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Xanax Addiction Advice

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:19:40 +0000

Xanax is prescribed to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety issues such as panic attacks or agoraphobia (the fear of open spaces). Xanax is an increasingly popular drug and is recommended only for short periods of time or intermittent use. However, it is often taken for longer periods than recommended. Because of the length of time and the frequency that it is often taken, risks of dependency are high. Often the body adjusts itself to the dosage, and as a result, the individual must take increasingly larger ones. Xanax should only be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor. The patient should be made aware of the addictive nature of the drug as in most cases the addiction is accidental. Close monitoring is key.

The symptoms of Xanax addiction are numerous and include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of concentration
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech

Over time with a prolonged use of the drug, these symptoms may lessen and even disappear. However, this prolonged use often creates a tolerance in the user’s system to the drug’s positive effects (mainly the relief of panic and insomnia). Once this tolerance is developed, a person continually abuses the medication in an attempt to experience the initial calming effects. What the person does not know is that this peaceful feeling can’t be duplicated and only worsens the tolerance. The only solution is detox.

Xanax Detox

Like with any other drug addiction, detox is an essential to recovery. Addiction to Xanax is like any other addictive drug. It is unwise to quit “cold turkey” without consulting a medical professional. Doing so could result in an intense onslaught of withdrawal symptoms including hallucinations and seizures. The detox period for Xanax is particularly difficult because treatments to repress the withdrawal symptoms often increase the feelings that the drug was prescribed to treat in the first place. Sometimes during the detox, other anti-depressants might be used to lessen the person’s feelings of panic.

Xanax Addiction Help

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to Xanax call our toll free number. We are available 24 hours a day to help you find the information and the solutions that you need to help you on your road to recovery. Take control. Call us.

Xanax Recovery Support

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:07:26 +0000

Xanax abuse and addiction occurs frequently by accident, though purposeful abuse is not uncommon. Because Xanax is commonly prescribed for anxiety and stress management, some patients become unwittingly dependent upon the drug—some addicted persons ingesting up to thirty pills daily. It is extremely important that a person who recognizes he or she is experiencing Xanax dependence immediately seek proper professional recovery support, as withdrawals from the drug can be just as harmful as an addiction.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms and Management

As with any drug addiction recovery, Xanax recovery is uncomfortable, but possible. Many Xanax withdrawal symptoms echo those of other drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

Difficulty sleeping
Increased heart rate
Irritability
Shaky hands; jitters
Anxiety

Without proper doctor supervision and professional guidance, however, recovering from Xanax addiction can lead to more serious withdrawal symptoms—some fatal. Discontinuing Xanax use too abruptly may lead to the following complications:

Severe psychosis
Seizures
Death, in rare cases

In order to cope with withdrawal symptoms and maintain a healthy recovery, seek professional help from a doctor or rehab institution. Due to the high number of accidental addictions resulting from legally prescribed Xanax, family members are sometimes unaware that a Xanax addiction is present, and may have to be approached for help. While the emotional support of family and friends is valuable during treatment, medical help is essential for safe recovery.

Xanax Addiction Recovery Support

The path to Xanax recovery should never be walked alone. After consulting a medical professional, it can be helpful to have a team of friends to help you through the process. In order to achieve your recovery goals and avoid relapse, find the following people and ask them to come alongside you as you begin recovery.

A Trusted Counselor—Your doctor or rehab institution may prescribe counseling as part of your recovery process. If not—request it. Xanax becomes often becomes addictive because it suppresses emotions that are difficult to deal with; having someone with which to discuss these feelings will help during recovery.

An Exercise Buddy—Holistic treatment for drug addictions typically incorporates meditation and exercise into recovery programs. Ask your doctor if an exercise regimen is a good fit for your treatment, then grab a buddy to help keep you accountable.

An Encourager—Depending on the treatment your doctor recommends, recovery may be residential or outpatient. Regardless of the method of treatment, receiving regular notes of encouragement and telephone calls can help encourage you to continue treatment.

Xanax Recovery Help

If you are struggling with an addiction to Xanax, we can help. Call our toll free number today to find out details about how to begin recovering from addiction. The journey to recovery isn’t easy, but we can partner with you in this process. We are available 24 hours a day to help you find the solutions you need. Call us today.

