Anxiety is an emotion everyone feels at some point in their lives. But when it often occurs with little to nothing to provoke it, you may need to get help. Therapy and medication may be used to assist you in coping with your issues.
Xanax is a medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety. It has become so commonplace that we may lose sight of whether or not it is safe. This article will answer the question, is Xanax safe so you can determine whether it’s the appropriate treatment for you to use.
What is Xanax?
Also known as Alprazolam, Xanax is a type of benzodiazepine. It enhances the effects of GABA, a natural chemical in the brain that inhibits nerve transmission. It has a calming effect and is often prescribed for treating anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep issues.
Xanax is taken orally in pill form. Dosage will vary depending on age, medical condition, and other factors.
Is Xanax Safe to Use?
Xanax is safe to use when taken as directed. However, it should only be used for a limited amount of time. More extended periods of use can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
It can also be dangerous when mixed with other drugs. For instance, Xanax should not be combined with alcohol or any other type of depressant. This can lead to over-sedation, which can cause respiratory depression, a potentially fatal condition.
If you take large doses of alcohol and Xanax, you also run the risk of overdosing.
Is Xanax Addictive?
In addition to Xanax having the potential to cause cognitive issues and being dangerous when mixed with other drugs, it’s also addictive.
As mentioned earlier, Xanax works by increasing GABA production in the brain. Eventually, the brain begins counting on Xanax to produce GABA.
When a person stops taking Xanax, the brain is unable to produce sufficient amounts of GABA on its own. This results in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that make the person want to continue doing the drug.
Apparently, Xanax’s effects are so strong that people can begin becoming addicted to it after taking it for just 3- 4 weeks. That’s why most doctors will order patients to use it for no more than 1- 2 weeks. If they continue using it, they will start building a tolerance and require more substantial doses or withdrawal symptoms will begin to occur.
What are the Signs of Xanax Abuse?
The following symptoms characterize Xanax addiction:
- Drowsiness
- Sleeping for long periods
- Headaches
- Lack of energy
- Withdrawal from society
- Vertigo
- Attempting to get prescriptions from various doctors
- Legal issues
- Financial issues
- No longer engaging in activities you once enjoyed
- Vertigo
- Lack of self-care
- Troubled relationships
- Difficulty with coordination
- Missing school or work
- Slurred speech
- Delirium
- Dry mouth
- Lack of energy
You may also develop withdrawal symptoms that include:
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Pain
- Weakness
- Blurry vision
- Elevated heart rate
- Seizures that can be fatal
How to Find Xanax Addiction Treatment in Southern California
It’s essential to be careful when using Xanax and take it in accordance with your doctor’s orders. But if an addiction begins to form, it’s imperative to treat it before it gets out of hand.
There are many facilities that treat Xanax addiction, but it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you. You must consider the environment, cost, success rates, and the treatments offered. You can spend hours or even days researching your options, or you can save yourself time by calling Casa Serena for women’s rehab in Santa Barbara.
Casa Serena is a Santa Barbara, CA, recovery center providing substance abuse treatment for women for over 60 years. As a nonprofit foundation, we use our funding to provide optimal care. We provide comprehensive treatment, including detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, lifetime aftercare, and a women’s transitional living facility in Southern California.
We realize that every patient is different. We take a customized dual diagnosis approach that simultaneously addresses addiction and its underlying causes. We work with a variety of insurance plans to ensure treatment is affordable.
Drug addiction is not easy to overcome. Casa Serena will help you find the treatment that’s right for you. Contact us so we can assist you in achieving the quality of life you deserve.