Xanax Addiction

The Cirque Lodge alcohol and drug rehab center, located in a quiet mountain setting of Sundance, Utah, is a private and exclusive addiction treatment center. We are dedicated to helping people find Xanax addiction recovery. Call us at 1-877-997-3422 to get information about Xanax addiction therapy options if you or a loved one has an addiction to Xanax or any other addiction to prescription or non-prescription drugs.

What is Xanax and Why is it Prescribed?

Xanax is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are sedatives or tranquilizers that depress the central nervous system. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin are other benzodiazepines. Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and insomnia. Because it is a central nervous system depressant it slows normal brain function. Unfortunately, its abuse leads easily to addiction. For cases of addiction one should seek an addiction treatment or drug rehab program.

Anxiety disorders are characterized by unrealistic worry and apprehension. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia. Panic attacks happen unexpectedly or are triggered in certain situations (such as while driving).

Information and Statistics on Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction occurs when taken in high doses over long periods of time. A person's body will develop a tolerance for Xanax and more is required to achieve the same affect. A person with an addiction to this drug and go through withdrawal if its use is reduced or stopped. Its use creates both a physical and emotional addiction.

Young, healthy people often abuse Xanax. Similar to OxyContin and Ritalin, Xanax has found its way from pharmacies to drug dealers. Often a physical and emotional dependence to Xanax occurs with the abuse of others drugs such as alcohol or cocaine. It is commonly abused to create a high similar to one created by alcohol. The abuse of Xanax gives a person feelings of euphoria and increased sociability. For a person with a dependence on Xanax, it may be taken orally, chewed, crushed (then snorted like cocaine), or crushed (then dissolved in water and injected like heroin). A person addicted to Xanax may be taking 20-30 pills per day.

Xanax is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs because it is so easy to obtain. Three out of every four drugs used illegally in the U.S. are prescription drugs. According to the government, abuse of prescription drugs has doubled in the past 10 years. The latest research concluded that four million people were estimated to be abusing prescription drugs in 1999. According to a 2000 survey conducted by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost five million people have taken Xanax or another anti-anxiety drug for non-medical reasons resulting in the need for an Xanax addiction program.

Detox and Withdrawal from Xanax

During detoxification from a Xanax addiction, the dose must be gradually tapered off. A person in withdrawal from an addiction to Xanax may experience insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, sweating, anxiety, or fatigue. In severe cases of withdrawal from Xanax, seizures can occur. Klonopin is sometimes prescribed to help while a patient is being weaned off Xanax. Klonopin is also a benzodiazepine, but is less addictive.

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

For individuals with a Xanax addiction, as well addictions to other drugs, treatment is available at Cirque Lodge. Treatment involves cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as experiential therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps an individual to modify his thinking and behaviors and to increase his coping skills. Experiential therapy at Cirque Lodge involves outdoor activities such as hiking in the mountains, mountain biking, equine therapy, and indoor activities on the world's largest indoor ropes and challenge course.

Cirque Lodge is a private and exclusive addiction rehab center dedicated to helping people with an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Cirque Lodge offers treatment help to families and businesses as they work to help their loved ones and employees. Help is available by calling us at 1-877-997-3422.

For more information about addiction treatment at Cirque Lodge, please see our Heroin Addiction page.