Xanax addiction is on the rise once again. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Drug overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines steadily increased from 1,135 in 1999 to 11,537 in 2017 and declined to 9,711 in 2019. Between 2019 and 2021, deaths rose again to 12,499.” While there may be many reasons for this rise (the COVID-19 pandemic in particular), what’s more important to focus on is the long-term effects that Xanax addiction will have on these individuals and their families.
Better Understanding Xanax and Xanax Addiction
Xanax is the brand name for the benzodiazepine alprazolam and, as a benzodiazepine, it can be particularly dangerous and deadly if misused. The intended use of Xanax is to treat symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders.
According to the publication Benzodiazepines by authors Bounds, Patel, and Nelson, “Benzodiazepines are a category of medications that exert their effects on benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system (CNS)… The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a few benzodiazepines for the management of anxiety, seizures, and alcohol management… Alprazolam is indicated for anxiety disorders and panic disorders, including agoraphobia.”
It can be particularly difficult to gauge how many people struggle with Xanax addiction. One of the primary reasons for this is that Xanax is often used alongside other illicit substances like opioids. The addition of Xanax to opioid use extends the “euphoric” feeling of the drug, and it can be very dangerous. Moreover, according to NIDA, “In 2021, nearly 14% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved benzodiazepines, a type of prescription sedative commonly prescribed for anxiety or to help with insomnia.”
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
It can be highly beneficial to know the signs and symptoms of Xanax misuse and Xanax addiction. This knowledge may help to intervene before a loved one ends up struggling with the long-term effects of untreated Xanax addiction.
The following are just a few of the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction:
- Changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping too much or sleeping too little (insomnia)
- Extreme and sudden weight loss
- “Doctor shopping” and trying to obtain Xanax from illegal sources
- Exhibiting sudden mood swings and aggressive behaviors
- Isolating away from loved ones
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Craving Xanax and experiencing withdrawals without it
- Becoming overly anxious and/or depressed
If any, many, or all of these signs or symptoms are present, it is highly recommended that professional help be sought as soon as possible. Doing so could help a loved one avoid the long-term effects of Xanax addiction.
The Destructive, Long-Term Effects of Xanax
Xanax addiction is like any other addiction; it is a chronic disease that is almost always going to get worse without some type of healthy intervention. The truth is that the most dangerous part of a Xanax addiction is the potential for overdose and overdose death. In addition, many other long-term effects of untreated Xanax addiction can be debilitating. The following are just a few of the long-term effects of Xanax addiction:
- The potential for liver disease (especially when used with other substances)
- Troubling skin irritations and rashes
- Gastrointestinal problems (especially constipation)
- Feelings of self-harm and/or suicide
- Short-term and long-term memory loss
- Struggles with “withdrawal syndrome”
- Seizures
- Financial distress and relationship harm
How to Best Treat Xanax Addiction
The good news is that it is never too late to treat a Xanax addiction. There are many options for treating a Xanax addiction, but it must first start with a safe and secure detox. It is important to remember that detoxing from Xanax can be fatal depending on the severity of the addiction, which is why seeking professional help is the best road to take.
After a professional detox, the next steps to take generally involve residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or an intensive outpatient program (IOP), depending on a client’s unique needs and goals for recovery. These programs will often utilize psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as well as recovery communities like those that utilize the Twelve Steps. This combination of care is one of the best ways to ensure that the underlying issues of addiction are addressed while also giving individuals the tools they need to maintain long-term recovery.
The Importance of Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans take the future into account, offering connections to outside recovery communities and our alumni services.
Yes, Xanax addiction can be debilitating; however, it doesn’t have to continue. There is a way to recover and achieve a happier healthier future. At The Phoenix Recovery Center, it is our goal to help make that future a long-term reality.There are many dangers and long-term negative side effects of Xanax misuse and Xanax addiction. These include anxiety, depression, memory loss, trouble eating and sleeping, and potential overdose. Overdosing on Xanax can also be deadly. The good news is there are many effective treatment options for Xanax addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. For more information about the negative long-term side effects of Xanax addiction and the best recovery options, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
