Xanax is a brand of alprazolam. Even though doctors prescribe this drug to treat anxiety disorders, it can be addictive like other drugs in the benzodiazepine class. Therefore, recognizing signs of Xanax addiction can reduce the time before you or a loved one begins treatment. Early intervention in addictions can reduce the time required for detox and improve a treatment program’s success. If you need treatment for an addiction to benzodiazepines, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
Addiction to Xanax does not always mean taking the drug daily. In fact, some people may develop an addiction by taking the medication in higher doses than required, taking medicine from someone else, or using it only for the calmness that it produces rather than for a diagnosed condition. Signs of someone misusing or abusing Xanax include the following:
- Sleepiness
- Problems with judgment or concentration
- Slurring speech
- Small pupils
- Clumsiness
- Tolerance and need for higher doses
Watch out for these signs in anyone prescribed Xanax or those who know someone with access to the drug.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Shows Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?
If you or a loved one shows drug addiction symptoms, you cannot ignore the problem. Most people cannot quit using drugs independently, especially not addictive benzodiazepines that create physical problems once one stops using them. Therefore, you need to connect with a drug addiction detox center to help yourself, or your loved one quit their substance abuse.
What Happens During Xanax Addiction Detox?
During the detox phase, you will have the program team monitor your health and wellness in the days after you stop using Xanax. Symptoms often will appear within hours to a day of you quitting the drug. The length of time that these withdrawal symptoms last and how long you must spend in detox depend on several things. Factors that impact how long you will attend a Xanax detox program include the following:
- Amount of the drug used
- Length of substance abuse
- Other drugs or alcohol abused with Xanax
- Whether you take extended-release or standard-release Xanax
- If you have other medical or psychological conditions
During prescription drug detox programs, you will have medical personnel to ensure that your body does not have an adverse reaction to the detoxification process. While common side effects of quitting Xanax and other benzodiazepines include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, some may also have headaches, muscle aches, heart palpitations, or tremors.
Since these side effects reduce when you use Xanax again, those who try to quit without a detox program may return to their addiction when these withdrawal symptoms appear. However, when you have medical help to get you through the benzodiazepine detox program, you will be more likely to successfully pass through the two-week withdrawal. Getting through the detox stage is essential to your long-term success of treatment.
Is Detox the Only Treatment Needed for Substance Abuse?
First, you should never discount the impact of a successful detox treatment. These programs get you through the physical struggles of quitting prescription drug abuse. However, once you’ve finished detox, you will still have additional portions of treatment to complete. Drug addiction treatment starts but does not end with detox.
Find Out More at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston has several programs. These detox options can help you through the early stages of stopping drug use. Among our options is a Xanax addiction detox program. If you or a loved one feels worried about signs of Xanax prescription drug abuse, connect with us at Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston. Please call us at 866.516.8356 or fill out our online message form. When you reach out to us, you will find out about our detox options. Plus, you can begin the process that will help you to stop drug addiction to Xanax, benzodiazepines, or other prescription drugs.
