Xanax is a widely prescribed medication in the United States. It is also incredibly addictive, with a high potential for abuse. Doctors prescribe Xanax for people with severe anxiety or panic issues, as it can produce a calming effect. However, the drug can also have some undesired effects on your brain. Some of these include dizziness, a feeling of tiredness or sleepiness, and memory and mood problems. There are also other long-term effects of Xanax that fail to fade away even after you stop using the drug. Those who are struggling with Xanax abuse may experience Xanax withdrawal.
The statistics on Xanax use indicate the potential for misuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescribing rates of benzodiazepines—including Xanax—have more than quadrupled since 1996, with more than 13.5 million Americans filling prescriptions for benzodiazepines in 2016 alone.
Furthermore, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that Xanax was among the top five most commonly prescribed drugs for those aged 12 and older, accounting for 3.7% of all outpatient visits between 2005 and 2011. In terms of emergency department visits, NIDA reported that benzodiazepine-related visits increased 67% between 2004 and 2011.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer a Xanax addiction treatment program to help you or a loved one break the cycle of addiction. Learn more about the long-term effects of Xanax and reach out to our treatment center today by calling 866.957.7885.
Long-Term Effects of Xanax
Xanax reduces stress because it causes unbalanced brain chemicals to move at a slower rate. For those taking Xanax for anxiety or panic attacks, it can reduce anxiety and lower tension in the body. Due to how Xanax works, the drug can have severe effects that last for a very long time. Some common Xanax long-term side effects include:
- Seizures – Intense brain disturbances that cause the body to spasm. Repeated seizures or their occurrence for prolonged periods may cause brain damage or even death.
- Drug dependence – Even when you take the drug under a prescription, chances are that your body will learn to tolerate it after some time. As the effects wear off, you will need to use more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Over time, you will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you cannot use Xanax and develop a physical dependence on the drug. You will have effectively altered your brain and body to require the drug to function normally.
- Overdose – Too much Xanax within a short period of time can result in an overdose which may lead to death. Xanax is stored in the body’s fat tissues and accumulates over a prolonged period, even when taken in small amounts. This accumulation may also lead to an overdose.
- Cognitive impairment – A perennial Xanax user may get long-term memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease which is characterized by poor memory and thinking inabilities.
If you are taking Xanax and have experienced any of these adverse side effects, reach out to your doctor to learn more about your options. If you are struggling with Xanax abuse, reach out to San Antonio Recovery Center today by calling 866.957.7885.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
The stages of a Xanax addiction treatment program are similar to most addiction treatment programs. There are levels of care that move from most intense to least as the individual gains more control over their life. These steps may include all or some of the following:
Detox
This is the first step and involves weaning the individual off the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will most certainly occur and can be quite uncomfortable or even life-threatening. Medically supervised detox allows you to rid yourself of drug dependence without the risk of seizures and other dangers. Attempting detox on your own is dangerous, which is why a professional Xanax addiction treatment program is recommended.
Inpatient Residential Rehab
Many treatment centers offer a residential treatment program where you live at the facility. This ensures you are away from any people, places, or situations that act as triggers for your addiction. This is usually an intense stage where you will have a highly scheduled program of treatment and activities so that you remain busy and focused on healing and recovery.
Outpatient rehab–As you gain more control and confidence over your life of recovery, you may transition to outpatient rehab. There are varying levels of intensity for outpatient treatment, so whatever level of care you need can be provided. You will also live at home and have greater flexibility with regard to work or school schedules. The coping skills you are learning in treatment are being used daily to maintain your recovery, but you are still connected to programs and services in an outpatient setting.
Aftercare
Once you have completed your addiction treatment, you will most likely transition to some form of aftercare. This could be an alumni program or a 12-step program with regular meetings. The goal is to keep you connected to a community of individuals who are also in recovery and form a support network.
Recovery from Xanax Withdrawal in San Antonio
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we prioritize the personal recovery needs of each patient. Also, our patients have access to ongoing support and care even after they finish treatment through our aftercare program. Our treatment programs, which can be used to treat Xanax addiction, include:
- Behavioral therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Nutritional therapy program
- Dual diagnosis therapy
Get the Help You Need
While Xanax is beneficial for anxiety treatment, its prolonged use can cause dependence, withdrawal, and numerous other severe effects. Our Xanax recovery center in San Antonio, TX, allows you to live a better life free of the drug.
Learn how to live a healthier life without Xanax by first ridding yourself of its dependence. Call 866.957.7885 today to get started on your journey to happiness and learn the long-term effects of Xanax.