Xanax Intervention

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:02:36 +0000

Xanax is a highly potent prescription drug that affects chemicals in the brain that have become unbalanced. It is prescribed to treat panic attacks, nervousness, and tension. Xanax is physically and emotionally addictive.

Xanax Addiction

Addiction to Xanax usually occurs by accident. Individuals enjoy the euphoric, drowsy feeling that it produces and as their bodies build a tolerance to the drug, they have to take more and more to achieve the feeling. Before they know it, an addiction is born. Once addicted, individuals will do whatever they can to get more of the drug, always seeking a “high” and trying to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. They will become completely consumed with getting more of the drug and other areas of their lives will begin to suffer. The effects of addiction can be dramatic. Physical, mental, financial, and social consequences become increasingly worse, but addicts are not able to quit even when they want to. They will exhibit a constant and compulsive craving to use Xanax and may say that they “need it” to feel normal.

Having a Xanax Intervention

Xanax addicts may find it very difficult to admit to themselves and others that they have an addiction. They usually will have no idea about the amount of damage the addiction is causing to their lives and their relationships. If this is the case, you can help them the most by having an intervention. An intervention is a planned attempt by one, or often many people, to persuade an individual to seek professional help. The goal of an intervention is to empower the addict to find breakthrough in their seemingly hopeless situation.

Here are some helpful tips for having an intervention.

Stay calm
Avoid labeling the person an “addict”
Cite specific negative instances that occurred due to the substance abuse
Stick to what you know firsthand, avoid hearsay
Explain how the person’s behavior has affected you
Be supportive and hopeful about change
Be prepared for denial and resistance

Do not wait to have the intervention until the person has hit “rock bottom,” had a car crash, or had a medical emergency due to overdose. If you think your loved is struggling with an addiction, confront them now, their life may depend on it.

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

When having an intervention, you may want to be prepared to give some information about treatment options. Xanax addicts will see the most success in long term rehabilitation if they are admitted into a treatment center. Treatment for Xanax abuse will vary according to the specific needs of the patient, but in almost every case it begins with detox. In the care of medical professionals, their withdrawal symptoms will be monitored and they will receive assistance. After detox is complete (it may take ten to fourteen days), the psychological side of addiction will be addressed through a combination of counseling, group therapy, behavior modification and possibly a 12-Step program.

Xanax Intervention Help

If you would like to know more about treatment options for Xanax addiction, our counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk with you. Call our toll free number today at (877) 259- 5629 to receive more information about recovery solutions. Call now.

Xanax Warnings and Side Effects

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:03:08 +0000

Xanax is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.

Xanax Warnings

Xanax should not be taken with alcohol because it increases the effects of alcohol. Xanax can be habit-forming, and it should only be taken by the person to whom it was prescribed. People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse should not take Xanax. When mixed with alcohol and other drugs, Xanax may increase side effects to a level that may be life-threatening.

Xanax can cause tolerance as well as psychological and physical dependence when taken for an extended period of time. Abuse of Xanax may easily lead to addiction. Although Xanax is used to treat anxiety associated with depression, it has been noted that depression could possibly worsen with use. Adverse reactions may involve heightened irritability or aggressive, agitated behavior.

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Xanax, because it may cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It is important to use proper birth control while taking Xanax and to tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking the drug. Women who are breastfeeding should not take Xanax because it may pass through the breast milk and harm the baby.

Side Effects of Xanax

Side effects are commonly noticed at the beginning of treatment with Xanax. As a user’s body adjusts to the medication, side effects should diminish over time. Side effects are not limited to these lists. If a serious change in the user’s health occurs, he or she should seek emergency medical help.

Common side effects may include:

Sex drive changes
Appetite changes
Dry mouth
Irritability
Weight changes
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Constipation
Exhaustion

Serious side effects may include:

Loss of coordination
Blistering
Mood changes
Speech impediment
Memory loss
Seizures
Symptoms of an allergic reaction

To avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor to schedule a gradual reduction of one’s dose of Xanax.

Xanax Addiction Help

If you or a loved one is addicted to Xanax, please call our toll free number. We can give you the information you need to recover successfully and live a drug free life. Someone is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about Xanax addiction treatment, so please call (877) 259-5629 now.

