What you should know about Xanax addiction
Xanax is the brand name for the drug, Alprazolam, and is used to reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Though it’s effective as a short-term treatment for anxiety disorders, it’s also one of the many commonly abused prescription medications.
A member of the benzodiazepine class of drugs, Xanax is often prescribed in conjunction with other medications, such as an SSRI or SNRI for better symptom relief and control. However, as with other benzodiazepines, it is not meant for long-term use; rather, it’s meant to treat severe acute symptoms. For instance, if you experience a sudden panic attack, or become intensely anxious due to a certain situation, Xanax is good for alleviating these symptoms.
How Xanax alleviates anxiety
As with other drugs in the benzodiazepine class, Xanax works by depressing the central nervous system. All this means is that it slows things down, resulting in an overall sedative effect. People who experience severe anxiety or panic attacks typically have an overactive central nervous system.
In addition to panic and anxiety disorders, Xanax may help those dealing with very specific phobias, such as when an individual is terrified of flying or seeing a physician. In these instances, the individual can take the prescribed Xanax prior to the stressful event. The sedative effect of the drug may make the situation less challenging for all involved.
How long is Xanax detectable in your system?
Knowing how long Xanax is detectable in your system is crucial for a number of reasons, but one of the most important is that it can be dangerous when combined with other sedative-type substances, including alcohol. Knowing how long Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs stay in your system can aid you in identifying when you may be developing an addiction.
One sign that you’re in danger of becoming addicted to the drug is when you begin craving it before it’s out of your system. Additionally, you may detect some withdrawal symptoms if you’ve been taking Xanax for more than just a few doses.
The noticeable effects of Xanax typically fade in about four to six hours, depending on your metabolism, your weight, and age, why you’re taking it, and your dosage. Keep in mind, however, that the time that a given drug (any drug) actively works for its prescribed purpose in your system and the amount of time drug metabolites remain detectable are not the same thing.
Xanax is detectable in your system for quite sometime after its effects have worn off. Depending on the type and sensitivity of the test, Xanax typically remains detectable for two to five days after you stop taking it. Certain tests, such as a hair follicle test, can detect most drugs for about three months after you’ve stopped taking them.
If you have to submit to a drug test while on a benzodiazepine like Xanax, it’s a good idea to state when you took your last dose. If you’re taking other medications, or recently drank alcohol, report this as well. As long as you can prove a valid prescription for your medication, a drug screen that detects Xanax won’t be a problem. As always, discuss the test results with your doctor if the concentrations detected were different than anticipated.
Getting help for a Xanax addiction
All benzodiazepines, including Xanax, come with a significant risk of addiction, even if you’re taking the medication due to a valid prescription. Using Xanax to self-medicate or as a recreational drug on your own can put you at a considerably increased risk of developing an addiction.
Help for a Xanax addiction is available. If you, or someone you care about, is addicted to Xanax, there are effective treatment options available. At Edge Treatment, our providers are familiar with treating benzodiazepine addiction and know how to help you regain your life again.
If you’re looking for effective, comprehensive, and compassionate treatment for addiction in an outpatient setting, contact Edge Treatment today.
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