The world of medicine is already complex, and when you add the fact that some medications have the potential to be addictive, it further complicates matters. One of those medications is Xanax, and although it’s not available on the NHS in the UK, it continues to be used by many. This page aims to explore Xanax addiction, offering a clearer understanding of how to spot it and where to seek help.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a trade name for alprazolam, a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Xanax works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the neurons to which it binds, resulting in a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. This increase in GABAergic activity can lead to a reduction in anxiety, inducing a sense of calm and relaxation.
What is Xanax usually prescribed for?
Access to Xanax is limited to private prescriptions only in the UK. Due to its calming effects, Xanax can potentially be prescribed in other countries for:
It’s important to note that a healthcare provider should closely monitor the prescription of Xanax due to its potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Why does Xanax have the potential to be addictive?
The potential for addiction to Xanax can be attributed to several pharmacological and psychological factors:
Tolerance development
With regular use, individuals may develop tolerance to the effects of alprazolam, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the same therapeutic effects. This escalation in dose can accelerate the development of physical dependence.
Fear of withdrawal symptoms
When a dependent individual reduces or stops taking Xanax, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be quite uncomfortable or even life-threatening. Symptoms can include
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle pain and stiffness
The fear of withdrawal can perpetuate the cycle of addiction as individuals continue to use the medication to avoid these symptoms.
Psychological dependence
Psychological dependence on alprazolam arises when an individual starts relying on the medication not just for relief from clinical symptoms of anxiety or panic but as a primary coping mechanism for dealing with stress, emotional discomfort or everyday life challenges. This dependency can form because Xanax effectively reduces anxiety and induces a sense of calm, making stressful situations seem more manageable.
Over time, the user might begin to believe that they cannot cope with any stress or anxiety without the aid of Xanax, leading to a cycle where the threshold for taking the medication becomes progressively lower.
How harmful is Xanax addiction on the body and mind?
Xanax has a high potential for addiction and dependence, especially with long-term use or misuse. Xanax addiction affects not only the body and mind but also the day, normal life. Here’s how:
- Tolerance and dependence: The body can quickly build tolerance to Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, leading to physical dependence.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Discontinuing Xanax abruptly after dependence can cause severe withdrawal symptoms
- Cognitive impairment: Long-term use can result in cognitive deficits, affecting memory, attention and psychomotor performance.
- Respiratory depression: High doses of Xanax can lead to respiratory depression, which is a significant risk when combined with other depressants, like alcohol.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Use and abuse can lead to constipation, nausea and other digestive problems.
- Increased anxiety and depression: Prolonged use can lead to worsened anxiety or depression, the very conditions it’s often prescribed to manage.
- Mood swings: Users may experience heightened irritability and mood swings.
- Memory problems: Impaired memory formation, confusion and difficulty concentrating are common with long-term use.
- Sleep disturbances: While Xanax can induce sleep, over time, it can alter sleep architecture, leading to less restorative sleep and difficulties in sleeping without the drug.
- Impaired performance: Cognitive and motor impairments can affect job performance, academic achievements and daily activities.
- Social withdrawal: Individuals may withdraw from social activities and relationships, isolating themselves.
- Risky behaviours: Seeking, using and recovering from Xanax can lead to risky behaviours, including driving under the influence and engaging in unsafe sex.
Xanax in the UK
Although Xanax is less readily available in the UK compared to the US and is not distributed by the NHS, it still circulates within the UK through unauthorised street sellers and online drugstores. Here are some key figures illustrating alprazolam’s global footprint:
- Xanax falls under the category of a Class C substance and holding it can result in up to a two-year prison term, while its distribution may incur a sentence of up to fourteen years.
- Reports suggest Xanax acquisition occurs via online platforms, notably within the dark web, with the United Kingdom representing 22% of the worldwide online sales of Xanax on these illegal marketplaces.
- From 2015 to 2020, Scotland reported 366 deaths linked to Xanax use.
- The UK faces challenges with Xanax, with authorities seizing over £1 million worth of counterfeit Xanax at national ports between 2016 and 2019
This clearly shows the UK’s reliance on unofficial channels to obtain Xanax but also shows that no one is exempt from the dangers of the drug. While this reality is unsettling, it highlights the ease of accessing Xanax and the potential for developing an addiction to it.
What are the signs of Xanax addiction?
Xanax addiction doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or how they started using it. Whether you were prescribed Xanax for anxiety or started abusing it, the risk of alprazolam addiction is real. This emphasises the need for understanding alprazolam addiction signs, which are shown below:
- Building a tolerance: When you start needing more Xanax to feel its effects, you might be developing a tolerance, leading to higher doses than recommended.
- Withdrawal symptoms: If you feel anxious, can’t sleep, get tremors, sweat, feel nauseous, have headaches, muscle pain or even seizures when you haven’t taken Xanax, these are withdrawal signs.
- Losing control: Finding yourself using more Xanax than you meant to or trying to cut down but can’t are red flags.
- Obsession with obtaining Xanax: If a lot of your time goes into getting Xanax, using it or recovering from it, including doctor shopping or buying it illegally, that’s a concern.
- Ignoring the negative consequences of using Xanax: Continuing to use Xanax even when it’s causing problems in your life, like issues with friends, family, work, money or the law, means addiction might be taking hold.
- Neglecting responsibilities: If Xanax use is making you neglect your job, school or home life, it’s time to reassess.
- Social withdrawal: Cutting back on or quitting activities you once enjoyed because of Xanax use is a common sign of addiction.
- Taking risks: Using Xanax in dangerous situations, like when driving, is not only unsafe but a sign of dependency.
- Cravings: Strongly wanting to use Xanax can indicate an addiction.
- Mental dependence: Feeling unable to cope without Xanax or panicking at the thought of running out suggests psychological dependence.
How can I tell if I have a Xanax addiction?
If you’ve noticed a few of the signs mentioned previously or even milder versions of them, it’s important to take a step back and re-evaluate your Xanax usage. Recognising the potential signs of addiction is the first step towards understanding your relationship with this medication. Below are seven questions that, if answered with ‘yes,’ could indicate you need further help or guidance with your Xanax usage:
Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions suggests that your use of Xanax may be moving beyond your control and could be impacting your health and well-being. It’s crucial to seek professional help or guidance. A healthcare provider can offer you the support and resources needed to address your use of Xanax and explore treatment options if necessary.
How is Xanax addiction treated?
Recognising the issue with Xanax addiction is a crucial first step, and deciding to seek assistance marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards recovery. It is vital, whether for yourself or a loved one, to reach out to a professional who can offer the necessary support and guidance.
There are comprehensive treatment options available, which include medically supervised detoxification and rehabilitation programmes tailored to address the complexities of alprazolam addiction. These treatments are designed and conducted by healthcare professionals with a deep understanding of addiction and its challenges.
Whenever you feel prepared to move forward, know that specialised support is available to help you navigate through the next phase of recovery.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.