While benzodiazepines serve a meaningful purpose, they are highly addictive and subject to abuse. Millions of Americans struggle with anxiety disorders and take benzodiazepines like Xanax to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. Once they experience the quick, calming relief, they may use the drug anytime they experience stress or discomfort. Xanax can be challenging to quit once you are dependent. You may need the help of a Xanax detox program like the one at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. If Xanax abuse is robbing you of the life you want to live, reach out to us today at 866.516.8356.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that delivers a tranquilizing effect. It is a short-acting drug that provides rapid relief of symptoms and alleviates anxious feelings. As a result, doctors may prescribe Xanax to help people with anxiety and panic disorders manage their condition.
Keeping Xanax on hand may be the only way people with severe anxiety disorders feel comfortable leaving their homes. This sedative medication can help ease their crippling symptoms, allowing them to function more normally. However, it is also highly addictive and can lead to Xanax abuse.
How to Recognize Xanax Abuse
If you struggle with anxiety or panic disorders, you realize the importance of having access to Xanax during your most challenging times. But how do you know when your Xanax use has transitioned from therapeutic to dependence? The thought of giving up the comfort of quick relief from anxiety may ironically be panic-inducing. Still, it is essential to know if you are veering toward addiction as soon as possible. Be on the lookout for the following signs of Xanax abuse:
- Taking Xanax in dangerous situations, such as before driving a car or operating machinery
- Doctor shopping to get extra prescriptions for Xanax
- Trying to find other ways to obtain extra pills, such as through a friend or on the street
- Being unable to cut back on Xanax use without experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Building tolerance and needing higher doses of Xanax
- Being unable to keep up with work, school, or family responsibilities due to your Xanax use
Even if you feel that using Xanax is the only way you can get through the day without having an anxiety attack, you need to get help from a Xanax detox program if it is starting to cause problems in your life.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has increased as more people experience stress and overwhelming feelings they cannot manage. Anxiety and panic disorders are fairly common, and they usually require some intervention with therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax are the most commonly prescribed medications for people struggling with anxious thoughts and feelings. Used in moderation, these can help take the edge off anxiety attacks. However, you can become physically and psychologically dependent on Xanax. People addicted to Xanax can experience difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma in the most serious cases.
To protect your health and well-being, enroll in a Xanax detox program as soon as you notice signs of Xanax abuse. These programs can help you break free from your dependence on benzodiazepines by:
- Safely weaning you off of Xanax to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Starting you on a longer-acting, nonaddictive benzodiazepine to address anxiety and panic disorders long term
- Providing you with individual counseling to explore the underlying causes of prescription drug abuse
- Offering group therapy sessions to help you bond with peers in recovery and learn healthy coping skills together
- Providing holistic therapies that promote stress management and overall health and wellness
When you are addicted to Xanax, it is necessary to quit using it. However, you need to replace it with healthy coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and panic disorders. A Xanax detox program will help you learn how to function with these conditions without turning back to Xanax.
Put a Stop to Xanax Abuse at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Ending Xanax abuse begins with a call to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our caring staff will make you feel as comfortable as possible as we help you detox from benzodiazepines. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to start your recovery from Xanax addiction.
