This is a question that many people want to know the answer to. The answer may surprise you! In this blog post, we will discuss how long it takes for someone to become addicted to Xanax or Alprazolam, and what you can do to avoid addiction altogether.
There are many treatments available at CrownView that can help! Give us a call at 833-957-2690 or contact us today for a free consultation!
What is Xanax Addiction?
Xanax addiction is when someone uses Xanax in a way that’s not prescribed by their doctor. For example, if you take more than the recommended dose or use it for longer periods than advised by your doctor then this could lead to addiction.
If you have an addiction to a prescription drug such as Xanax, it is important to seek professional help. Xanax addiction can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health problems if not treated.
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It is estimated that it takes about two months for someone to become addicted to Xanax. This may vary depending on the individual’s physiology and how often they are taking the drug. If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, it is best to stop taking the drug as soon as possible.
Xanax abuse can lead to a variety of health problems including:
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of concentration and memory loss (loss of muscle control)
• Irritability and mood swings
Xanax Addiction Treatment Options
Xanax addiction treatment options include:
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – This type of treatment is often used when the user has been taking Xanax for some time. It can be very effective at helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – This type of therapy uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help the user overcome their addiction and live an independent life without substance abuse.
• Inpatient Treatment – Sometimes, people are unable to stop using Xanax because of how much it is affecting them emotionally and physically. They may have severe withdrawal symptoms that cannot be treated with medication or therapy alone. These cases require inpatient treatment.
• Outpatient Treatment – This type of treatment allows the individual to live at home while getting the help needed for recovery. It is generally less expensive than inpatient treatment and can be done without leaving your family or job, depending on how severe your addiction has become.
What does the Mental Health Services Administration say about Xanax Addiction?
The mental health services administration identifies mental health disorders as one of the top 20 health problems in America. According to Mental Health Services Administration, Xanax addiction is a common side effect of the drug. Alprazolam, which is the generic name for Xanax, ranks 29th on the list of most prescribed drugs in America.
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders can become worse for those that get addicted to Xanax and Xanax addiction treatment should be considered if this is the case. Xanax and other benzodiazepines are a type of tranquilizer that works by depressing the central nervous system. They are prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.
Benzodiazepine Addiction
Benzodiazepine addiction can develop quickly and should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with taking Xanax or has a Xanax addiction you should seek help. There are many different types of addiction treatment available and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Taking Xanax for anything other than listed on your prescription as prescribed can cause Xanax addiction.
In some cases, a short half-life benzodiazepine may be prescribed, such as Ativan or Oxazepam.
Risk Factors To Consider
Sudden and complete relief with central nervous system depressants comes with risk factors. Some risk factors that come with Xanax are addiction, misuse, and overdose.
Treatment Facilities
Treatment facilities can help with anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, mental disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Health care providers widely prescribed Xanax to patients with these disorders.
How Long Can Treatment Take?
The length of time it takes to form an addiction to Xanax depends on how the drug is used, how long it is taken, how much is taken each time, and a person’s biology. Xanax addiction can develop in as little as two weeks if abused.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Widely prescribed drugs can lead to drug abuse, benzodiazepine abuse, and substance abuse if not used as prescribed. Dependence with other drugs when addiction problems are prominent when the drug begins to be taken in larger quantities than what the prescription calls for. This can also lead to physical dependence on other drugs to supplement Xanax use. Counterfeit Xanax is problematic for Xanax use and follow-up treatment may be needed for treating anxiety due to the withdrawal process.
Drug use plays a factor in how long it can take to get addicted. If the person has a history of addiction, the amount of time to become addicted will be much shorter.
Alcohol Abuse
When using alcohol in conjunction with benzodiazepines like Xanax, the time it takes for addiction is shortened. Mixing the two substances increases the risk of overdose and death. Alcohol and drug use together is never a good idea for many reasons. For example, how long it takes for addiction to set it can be shortened by combining alcohol with Xanax. This can lead to tolerance, dependency, and addiction in a shorter amount of time than using one or the other. The risk of consuming alcohol and benzodiazepines is much greater than the risk of taking benzodiazepines without alcohol.
Commonly Prescribed Benzos
The most common benzos that are prescribed for anxiety disorders are Xanax and Ativan. Xanax can affect how quickly one becomes addicted because it is short-acting which means its effect on your body lasts less than other benzodiazepines.
Chemistry
Brain chemistry can be affected by drug use for recreational purposes. How long does it take until a person gains a dependence on benzodiazepines? This can vary from case to case depending on the prescription, whether the person was dependent for a short period or longer period.
Consult With A Professional
Benzodiazepine use or alprazolam can cause disturbing dreams and you should always consult with your physician if you are unsure whether benzodiazepines are right for you. In most cases, benzodiazepine use can create a calming effect, peak concentration, and reduce anxiety but should always be taken in small doses unless your prescription says otherwise. Polydrug use and Xanax drugs are a big deal and come with great risk involved like any time drugs are used in excess rather than what is prescribed and can cause less GABA to be produced as a result. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for regulating signals that originate from other nerve cells. Too much Xanax or alprazolam can lead to addiction and should be avoided if you have a history of drug abuse, depression, anxiety disorders, or suicidal thoughts.
Family Matters
Family members dealing with mental health problems can seek help through peer support. If your family member is using other substances to curb their Xanax addiction and are experiencing mental health issues you should consult with a physician. Mental health affects how a person thinks and how they react to situations on a day-to-day basis. Without proper treatment, this can cause serious damage to their daily life.
Common Psychological Effects
Listed below are some of the common psychological effects that come along with Xanax addiction:
- Anxiety – Anxiety is when you feel nervous or scared about something that may or may not happen.
- Depression – Depression is feeling sad, down, hopeless and worthless for a long period.
- Panic Attacks – Panic attacks are sudden moments of intense fear that come with palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath.
- Suicidal thoughts/Behaviour – When someone has them they may have a strong urge to end their life. Thoughts of suicide can be thoughts about how the person will kill themselves, when they will do it and how much pain they will cause others.
If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax or benzodiazepines, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Here To Help
At CrownView we offer a wide range of treatments that are delivered by our addiction specialist teams and in-house therapists. Most treatments can last as short as three weeks depending on the medication prescription addiction.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a drug or drug addiction problem, give us a call today at 833-957-2690 or request a free consultation on our contact page for more information.