Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a type of benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are often prescribed for their inhibitory effect on the brain. This means they can reduce abnormal activity in the brain, therefore quelling symptoms of specific conditions. Benzodiazepines can be prescribed for a range of different reasons. However, xanax is most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. In the UK, xanax is only available via private prescription – it is not currently accessible through the NHS. This is due to the risks associated with xanax., including the addiction potential of the drug.
Can xanax be addictive?
Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed in the UK. Between 2017 and 2018, 1.4 million prescriptions for benzodiazepines were given in England. This works out to around 3% of the population in England. It is advised that these types of drugs are only prescribed for short periods of time, for between 2 and 4 weeks. This is due to the addiction potential of benzodiazepines. However, surveys indicate that a large number of people take these types of drugs for much longer than is recommended (with over 44% of prescriptions in 2017 being taken for longer than this four-week window).
In recent years, more young people have been accessing xanax online, often to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. It is also being used as a recreational drug. The issue with this is that online traders will not monitor use safely. We also cannot guarantee that the ‘xanax’ being purchased online is safe to use. It may be counterfeit or cut with other substances that can lead to dangerous reactions.
Xanax is a Class C drug, meaning it is controlled in order to mitigate some of the risks associated with it. Xanax carries less risk over a short period of time. However, as the drug is so fast-acting, it can catalyse dependency in the space of a week. The Royal College of Psychiatrists claims that 4 in every 10 users of xanax develop an addiction following a minimum of six weeks of use. The fast-acting nature of the drug means that cravings and withdrawals can occur more rapidly. These lead to cycles of use that lead to a building of tolerance, meaning more of a substance is needed to either achieve a recreational high or to maintain someone with anxiety on a ‘level.’
Signs of xanax addiction
It is possible to develop an addiction to xanax even when using the drug as recommended. For that reason, it is essential to be aware of the xanax addiction symptoms.
Xanax addiction side effects include:
- Feeling very tired and low in energy
- Very low motivation
- Anhedonia
- Flat affect
- Feeling disoriented or dizzy
- Feeling sick
- Sleeping for long periods of time
- Issues with memory
- Vertigo
- Difficulties with coordination
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Changes to speech (including slurring)
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulties at school or work
- Financial issues
- Strains on personal relationships
You may also experience a range of symptoms in periods between use. These are Xanax withdrawal symptoms and can include:
- Disturbed sleep
- Panic attacks
- Tension and anxiety
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired memory
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Pain in the muscles
- Headaches
- Feeling (or being) sick)
In severe cases, individuals can also experience seizures and psychosis whilst withdrawing from xanax.
Risks of xanax addiction
Overdose
There is an increased risk of serious health complications if Xanax is involved in polydrug use. It is not uncommon for users of Xanax to also take opioids and/or use alcohol at the same time. This is dangerous as it can increase the toxicity of the substances, which increases the likelihood of overdosing.
Mental Health
Heavy Xanax use can also lead to a peak in depression and anxiety, meaning that long-term use of Xanax can, in fact, worsen the symptoms it is intended to treat if taken in ‘risky’ ways. If you experience any of the following:
- Depression
- Social anxiety
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
It is particularly recommended that you do not use xanax for recreational purposes.
Help for xanax addiction
Out of 140,558 people in addiction treatment between 2021 and 2022, 11,490 were seeking support for addiction to benzodiazepines.
Included within this number are individuals coping with xanax drug addiction. Xanax addiction is difficult to experience, but it is possible to loosen its grip with appropriate treatment and support.
Xanax addiction treatment may involve any of the following forms of therapeutic support:
- Art therapy
- Detox
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Dialectical behavioural therapy
- Drama and group therapy
- Drumming therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Interventions
- Music therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Twelve-step therapy
- Yoga and meditation
In treatment for xanax addiction, support will be focused on two key aspects:
- Dealing with cravings and withdrawals
- Dealing with the psychological and emotional experiences that may have led to addiction
This two-pronged approach hopes to tackle addiction in the short-term whilst also providing you with methods of longitudinal support. By thinking about how to maintain your mood after rehab, you can establish a set of reliable coping skills that you can turn to if things get tough in the future. This reduces your risk of turning to Xanax, which ultimately leads to a greater sense of control. This can help with feelings of stability moving forward, allowing you to feel more confident in dealing with distress whilst remaining drug-free post-rehab.