Xanax Abuse is on the Rise

Xanax Drug Abuse

 

What is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines out there? If you guessed Xanax, you are correct.

In addition, the rates of Xanax abuse have been steadily rising for years without signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Doctors typically prescribe Xanax to help treat patients with anxiety, panic disorders, and stress.

As an addictive and mind-altering drug, Xanax is typically suggested for short-term use. Unfortunately, this rule is difficult to enforce and is not always followed.

As anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health disorders today, Xanax can be found in countless medicine cabinets, despite its dangers. So, what does this mean, and what can it lead to?

Immediate Placement in Xanax Rehab

Avoiding Xanax Abuse

There are several things you should keep in mind when it comes to prescription drugs.

For one, abusing prescriptions is incredibly easy no matter who you are. This may look a little different for everyone, and it can start as something that seems innocent on the surface.

Taking more than the recommended dose or increasing the frequency to achieve better results are two common ways that Xanax prescriptions are abused.

Buying or receiving a pill from a friend, trading prescriptions, or buying prescription drugs from someone else are other ways that you may abuse Xanax.

Avoiding Xanax drug abuse means taking it only when it is prescribed and how it is prescribed. For many people, this is easier said than done.

In both our Emerald Isle facilities in Sun City and Surprise, Arizona, we offer medication management and assistance to help you adopt healthy habits around prescriptions that you have a true medical need for.

Xanax Abuse Emerald Isle - A group meets for group therapy at the Xanax rehab center.

 

Xanax and Mental Health

What many people also do not realize is that Xanax abuse and addiction can impact your mental health in several ways. It is often given to treat an existing mental health disorder; although, over time, it can make this disorder worse. This is especially true when it is abused or taken long-term.

In fact, many individuals who become addicted to Xanax will become addicted to other substances, worsen existing mental health disorders, or develop new ones. Nearly half of all individuals who experience a mental illness will also experience a substance use disorder. This consequence is something that we can help you address in either of our facilities in Surprise or Sun City.

 

Dual Diagnosis Care

When addiction co-exists with a mental health disorder, we call it a dual diagnosis.

Mental health disorders, including anxiety, panic, post-traumatic stress, and depression, are quite common in this country. Bipolar disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are also common among individuals.

When you are not sure what to do about these disorders or if you are unsure whether you have one of these disorders or not, relying on prescription medications or obtaining illicit drugs may seem to be the fastest and easiest solution.

Lax attitudes toward prescriptions, benzodiazepines included, only make the problem(s) worse.

Between 2009 and 2014, benzodiazepine prescriptions rose by 226%.

This is a scary statistic based on what we know about the potential abuse and addiction relating to Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Obtaining a prescription without seeking proper and healthy alternatives, gathering information, or understanding the potential consequences can lead to a cycle of abuse and addiction.

In many cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Abusing them is not. We can help with medication management, mental health disorders, addiction recovery, and more in our Arizona Surprise and Sun City rehab centers.

Learn More About our Xanax Drug Rehab Program

 

Xanax Abuse and Heroin

Another factor many Xanax users that abuse the prescription do not consider is the risk of inheriting other addictions. For example, Xanax and heroin are in the same class of drugs – central nervous system depressants.

They alter important functions in your brain and body, and when you combine the two, it can prove fatal. Heroin naturally has a link to Xanax abuse due to that it both increases feelings of pleasure and reduces feelings of pain. If you have anxiety, pain, or work or live in a high-stress environment, this combination can seem appealing.

However, it is essential to note that heroin has no medical applications. Leveling up from prescription benzodiazepines to heroin or using them in conjunction with one another will always do more harm than good. When taken together, Xanax and heroin can slow your breathing rates down to dangerous levels.

This impairs your cardiac activity and increases your chances of overdosing. If you need help with Xanax abuse and heroin, our Sun City and Surprise locations in Arizona are both open and can help you as soon as you are ready.

 

Xanax Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms

Xanax withdrawal symptoms have led many individuals to relapse. Leaving your addiction unchecked presents a more troubling set of potential consequences, possibly even fatal consequences. This potent benzodiazepine can impair your mental health and lead you to act in ways that you normally would not. Benzodiazepines are involved in one-third of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts.

Facing your withdrawal symptoms and overcoming your addiction may help you avoid related complications. This is one reason why we often recommend inpatient care in Surprise or Sun City.

Our Emerald Isle inpatient programs often start with a medically-assisted detox. This detox is safe and supervised, giving you a better chance of working through your withdrawal symptoms and starting your recovery strong and confident. It also helps ease withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms may vary depending on individual factors, but below are common symptoms that Xanax abusers can experience when going through withdrawal:

  • Headaches
  • Muscle pains
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Insomnia
  • Heart palpitations
  • Anxiety, panic, or paranoia
  • Blurred vision
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Finger numbness
  • Weight loss
  • Sweats

In some cases, seizures are also possible. Whether your withdrawal symptoms have been physical, emotional, or some combination of the two, our medical detox can help ease them and clear your path to a healthy, sober life. You will still have to work toward this new, healthy, and sober life every day; however, help and resources are available. With the right treatment and support, it will be much easier than trying to do it alone.

24 Hour Xanax Rehab Hotline

 

Xanax Addiction Treatments

Xanax abuse and addiction alter your brain chemistry, similar to a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression.

Over time, your normal thoughts and behaviors may be altered, developing into compulsive and overwhelming drug cravings.

In the short-term, Xanax abuse may ease your anxiety or help you sleep. In the long-term, Xanax addiction has troubling mental and physical health consequences. Rather than relying on prescription drug addiction, we can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms, alternatives, and build strong support systems that will help you avoid relapse.

We will also help you build healthier habits by providing nutritional guidance, recreational activities, and time to practice stress and addiction management techniques.

Exercise classes, such as yoga or meditation, will promote overall wellness, help you unwind, and may lead to healthier sleep patterns. Through a variety of therapies and support groups, we will help you develop effective communication skills, identify and overcome the root causes of your addiction, and build the skills that will keep you sober and healthy long after you leave.

With our results-driven knowledge, tools, and expertise, and your dedication to this worthy cause, you can find long-term support and recovery right here in Sun City or Surprise.

Xanax Abuse Emerald Isle - A group meets for group therapy at the Xanax rehab center.

 

Paying for Xanax Abuse Rehab

At each of our Emerald Isle locations, we accept most major health insurance providers. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the care you need and the care that you deserve.

It is possible that your Xanax abuse rehab program may be covered by your health insurance provider.

Call us today to speak with our addiction specialist and obtain a free insurance verification.

From there, we will begin to put together a customized plan that fits your unique needs. If you do not have health insurance, please do not be discouraged. We are happy to discuss alternative payment options to help you start your path to recovery.

Free Insurance Verification for Xanax Rehab

 

Emerald Isle Xanax Abuse Rehab

Emerald Isle was built on the idea that when we struggle together, we heal together, and we succeed together.

There is hope in recovery, and it is waiting for you right here in one of our incredible, safe, and comfortable rehab facilities.

Our approach is unique, individualized, evidence-based, and holistic.

We meet you where you are in your journey to help you find long-term and sustainable recovery from there. Call us today for more information.