Xanax Addiction

What Are the Causes of Xanax Addiction?

Xanax addiction has both biological and environmental causes but often begins with a prescription that has been misused. 

Xanax, like other medications in the benzodiazepines class of drugs, works by depressing your central nervous system (CNS). It also enhances the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). If you become too dependent on the drug’s GABA-boosting effects, it can be harder to cope with anxiety without it. 

Some people, including those with a family history of substance use disorder, are also at higher risk of developing addiction. Because genetics influence how your body metabolizes drugs, they can increase your risk. 

High stress levels, unresolved trauma, or mental health issues increase the desire to use Xanax as a form of self-medication.

Who Is at Risk for Xanax Addiction?

While Xanax addiction can impact anyone, your risk of developing the condition can be influenced by a number of factors. 

Risk factors that increase your risk of developing a Xanax addiction include:

• History of drug abuse: A history of substance abuse, especially with other prescription drugs or controlled substances, increases your risk of a Xanax addiction. The misuse of other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, often occurs with Xanax abuse.
• Unresolved mental health issues: Unmanaged conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, or PTSD can make it more tempting to misuse Xanax for its sedative effects.
• Prolonged use: Use of Xanax for an extended period of time can increase your body’s tolerance for the medication. This can result in dependency to feel normal, resulting in addiction.
• High doses: Taking higher doses increases your risk of addiction as you will require more to achieve the same effect over time.
• Genetic factors: A family history of addiction can increase your likelihood of developing a Xanax addiction.
• Lack of social support: Without healthy support from loved ones, you may find it harder to get help or resist the impulse to misuse.
• Age: If you are younger and haven’t developed strong coping strategies, you may be more likely to misuse Xanax. Because Xanax is popular in party settings or among social circles, it may become normalized as a recreational activity.
• Chronic stress: Ongoing stress or trauma can increase your desire to self-medicate with Xanax. 

Rates of Xanax Addiction in the U.S.

Xanax addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or life circumstances. However, some people are more likely to experience these problems than others. 

Exact figures for Xanax addiction are hard to find, but the impact can be gauged by looking at benzodiazepine use.

Benzo addiction among different groups:

• Young adults ages 18-25 have the highest rate of benzodiazepine misuse at more than 10% of the population.
• Adults 50 or over are most likely to take benzodiazepines more often than their doctor prescribes.

• 93.3% of those who died from overdoses related to benzos between 2000 and 2019 were White.
• 3.6% of African Americans and Asian Americans have reported lifetime use of benzos.

What Are the Warning Signs of Xanax Addiction?

Early recognition of the symptoms of Xanax addiction can make a big difference in recovery outcomes. There are a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral signs that may suggest Xanax abuse or dependency. 

These are some key signs of Xanax addiction:

• Taking Xanax or alprazolam in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed.
• Difficulty resisting Xanax cravings, despite wanting to quit.
• Experiencing Xanax withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, nausea, shaking, or severe mood swings when attempting to reduce use.
• Using Xanax outside of its prescribed use or to self-medicate.
• Isolating from friends or family, neglecting responsibilities or work, or behaving recklessly.
• Showing signs of cognitive issues, such as memory problems, confusion, or delayed reaction.
• Combining Xanax with alcohol, other prescription drugs, or illegal substances.
• Displaying physical symptoms such as drowsiness, slurred speech, and impaired motor skills.

Complications of Untreated Xanax Addiction

Left untreated, Xanax addiction can lead to severe physical and mental health complications. The most serious is overdose, which happens when someone takes too much or combines it with other CNS depressants. 

Xanax overdose can result in respiratory depression, coma, and death if not treated immediately. 

Other long-term health risks include persistent memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making abilities. Chronic Xanax abuse can also damage your brain’s ability to produce GABA, resulting in heightened anxiety and emotional instability.

Mental health issues can also worsen with Xanax addiction. Those with depression or bipolar disorder may increasingly struggle with their mental well-being. It can also lead to social and financial complications, including job loss, broken relationships, or legal trouble.

One of the greatest issues with Xanax addiction is treating the conditions Xanax was prescribed for. At Harmony Treatment and Wellness, we work to help you manage those underlying conditions while also healing from all the side effects of Xanax abuse.