Xanax is a powerful medication that many patients use for dealing with anxiety. It is commonly prescribed for a large swath of patients with a wide variety of disorders, all of which are associated with anxiety and depression mental issues. The drug can work as intended by the physicians who prescribe them, and it is true so much so that there is an abundant black market for the drug as well.
This situation exacerbates the Xanax problem even more because the number of people who may become dependent on them increases significantly with no real measurement device to understand how serious the addiction problem may be. Xanax addicts are everywhere within society, and finding a way to get help can be a real challenge for many sufferers who want to quit but cannot without professional help.
Statistics About Xanax Abuse
There are several interesting statistics concerning Xanax addiction and abuse that may be shocking to some. While it is a legal substance that is commonly prescribed to California residents, statistics show that most people begin using it by obtaining it from other sources. Surprisingly, only 17.3 percent actually abused prescriptions received from their doctors. Other stats associated with Xanax addiction include:
Spotting the Signs of Xanax Addiction
Signs of Xanax addiction are similar for both those who use them as prescribed or illegal use. There is a significant black market for Xanax largely because of its ability to get people high, and many people who desire them or even need them will look to illegal sources for medication. Those who are prescribed medications typically begin usage by trying to take their medications on the proper schedule for the most part, but not always. Shifts in the medication regimen or taking a dose earlier than recommended during the day could be a sign of developing an addiction. Mission Harbor counselors understand these signs and can help identify specific issues.
Standard symptoms and signs that indicate Xanax abuse include:
- Drowsiness during the day
- Irritability or mood swings
- Problems focusing
- Confusion
- Blurred vision and dizziness
- Over sedation
More serious cases of Xanax abuse can also include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen hands and feet
- Upset stomach
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth
How Xanax Addiction Manifests
Xanax dependency is a very gradual process that usually begins with small amounts in irregular patterns and moves to basic doses in regular use. Those who do not have a prescription often experience trouble obtaining the pills. Xanax produces a euphoric feeling based on the dosage that can have a dramatic effect on the behavior of the user. And when this happens regularly, there is typically a Xanax addiction problem. In addition, black market availability is also common in many areas of the nation and particularly in metropolitan areas.
Understanding Gradual Dependency
Xanax addiction may be most commonly experienced by those who are prescribed the medication for valid reasons. It is easy to slide into abusing away from using according to the prescribed regimen, and especially when the patient has control of the medication supply. This usually occurs when the patient begins developing a tolerance for the medication and feels the need to increase the dosage or reduce the period between doses for optimum effect. This is also where the thin line between use and abuse actually intervenes.
How Treatment Can Help
The most difficult issue with those who are dependent on Xanax is bringing them to the admission that they actually have a problem that needs addressing. Addiction can have a greater impact on some lives as compared to others, and individuals who need to function on a daily basis with significant life responsibilities need a clear mind. Xanax addiction treatment professionals understand that each particular case is different and each sufferer needs personal tools they can use to counter their excessive use.
For some clients, this will be complete abstinence from taking the medications. However, some clients also have mental health issues that could actually require changing the medication type. Our Southern California rehab facility can help determine the redirection process by suggesting a personal Xanax addiction treatment program of recovery based specifically on the individual.
When Detox is Necessary
Some Xanax abusers will require a time of detox prior to outpatient treatment at Mission Harbor. What we do provide is an outstanding treatment service developed by trained professionals as an ongoing aftercare program for those needing additional input while refraining from using Xanax. Our clinicians realize that Xanax can indeed be a baffling substance, and many people do well when taking the medication as directed by prescribing physicians.
However, there could also be additional mental health issues that we can diagnose as well. For those who want and need abstinence, many will need a detox program that is directed at cleaning their system before entering into any real-time ongoing personal program designed with the help of our counselors.
Those who truly need Xanax addiction treatment must get very serious about their life going forward and choose the right counseling service to maintain that clarity in thought. While Xanax treatment first begins as a physical problem in concordance with an uncontrolled thinking problem, ultimate freedom from dependency on the drug becomes a mental process after the body is shed off the toxic interaction.
The body has a way of telling the mind what to do in terms of personal priority, and it is incumbent on the mind to override the impulses to use a medication that has caused more problems than it was intended to alleviate. This is indeed a vicious cycle, and enrolling at our Southern California rehab facility in Santa Barbara can be the first step in the right direction to getting clean both physically and mentally.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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