“Is Xanax Addictive?”
This should be a no-brainer. The short answer is “yes”. Xanax has many qualities that easily classify it among other well known addictive drugs. Like those other drugs, Xanax certainly has the potential to encourage dependency if abused.
The drug commonly known as Xanax is actually named Alprazolam which is manufactured by Pfizer although it is marketed, packaged and distributed by many other companies. When asking the question, “Is Xanax Addictive?” you may want to ask yourself what motivated the query. If you are currently using the drug and are concerned that you may be forming unhealthy habits associated with its use, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of your physician. Like many other similar drugs in the Benzodiazepine classification like Valium and Librium, Xanax can become highly addictive and dangerous to your health when not used appropriately.
Xanax is commonly prescribed by physicians to treat a variety of anxiety related disorders and is trusted and relied upon by many to help ease the suffering of patients afflicted with these types of ailments. Unfortunately, like many similar drugs it is attractive to abusers due to its ability to produce sedative and euphoric effects.
Why is Xanax Addictive?
The soothing qualities of this drug are subject to the same diminishing effects that occur with frequent use as that of many other drugs. Basically, when used frequently, your body will begin to develop a tolerance to the chemical and over time it will take higher and more frequent doses to accomplish the same effects.
Another reason that Xanax and other similar drugs become addictive is simply due to the fact that they provide a temporary escape from other unpleasant feelings. Some refer to this as a crutch. When you use it as a coping device for normal unpleasant events in life, your body tends to crave it in situations that normally should be handled without the need of chemical aid. This develops into an unnecessary dependency that may not feel very unnecessary to the person afflicted.
Xanax is intended and recommended for short term use but various situations or unique afflictions in patients may require it to be used more frequently. This is where the danger of dependency or addiction begins to become more imminent. What’s more that drugs of this nature are prescribed along with instructions for proper use but people are left to their own devices when it comes to it use. People often have the freedom to control the dosage and frequency of use so the potential for abuse is ever present. It is up to the individual to manage this and be competent and disciplined enough to use it properly. You and I both know that is not always going to happen.
In some cases, it is even held by the people who receive the prescriptions with the intention of selling and distributing it illegally for a profit. There are many people who are unable to legally acquire these types of drugs and will pay heavy sums to get it through other means. While there is no shortage of these individuals, there is also no shortage of people who are willing to take advantage them when tempted by profit.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
There are a number of common indicators that identify Xanax addiction. Unfortunately, the symptoms are not exclusive to Xanax as there are many drugs that have very similar if not exactly the same symptoms where abuse is concerned. So, while the signs of Xanax abuse below do not necessarily mean an individual is using Xanax, they may indicate the presence of addiction to other similar drugs. In any case, seeking the help of a qualified physician is a recommended course of action.
Symptoms associated with frequent use:
- Inability or lessened ability to maintain mental focus
- Abnormal Pulse
- Lack of Motivation
- Loss of Memory
- Over sleeping (Excessively)
- Dependency
- Reduced breathing rate
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Euphoric sensations
- Affected Balance
The following symptoms associated with the drug wearing off or the body’s “withdrawal” from the effects of the drug is often the opposite of the symptoms above but is still indicators that sometimes help identify Xanax abuse.
- The return of original anxiety (often amplified) or additional anxiety
- Irritability or easily angered
- Insomnia or inability to sleep
- Cravings (dependency)
- Shakiness and nervousness without the normally associated stimuli
- Excessive sweating
- Social withdrawal
- Erratic behavior
- Excessive pulse rate
Xanax is Addictive!
There should be no question as to whether or not Xanax has the potential to become a dangerously addictive drug. Fortunately there is help for Xanax addiction and all other forms of addiction. Treatment often includes consultation of a physician, counseling, prescribed medications and various forms of therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax or any other addictive substance, seek the help of a qualified doctor.
~Is Xanax Addictive? ~ 2012 ~ C. Yarbrough