Xanax Addiction Long-term Effects

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:04:43 +0000

Xanax is normally not recommended for long-term use because of the increased likelihood that a patient will develop a high tolerance for and addiction to the drug.

When Xanax is first introduced into the body a much lower dose is needed to treat panic or anxiety disorders. However, once the body becomes accustomed to the chemicals in the medication, it adapts and learns how to rearrange its chemical structures to achieve “normality.” Consequently, this causes the patient to continuously need higher doses of Xanax to effectively treat their disorder. But, taking Xanax for long periods of time does not just develop tolerance; it also develops addiction as well.

Evidence suggests that more than one third of adults who have been taking Xanax for a long period of time develop depression. Other consequences for long-term addiction to Xanax include the higher probability for an overdose and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax Overdose

When patients abuse Xanax for long periods of time, their tolerance for the drug can become exceptionally high. This causes the patient to take much higher doses of Xanax than recommended and likely leads to an overdose. Signs of an overdose on Xanax include:

Mental confusion
Hypotension
Difficulty staying awake
Impaired motor functions
Muscle weakness
Impaired balance
Dizziness
Fainting
Respiratory depression
Coma
Death

Xanax Withdrawal

Long-term abuse of Xanax can lead to seizures and or severe withdrawal symptoms when patients try to end their addiction. Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:

Blurred vision
Trouble concentrating
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Muscle twitching
Numbness
Tingling
Increased sensations

Help With Xanax Addiction Long-Term Effects

Battling a long-term addiction to Xanax can be extremely painful. Most people cannot successfully do this alone. We offer 24-hour service to answer any questions you may have about Xanax addiction long-term effects and treatment. Please don’t hesitate to call our toll free number at (877) 259-5629.

Xanax Abuse

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:52:48 +0000

Xanax is a prescription central nervous system depressant, commonly referred to as benzodiazepine and considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance. In many cases, it may be difficult to detect chronic Xanax, or benzodiazepine, abuse because its warning signs are often nonspecific. Signs of Xanax abuse may include, but are not limited to, changes in physical appearance and behavior. Though in most patients Xanax effectively treats insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and tension, patients who abuse Xanax can have side effects similar to those their medication was originally prescribed to treat, such as:

Xanax abuse

Insomnia
Anxiety
Headaches
Weakness

Warning signs of an overdose of Xanax are more serious and may include:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Weakness
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Coma
Difficulty breathing

Approximately 3 million Americans have taken Xanax daily for the last 12 months. This long-term use makes Xanax an easily abused drug and among the most controversial of all the psychotropic medicines. If patients take Xanax for a long period of time, their bodies can build up a tolerance where higher doses of the drug are required to achieve its initial affects. Though a person who is abusing Xanax should immediately take steps to end their addiction, Xanax abuse is not something a patient should quit abruptly. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur if an abuser tries to suddenly stop taking Xanax after an addiction has formed. Such withdrawal symptoms include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Headache
Anxiety
Irritability
Insomnia
Chills
Lethargy
Fatigue
Moodiness
Crying
Tremor
Vivid dreams

Xanax Abuse Treatment

Xanax abuse can be detrimental to personal relationships and work performance. If you or someone close to you needs help battling a Xanax addiction, please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5629. We are available 24 hours day or night.

Xanax Addiction with Alcohol Abuse

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:03:08 +0000

Both Xanax and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. This means that each substance slows down some brain function. Though they do not slow the function of the same part of the brain they do have similar effects on heart rate and breathing patterns. Because both Xanax and alcohol affect the body in relatively the same ways, serious side effects can result from coupling Xanax addiction with alcohol abuse.

Combining Xanax with Alcohol

Xanax and alcohol can be a deadly mix.

Taking Xanax while drinking alcohol can produce some pretty serious bodily reactions. A patient cannot drink as much alcohol as they are used to drinking in the past while they are taking Xanax. Mixing the two often magnifies the affects each substance has. This affect, in more cases than not, is found by most to be highly undesirable. Those who developed a Xanax addiction while trying to settle unruly nerves will sometimes get far more than they bargained for by adding alcohol to the mix. Their nerves will calm, but they will likely be unable to communicate or focus.

