Xanax Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. Though its chances for misuse are lower than other benzodiazepines, addiction science specialists consider it likely to cause dependence and Xanax addiction.

It is vital to know the symptoms and signs of Xanax addiction. In doing so, you can know if you or someone you know should seek addiction treatment, especially if Xanax is being used to treat mental health issues.

In this article:

• Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
• Who is at Risk of a Xanax Addiction?
• How to Treat Xanax Addiction

Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is used to diagnose several categories of substance use disorder. It classifies Xanax addiction as a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, or SHA use disorder.

This manifests with the following signs and symptoms:

1. You use Xanax longer than intended or in large quantities
2. You want or try to control or minimize your Xanax use, but are unable to do so
3. You spend lots of time using or getting Xanax, or recovering from its use
4. You have strong urges or cravings for Xanax or other benzodiazepines
5. You ignore or forget major responsibilities at home, work, or in school while continuing Xanax use
6. You persist in using Xanax despite interpersonal or social problems it causes
7. You stop or reduce participating in activities you used to enjoy
8. You repeat Xanax use at times or in places that are physically dangerous
9. You continue to use Xanax even though you know it causes psychological or physical issues for you
10. You have built tolerance to Xanax, meaning you need more to achieve the same effects, or you feel diminished effects when using the same amount
11. You experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop or reduce use

If you experience two or three of these diagnostic criteria within a 12-month period, you likely have a mild Xanax use disorder. Four to five of these markers indicate moderate addiction, while six or more of these indicators may signal a severe use disorder.

How to Identify Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal can begin soon after you stop using it, and it’s a key indicator of an addiction. Acute benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can last 5 to 28 days after your last use of Xanax. Prolonged withdrawal can last even 12 months or longer after you stop using the substance.

The DSM-5 lists several indicators of withdrawal from sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics, which include Xanax.

If two of these withdrawal indicators arise within several hours to a few days after stopping Xanax, and they aren’t reasonably explained by other causes, this may suggest Xanax withdrawal:

• Heightened anxiety
• Issues with falling asleep
• Unintended motions caused by anxiety or mental tension
• Hand tremors
• Pulse rates exceeding 100 BPM while resting
• Sweating
• Vomiting or persistent nausea
• Grand mal seizures (intense muscular contractions or loss of consciousness)
• Illusions or hallucinations that are tactile, visual, or auditory in nature

Is Xanax Addictive?

Yes, Xanax is addictive. Withdrawal itself is a good indicator of the addictive qualities of any substance.

After all, the reason you have withdrawal symptoms is because your body has become accustomed to the Xanax and it struggles to adjust when the Xanax isn’t in your system. But Xanax is also psychologically addictive, becoming a substance that people rely on as an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Alprazolam (Xanax) is not more likely to be abused than other benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin or Ativan, but it is still addictive. According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 4.88 million people in the US ages 12 and older are addicted to Xanax or other prescription sedatives and tranquilizers.

Along with diazepam and lorazepam, Xanax has been shown to have euphoric effects. Inducing euphoria can change the brain’s reward circuit by initiating more frequent releases of dopamine. This can lead to dependence and addiction.

Who is at Risk of a Xanax Addiction?

Anyone who misuses Xanax is at risk of developing an addiction.

However, certain risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood:

• Advanced age
• History or presence of pulmonary (lung) diseases
• Alcohol dependence
• Use of antidepressants
• Other substance use disorders or a history of SUD
• Using Xanax for extended periods
• Severe symptoms of depression
• Diagnosis of insomnia
• Indications of current and past psychiatric illness
• Low income
• Low level of education
• Current unemployment
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

None of these factors guarantees that you will develop an Xanax addiction, but they do heighten your risk, so you should be especially cautious about only using Xanax as prescribed.

How to Treat Xanax Addiction

There are several treatment modalities for substance use disorders, including Xanax addiction. Nearly all programs begin with detoxification, also known as medically managed withdrawal. This is intended to manage your withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the substance.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be severe, physically harmful, or even life-threatening, depending on the longevity of misuse and the amount you misused, so it’s critical that you go through medically managed detox rather than trying to detox on your own.

A professional physician administers treatment during the detox phase in an inpatient setting. Medically supported outpatient care may be done depending on several factors, which will be assessed before you enter the program. After detox, you’ll proceed into either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program.

Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment

While detox is a necessary and vital first step, it is only the beginning of your path on the continuum of care towards recovery. Your treatment providers will help you determine if inpatient or outpatient rehab is the best choice for your next step.

You will likely begin in an inpatient setting and gradually step down to varying levels of outpatient support as your recovery progresses. Once this is completed, your program may offer you referrals to support groups, sober living programs, or various therapies.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Xanax Addiction

One of the most common evidence-based therapies for combating drug relapse is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT was intended to help users prevent relapse into alcohol misuse. Gradually, it was expanded to address a host of substance use disorders.

In CBT, you will examine how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other.

Your therapist helps you to change any unhelpful thoughts you may have into ones that can reduce emotional distress, encouraging healthy behaviors. You will enhance your self-control and develop a variety of coping strategies that are effective at maintaining sobriety.

If you are struggling with Xanax addiction and need assistance, call 800-914-7089 (Sponsored) or use the Rehabs.org online rehab directory. You don’t need to recover alone, call today!