What is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a potent benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, or insomnia. It acts quickly within the body taken in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid. Thus, producing a calming effect by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.
Due to its fast-acting nature, Xanax is often used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms. However, its potential for dependence and addiction has led to increasing concerns regarding its misuse. Particularly when used for extended periods or in higher doses than prescribed.
Chronic use of Xanax can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, highlighting the importance of cautious prescribing practices and close monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Xanax is commonly misused due to its sedative and euphoric effects. It is used recreationally alongside marijuana and alcohol. In addition, Xanax is also used in “speedballs” that include stimulants like Adderall or cocaine. For this reason, it is made and sold on the street. Street drugs can be counterfeit, containing unknown substances in unknown amounts. Xanax is sometimes sold laced with opioids including fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Misusing Xanax greatly increases the risks of addiction. Fortunately, our Xanax addiction treatment center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee offers safe and effective services and programs to help clients overcome Xanax addiction.
Street Names For Xanax and Other Benzodiazepines
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- Bars
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- Sticks
- Xanies
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- Benzos
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- Chill Pills
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Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Xanax produces rapid, powerful changes in the brain. Because of this, it is one of the most addictive medications on the market. Struggling with addiction not only harms the body but also one’s emotional well-being. Therefore, it helps to readily identify signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction.
Identifying Xanax addiction requires keen observation. The signs we’ve noted at our Xanax addiction treatment center in Murfreesboro, range from the physical to the behavioral. Some of the most telling indicators include:
- Increased tolerance to Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop Xanax use, such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and tremors.
- Neglecting responsibilities and social activities due to preoccupation with obtaining and using Xanax.
- Continued use of Xanax despite experiencing negative consequences, such as problems at work, school, or in relationships.
- Cravings or compulsions to use Xanax, often lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
- Physical signs of Xanax addiction may include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination.
- Psychological symptoms can include mood swings, heightened anxiety, depression, and changes in behavior or personality.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence of Xanax or combining it with other substances.
- Spending significant time and effort obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Xanax.
- Developing a psychological dependence on Xanax to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, leading to an inability to function without the drug.
Attempts to control the addiction lead to feelings of shame. As a result, people suffering from addiction have low self-esteem. At our Xanax addiction treatment centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we understand and treat both physical and psychological dependence.
Xanax Deadly Drug Interactions
Although Xanax helps many people, it can sometimes lead to addiction. Moreover, this is especially true if someone has a substance use disorder. It can interact with several other medications and alcohol. Side effects are greatly increased when misused. People who take Xanax with alcohol or other CNS (central nervous system) depressants risk severe complications, overdose, or death.
When someone takes too much Xanax, they may just become drowsy and fall asleep. An overdose may not be recognized at first. It may appear to be alcohol intoxication, with confusion, slurred speech, and stumbling. However, at higher doses or mixed with other depressants, breathing can stop.
Overdose Symptoms
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Depressed respiration
- Coma
- Death
Combining Xanax with alcohol or illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, can prove to be a deadly cocktail. The National Institute on Drug Addition states in 2020, 16% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved drugs like Xanax. Long-term effects of an overdose can be brain damage, kidney, liver, and heart damage.
What Does Xanax Withdrawal Look Like?
Because Xanax is a short-acting drug, tolerance builds rapidly. The brain quickly learns to tolerate the effects. Within three weeks or less, a higher dose is needed to achieve the same effect. However, physical addiction that causes withdrawal symptoms can occur in as little as one to two weeks. There is no specific time or dose when Xanax addiction occurs.
One thing is certain, abruptly quitting Xanax can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Even when used as directed, there is no quick fix for Xanax withdrawal. A tapering down schedule is best to avoid negative outcomes. A 2018 review article in the Journal of Addiction Medicine noted that Xanax is more toxic in overdose than other benzodiazepines. Additionally, it causes more severe withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to Xanax addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, we’re at the forefront of providing comprehensive care. As many wonder, “How fast does Xanax tolerance build?” or “How long does it take to get addicted to Xanax?” it’s crucial to understand the journey to recovery. Our Xanax rehab in TN addresses these concerns, highlighting the journey from dependency to Xanax addiction recovery.