The mixture can actually produce quite an unexpected reaction, such as extreme irritation and outbursts of anger because of what would normally be seen as trivial, unimportant matters. These intense fits of anger are often nearly impossible for the patient to control.

In addiction, patients who are addicted to Xanax should avoid abusing alcohol because it can increase the intensity of certain Xanax side effects and potentially worsen panic and anxiety disorders.

Potentially increased Xanax side effects include:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Unusual behavior
Difficulties with coordination
Memory problems

Help with Managing a Xanax Addiction with Alcohol Abuse

Mixing an excess of Xanax or alcohol or both can put a person in serious, sometimes life-threatening positions. If you know you or a loved one is mixing a Xanax addiction with alcohol abuse, please take the step that could help save a life by calling our toll free number. We are available day or night to answer any questions you may have and provide you with information about Xanax and alcohol treatment.

Xanax Addiction Symptoms

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:30:28 +0000

Second to Valium, Xanax is the most abused prescribed medication. Xanax is the most often prescribed medication for short-term use to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and moderate to severe stress. From the benzodiazepine drug class, Xanax is effective in lowering the excitement levels in the brain and giving a person a feeling of calm. While Xanax has been prescribed since the early 1960s, the increase of Xanax abuse is reflected in statistics that show that Xanax has had a steady increase in the number of emergency room drug-related visits.

Physical Signs of Xanax Addiction

As with many prescribed medications intended to treat emotional and mental health issues, finding the right dosage amount for each individual person takes experimentation and time. With the right dosage of Xanax, a person may feel more relaxed, composed and peaceful. However, if a person starts demonstrating any of the following behaviors, there is a potential for abuse or potential:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech

Xanax addiction symptoms

Lack of coordination
Memory impairment
Confusion
Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
Dizziness
Depression

Behavioral Signs of Xanax Addiction

Typically, a person starts towards Xanax abuse because they have developed a tolerance to the drug’s effects. Therefore, they start taking larger doses. While the increased dosage may not have been recommended by the physician, a person who has received benefit from Xanax will ignore the warning signs in an attempt to achieve the effects that they initially experienced.

Other behavioral indicators of potential abuse and addiction are:

A person may become compulsive about using Xanax and feel that they are completely unable to stop.
As their compulsion increases, a person becomes increasingly concerned about getting more Xanax, and may try to obtain prescriptions from various doctors or even by buying it illegally.
Because their focus becomes so centered on acquiring Xanax, a person may exhibit changes in habit or lifestyle, which may impact their ability to take on responsibilities associated with work, school, and home.

Get Help for Xanax Addiction

Recovering from Xanax with proper medical supervision and support services is possible. If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, call our toll free number today at (877) 259-5629. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Xanax addiction treatment. We are here to help.

Xanax Addiction Help

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:17:16 +0000

Xanax abuse puts a person into a damaging cycle of need, followed by release, followed by an increased need that may lead to addiction. Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and moderate to severe stress. While the initial physiological benefit may assist a person in feeling calm, the desire to maintain or even increase that sense of tranquility often leads to addiction.

The Cycle of Xanax Addiction

The first phase of this cycle starts when a person experiences a release from their anxiety symptoms. This release occurs because Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam slows down neurotransmitters called gamma-aminobutric acid.

In need of Xanax addiction treatment.

As a person strives to sustain this medicated sense of well-being, an addict typically takes as many as four times the prescribed dosage on a daily basis. If a person realizes that they are abusing Xanax, and they attempt to slowly wean themselves from Xanax, they frequently find that they experience the same symptoms they originally had when they sought medical assistance, including:

Anxiety
Panic

Not wanting to experience those emotional illnesses, the person chooses to continue to take Xanax. However, because they have developed a tolerance, they are taking more than before. And the cycle starts all over again.

Break the Cycle of Xanax Addiction

A person who is a Xanax abuser or addict should never discontinue Xanax without medical supervision. During withdrawal, a person can expect to experience any or all of the following symptoms:

Insomnia, nightmares
Moodiness
Tremors, convulsion
Nausea, vomiting
Hallucination

Without support, this could be an extremely difficult phase. Further, immediate withdrawal may lead to seizures and convulsions, which can be life threatening.

