a dangerous drug when one becomes dependent on it. Drug dependency makes one a slave to the chemical substance because the brain.
A drug that was used to help patients dealing with panic, chemotherapy related nausea, anxiety, and depression easily turned out to be a bigger threat because of the element of addiction. It should only be used under medical supervision and control but this is not always the case since most people can access it illicitly. Once dependency sets in, users become addicted for life and can never function well unless they get a dose of the drug.
Signs that One is Suffering from Xanax Addiction
Sometimes you can tell when a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction by the signs they exhibit. These include:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Slurred speech
- Moods swings
- Tremors
- Sleepiness
- Anxiety or depression
- Confusion or a lack of concentration
However, the major confirmation is to catch them using the drug.
Treatment of Xanax Addiction
Medically supervised treatment in cases of severe Xanax addiction is recommended. This may mean being committed to an inpatient rehab facility. This is always the first step to serious treatment measures.
Rehab has several therapy sessions that support recovery. These include cognitive therapies, where the experts equip patients with relevant coping techniques. Effective communication is also taught, and patients get to learn about using meditation as a tool for managing stress. In addition, patients are taught meditation, breathing techniques, and other measures to help them deal with whatever cause may have triggered their addiction.
Exercise is often incorporated into these treatments. Group sessions are also used to achieve desired results.
There is so much that can be done to help an addict recover from their Xanax addiction. However, it all starts by making deliberate choices for change and signing up for a rehab facility for a suitable recovery program.
