Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine most commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders. When prescribed, this medication is generally only taken at the onset of a panic attack, seeing as taking Xanax on a regular basis can easily lead to physical and psychological dependence. Unfortunately, because Xanax is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the country, countless men and women of all ages and walks of life suffer from a diagnosable Xanax use disorder. When people think of prescription drug addiction, they tend to assume related consequences are slightly less severe than they would be if a person was struggling with addiction to an illegal drug like heroin or methamphetamine. However, the truth of the matter is prescription drug addiction can be just as devastating — if not more so.
Negative Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Xanax Abuse
At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset we have seen, firsthand, the amount of damage prescription drugs like Xanax can do in the lives of our clients. The good news is that recovery is always possible no matter how severe a prescription drug addiction has become. If you or someone you love has been experiencing consequences associated with benzodiazepine addiction, we are available to help. Simply give us a call today for more information or to get started with our straightforward admissions process. There are many negative effects associated with Xanax misuse, whether you misuse the medication for a brief period of time or for years. If you have been abusing Xanax or another benzodiazepine for yours, you might feel as if the associated consequences are too much to handle. If you do make the decision to get sober, how will you possibly sort through the wreckage you have caused while active in your addiction? Rest assured, we are available to help whenever possible. Our main priority is giving our clients the tools and resources they need to maintain sobriety while dramatically improving their overall quality of life.
Common Short-Term Effects of Xanax Misuse Include:
- Shifts in mood, which might include short-lived feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
- A loss of sex drive/erectile dysfunction and a loss of interest in physical intimacy.
- Dizziness and a lack of coordination.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite/other gastrointestinal issues.
- Fatigue and excessive tiredness/changes to sleeping patterns.
- Shortness of breath and respiratory depression.
- Slurred speech/compromised cognitive functioning.
- Potential overdose — risk is increased when Xanax is combined with other chemical substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics.
Common Long-Term Effects of Xanax Misuse Include:
- Permanent memory damage, both short and long-term memory loss.
- The development of physical and psychological dependence.
- The development of physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be produced.
- Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening and occur when Xanax use is stopped suddenly.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset and Xanax Addiction Recovery
If you or someone you love has been struggling with Xanax addiction or with any other type of prescription drug addiction, you might be wondering, “What are the best treatment options?” Of course, the best treatment options for you depend on your unique circumstances. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to begin the benzodiazepine recovery process with a short stay in an inpatient detox center. The symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal can be extremely dangerous — even life-threatening — when left untreated. Therefore, once you have been physically stabilized in a medical detox center in Massachusetts, we recommend immediately transitioning into a higher level of clinical care.
Explore Effective Program of Xanax Addiction Recovery at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we offer an effective program of Xanax addiction recovery that focuses on equipping each client with the coping mechanisms and skills they need to stay sober long-term. In addition, because early sobriety is a particularly vulnerable time, we encourage our clients to stay engaged with treatment even after residential inpatient comes to an end. This might look like a continuation of individual therapy, 12 Step meeting attendance, or a continuation of psychiatric care. However, in many cases, our clients who come to us struggling with a Xanax addiction have initially prescribed the medication for a legitimate anxiety disorder. We teach our clients to effectively combat their anxiety without the use of a habit-forming benzodiazepine. Contact us today to learn more about the multi-phased continuum of addiction treatment we recommend or about our individualized and effective recovery program.