Therefore the first step in Xanax addiction treatment is seeking medical assistance. While a slow weaning process may be effective, many addiction counselors and physicians suggest Xanax detox which provides the following to assist you to break the cycle:

A person does not have access to Xanax and thus temptation is significantly reduced
Physical, medical and emotional support are all available during as needed
Programs and facility restrictions allow the person to focus on themselves and their recovery

Get Help for Xanax Addiction

You can break free from Xanax addiction; call our toll free number today at (877) 259-5629. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Xanax addiction treatment. We are here to help.

Alprazolam

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:09:40 +0000

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a prescription drug used to treat panic disorders, panic attacks or anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is in a group of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is also used to treat depression, premenstrual syndrome and agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). Alprazolam is often used to treat anxiety disorders. However, it can be habit-forming so caution is needed when taking this drug for an extended period of time. It can usually be taken as a concentrated liquid form or a tablet. Typically, it should only be taken two to four times a day. With normal Alprazolam, the patient is able to feel the effects almost immediately; however, it wears off quickly and is more likely to be abused.

Alprazolam Dependency

Alprazolam (Xanax) pills

Alprazolam is a highly dependent drug. Often, Alprazolam addictions happen accidentally. Typically, patients who are administered more than 4 mg/day for periods of 12 months or longer are at a greater risk of developing a dependency. When used for a prolonged amount of time, the body becomes used to the amount of drugs administered. When this happens, the user has to take more to receive the initial effects. This is a dangerous thing to do because when a user does not take the medication, withdrawal symptoms will occur. It seems to be a cycle because many people who take Alprazolam need it for long term use because they cannot overcome the anxiety. When taking this drug, the patient needs to do exactly as the doctor says to stay clear of addiction. It is important to talk to your doctor before getting off of Alprazolam to ensure that withdrawal symptoms do not occur.

Effects of Alprazolam Abuse

Alprazolam is a depressant, so it acts much like alcohol in that it calms the body by slowing the brain down. Some effects that a user will experience the first times are:

Difficulty concentrating
Depressed heartbeat
Depressed breathing
“Floating” sensation
Addiction
Excessive sleepiness
Mental confusion

Once an addiction has started, less desirable symptoms begin to occur:

Muscle cramps
Nausea
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Loss of appetite
Loss of coordination
Loss of concentration
Slurred speech

Alprazolam Addiction Treatment

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is continuing to escalate and Alprazolam is at the top of the list of those medications which are involved with addiction. Initially prescribed for a short-term treatment for anxiety, abusers have a much easier time acquiring the medication especially through Internet sources.

Psychologists, addiction counselors and physicians agree that detoxification is the first step in treating Alprazolam addiction. Typically, detoxification last between three days to two weeks and affords you close medical supervision. Detox programs are usually offered within a residential drug rehabilitation setting which provides 24 hour nursing and medical support.

What to Look for in Drug Detox Programs

How long a person requires detox depends on several things including:

The frequency and severity of the addiction
Other medical concerns
Psychological issues
The person’s commitment level to the detox process

Regardless of how long the detox program lasts, make sure that you find a program that provides an individualized treatment plan, designed to meet your specific needs. This plan should include a humane withdrawal process and 24 hour medical supervision.

Rapid Drug Detox Programs

In an effort to avoid the withdrawal process, some facilities offer what is referred to as “rapid drug detox.” Through this procedure, an addict is given general anesthesia so that the person does not experience the symptoms associated with withdrawal including:

Panic, anxiety
Insomnia, nightmares
Moodiness
Tremors, convulsion
Nausea, vomiting
Hallucination

Many addiction counselors, psychologists and physicians feel that the rapid detox offering may not fully support long-term recovery. The addict, having not been invested in the detox process, may not have as significant a commitment to their recovery as an addict who has painfully endured the withdrawal process.

While the detox experience actually contributes to long-term success, many drug detox programs can help ease the discomfort of withdrawal.

Addiction Help Treatment

If you or a loved one is addicted to Alprazolam, it is important to seek help. Alprazolam is a highly dependent drug. Once addicted, the effects are devastating. But there is hope. If you are interested in receiving information on Alprazolam detox or rehab, please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5629.