Short-term Use Withdrawal Symptoms
Even after just a few weeks, withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping or reducing the dose. Even after short-term use, withdrawal is sometimes described as feeling like the flu or a hangover. Short-term use of Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Bad dreams
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Muscle tension
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Chronic Use Withdrawal Symptoms
Using Xanax for longer periods, at higher doses, withdrawal symptoms become more serious. Chronic use withdrawal symptoms include:
- Rebound anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Muscle pain
- Sensations of numbness
Severe Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
As previously noted, withdrawal symptoms become more severe and intense according to length and level of dependence. Further, withdrawal can result in Grand Mal seizures, which cause loss of consciousness, rapid and severe muscle contractions, and violent muscle pain.
Severe withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucinations
- confusion
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sensitive to touch, light, and sounds
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Intense drug cravings
- Seizures
- Psychotic event
At Tulip Hill, our program for Xanax addiction treatment in Murfreesboro provides appropriate care to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
What to Expect at Our Xanax Rehab in TN
To make it clear, the safest way to detox from Xanax is under medical care. Stopping Xanax “cold turkey” can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Our Xanax addiction treatment centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee provide medical detox to keep our clients safe and comfortable.
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we are committed to helping clients take back control of their lives. In addition, it is important to realize addiction often comes with co-occurring mental health conditions that must be addressed. Xanax addiction recovery is a journey and we will walk with clients every step of the way.
After a thorough evaluation, our team of professionals collaborates to form a personalized treatment plan based on the client’s specific needs and goals. Also, we offer many treatment options to help people achieve and maintain sobriety.
Our Services for Xanax Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro
- Addiction Therapies. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Narrative Therapy, group therapy, experiential therapy, complementary therapy, and family therapy.
- Holistic Therapy. Provides a whole-person approach by treating the mind, body, and spirit.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Most people begin treatment by going through detox. Our PHP Murfreesboro program can be a person’s next step. Rather, it can be a wise move after completing a residential program.
- EMDR Therapy. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing involves training the brain to reprocess traumatic memories.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Allows a person to either live in sober living homes or their own homes while receiving treatment. The client attends treatment sessions multiple times a week.
- Rehab for Veterans. Individualized treatment for veterans.
- Addiction Treatment Aftercare. Arrange personal recovery goals to help prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Xanax tolerance build?
Xanax tolerance can develop relatively quickly, often within a matter of weeks to months, especially when taken regularly or in higher doses than prescribed. It’s crucial to use Xanax as directed by a healthcare professional and to avoid escalating doses without medical supervision to minimize the risk of tolerance and other adverse effects.
How long does it take to get addicted to Xanax?
The time it takes to become addicted to Xanax can vary significantly from person to person and depends on various factors, including individual physiology, dosage, frequency of use, and duration of use. Some individuals may develop a dependence on Xanax after just a few weeks of regular use, while others may take several months or longer.
What specialized care does Tulip Hill Recovery offer for Xanax addiction?
Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN offers personalized care focusing on holistic recovery approaches for Xanax addiction. This includes nutritional counseling, mindfulness practices, yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address mind, body, and spirit. The facility also provides dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Who can benefit from Tulip Hill Recovery’s services?
Individuals struggling with Xanax addiction, including veterans, can benefit from Tulip Hill Recovery’s services. The center is equipped to handle co-occurring mental health disorders and is dedicated to guiding clients toward a substance-free future through personalized and evidence-based therapies.
What kind of therapies are used at Tulip Hill Recovery?
Tulip Hill Recovery utilizes evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), alongside holistic approaches like nutritional counseling, mindfulness, and yoga. These therapies aim to equip clients with skills to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the overall recovery process.
Does Tulip Hill Recovery offer services for veterans?
Yes, Tulip Hill Recovery provides specialized rehabilitation services tailored for veterans struggling with Xanax addiction. The center acknowledges the unique challenges faced by veterans and aims to support them through personalized care and a focused treatment approach.
Safe and Effective Xanax Addiction Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tulip Hill Recovery. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and guidance you need to begin your recovery journey. Take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life. Your path to healing starts here at Tulip Hill Recovery.
Contact us now to learn more about our specialized Xanax addiction treatment in Murfreesboro, TN.
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