Xanax enhances the effects of GABA, a natural chemical that plays a role in the function of the central nervous system. Thus, it makes the nervous system less excitable, producing a calming effect. Xanax also allows more dopamine, a natural chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells, to enter the brain.
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Many people who became addicted to the drug live in recovery after completing a rehabilitation or teletherapy program and now live a healthier life, free from Xanax abuse. The Recovery Village can help you find a solution for your substance use disorder and treat any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, that may contribute to Xanax addiction. Yes, Xanax can cause physical dependence and withdrawal reactions. You may have serious or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using this medicine suddenly. Do not stop using Xanax without talking to your doctor first., as you may need to slowly stop (taper) this medicine over a period of time.
How to Recognize and Treat Xanax Addiction
A quick onset of action also appears to increase the chances for addiction of different benzodiazepines, although all benzodiazepines still have strong addiction potential, even when used at normal doses. The onset of action with alprazolam is about one hour, diazepam is 0.25 to 0.5 hours, and lorazepam is 0.5 to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ 1 hour. Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence may also come tolerance, which is when you need more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect. You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you abruptly stop taking the drug.
There are few case reports of alprazolam causing neonatal withdrawal syndrome and mild drowsiness in nursing infants (Iqbal et al., 2002). Most symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are unpleasant and distressing but not life threatening. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/xanax-addiction-signs-symptoms-and-treatment/ Someone living in active addiction is likely to experience a lot of negative emotions, including denial and anger. Your nonjudgmental expression of concern can help to allay hostility and help them to break through their denial.
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Carbamazepine is also known to enhance catecholamine function and therefore may improve symptoms of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and mood instability, which are common in withdrawal. This explains its positive effects in general for the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. It is also consistent with open-label reports and a double-blind study supporting the use of carbamazepine in benzodiazepine withdrawal (Björkqvist et al., 1976). Rebound anxiety is common and is often severe with alprazolam discontinuation because of its short half-life and the unique alpha-2 adrenergic effect.
- However, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, the consequences to the body may persist, potentially with lasting effects.
- Among older adults, long-term use of Xanax can also lead to cognitive issues that may resemble dementia.
- Because you don’t live at the treatment facility, it’s common for drug abuse counselors to give you random drug tests to ensure you’re on the right track.
- Overcoming an addiction to Xanax isn’t easy, but people do it every day.
Part of that conversation should include reviewing the risks and benefits of continuing versus tapering benzodiazepines during your pregnancy. Some people continue taking benzodiazepines throughout their pregnancy while others follow a dose tapering schedule. These centers have medical staff on hand to help you through the detoxification process, as withdrawal from Xanax can elicit dangerous seizures in severe instances.