A woman thinking about her Xanax abuse

How to Recognize Xanax Abuse

For the treatment of anxiety disorders, many therapists prescribe Xanax, which helps manage some of the symptoms of these conditions. One of the problems, however, is that Xanax can be habit-forming and could lead to a full-blown addiction. Substance use disorders can turn your life upside down, and it’s no different with Xanax. 

Because of how dangerous dependence on powerful sedatives is, Xanax addiction treatment programs are the right option if you find yourself unable to stop taking it. With the right program, you can find your sobriety once more. Learn how to recognize Xanax abuse in yourself or others and what steps you can take to start healing at Promises Behavioral Health. 

Is Xanax a Benzo? Understanding the Drug

You may know that the drug helps with anxiety, but is Xanax a benzo? Yes. It’s a medication that helps your nervous system calm down, making it a common treatment option for those who suffer from anxiety. 

Xanax increases the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is responsible for the sedating effect it has. The drug also floods the brain with dopamine, which will mean facing cravings later on. Over time, Xanax makes structural changes in the brain that prompt you to seek more of the drug.

Recognizing Xanax Abuse in Yourself or Others

The first step toward healing from an addiction is to recognize that you have a problem. That means being able to distinguish what Xanax abuse looks like. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Memory problems
  • Doctor shopping
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness
  • Inability to reduce intake
  • Buying Xanax on the street
  • Taking more Xanax than prescribed

You can also start developing a tolerance for the drug, meaning that you need to take more of it to feel the same effects as before. At the same time, your body becomes used to functioning with the benzodiazepine in your system, so you can experience withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking it. 

You may also have tried to stop without success, understand that taking the drug impacts your life negatively, and still continue to rely on it. Another common symptom is isolating from loved ones and not participating in favorite activities so that you can take Xanax. 

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction

A Xanax addiction can make every day more difficult. To put yourself on the path to sobriety, you’ll need assistance from professionals who can keep you safe while you go through detox and begin treatment. 

Inpatient and outpatient programs give you the opportunity to get to the root cause of what prompted the Xanax addiction. By participating in individual therapy sessions that rely on cognitive-behavioral therapy and other modalities, you can receive the assistance you need. 

You’ll have a chance to be part of group therapy sessions. These sessions help you meet others who are also living with addictions, showing you that you’re not alone. There are also family therapy sessions for loved ones so that you can start rebuilding trust. 

Enroll in Xanax Addiction Treatment at Promises Behavioral Health Today

It’s not easy to recognize that you have a Xanax use disorder, but it is an important first step on your road to recovery. By acknowledging that you have a problem, you can start searching for the right way of addressing it. That means turning to treatment programs. 

At Promises Behavioral Health, we provide a variety of options. From inpatient to outpatient services, we can help you find the level of care that can make a profound difference in your recovery. We can guide you through every stage of treatment. Contact us at Promises Behavioral Health by calling 888.483.7451 or submitting our online contact form.

Scroll to Top
GET HELP NOW