The popular prescription drug Xanax is the brand name of the drug alprazolam. Like so many prescription drugs, you can become physically dependent upon them and develop an addiction to Xanax. If you or someone special in your life are struggling with a Xanax addiction in Ohio, contact Midwest Recovery online or call us at 833.627.0039 today to learn how to help you overcome your Xanax prescription addiction.
How Long Does It Take to Become Addicted to Xanax?
There is no easy, single answer to the question, how long before a Xanax prescription addiction takes hold of a person? The time it takes to develop an addiction to the popular drug Xanax varies from person to person, depending primarily on the ways in which Xanax is being used and other factors.
Despite the depictions of drug and alcohol addiction on TV and in movies, not every drug addiction involves a colorful, party lifestyle. Often, and especially with a drug like Xanax, addiction begins with a medically necessary and doctor prescription medication and takes place in quiet, alone, and without many signs.
In fact, you may be using Xanax exactly as prescribed by a medical professional. Your underlying mental or physical health issues that require treatment and medication could be being helped by Xanax. And yet, you are still susceptible to developing a Xanax addiction in Ohio, Los Angeles, New York City, or anywhere in the country. Xanax doesn’t discriminate, and if your unsupervised abuse of Xanax is left untreated, you may be in even greater danger of a Xanax prescription addiction and a possible overdose.
What Does Xanax Do?
Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication that provides a calming feeling, which can be part of the answer for many individuals suffering from a mental health disorder. But just as with the time it takes to develop a Xanax addiction, how Xanax affects people depends on several factors, including their:
- Mental health at the time of taking the drug
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Xanax dosage
If you’re taking the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, it is important to understand the side effects and dangers of not following the prescribed dosage. Some of the side effects that come with using Xanax include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor balance
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
Xanax has the opposite effect of a drug like cocaine. Instead of euphoria from a high, Xanax delivers a feeling of being relaxed, quiet, and tired. Like with a high, though, it is possible to become addicted to the state of calming bliss and sedation provided by Xanax. There are dangers to mixing Xanax with drinking, and an emotional or physical dependence could ensue. The ensuing results can be equally as worrisome with blacking out and overdosing possible if an addiction forms.
Can I Become Addicted to Xanax with a Prescription?
Sadly, yes. Many Xanax addictions start with a medically necessary prescription to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Ideally, your use of Xanax will be in concert with therapy like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). You will be in communication with a healthcare professional and learn drug-free ways to be calm, cope, and live a healthy, happy life. If you are self-medicating and/or using Xanax recreationally, you could be putting yourself in danger of not only developing a Xanax addiction but risking your life as well. Thankfully, there is help available in Ohio for Xanax addiction.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery
If someone you love needs help overcoming a Xanax prescription addiction, learn how Midwest Recovery can help get their life back on track. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
