Substance addiction or Substance Use Disorder is officially categorised as a brain disease of chronic relapsing.
Patients suffer from compulsive thoughts and behaviours that lead to excessive substance use (whether alcohol, cocaine, or prescription medication such as alprazolam) despite knowing the harm it causes.
While these substances may elicit temporary relief or euphoria, long-term and frequent substance consumption can lead to a physical and psychological dependence.
This is not only the case for illegal substances, but also prescription medication such as alprazolam, which has a high addiction potential.
Despite the medical relief it can provide, it’s imperative that patients follow professional guidelines and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Over time, the patient can develop a tolerance which requires them to increase their dodge. However, this can lead to a more intense form of addiction and health issues further down the line.
Alprazolam – widely known under the brand name Xanax in some countries – is a benzodiazepine.
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that reduce hyperactivity in the brain, and this can provide relief for patients.
Alprazolam or xanax are commonly prescribed to treat patients suffering from anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines work by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for slowing down activity in the brain.
By taking alprazolam, patients suffering from issues such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, high heart rates, and other issues can experience relief due to the brain’s reduced activity.
However, prolonged use of Alprazolam can reduce the brain’s natural ability to regulate GABA independently, which can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms during abstinence.
Alprazolam is quick acting, meaning patients can experience relief for their symptoms quickly.
However, with quick acting medication that also has the potential for physical or psychological dependence – or addiction. Therefore, alprazolam is rarely a long-term solution for medical conditions.
Although alprazolam is used for legitimate medical purposes, it also poses side effects. Because of this, it’s important to follow medical guidelines and undergo professional diagnosis before taking alprazolam.
These side effects include but are not limited to:
Alprazolam addiction or alprazolam use disorder occurs when a person becomes physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication.
While many people consume alprazolam or xanax for nonmedical purposes, patients who are prescribed the drugs may also be vulnerable to developing an addiction.
Some individuals misuse alprazolam recreationally due to its calming and sedative effects.
Others may begin self-medicating for anxiety or panic without medical supervision. Without professional monitoring, dosage may increase over time, increasing vulnerability to dependence.
Several factors can increase susceptibility to alprazolam addiction:
Individuals who become dependent on alprazolam may experience withdrawal symptoms – also known as benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome – when attempting to stop or reduce use.
Because alprazolam is quick-acting, withdrawal symptoms can appear as soon as a few hours depending on your addiction severity.
Common alprazolam withdrawal symptoms include:
Because of these risks, alprazolam detox should never be attempted without medical supervision.
Alprazolam detox typically lasts between 1 to 2 weeks. However, it can last even longer depending on the unique addiction factors.
Factors to consider when assessing someone’s detox and addiction treatment include:
Symptoms often begin within 6 – 24 hours after the last dose, and typically peak within the first few days. After one to two weeks, symptoms will stabilise and reduce. However, some individuals may experience prolonged psychological symptoms.
Attempting to stop alprazolam abruptly can increase the risk of severe withdrawal, relapse, and medical complications.
In some cases, a medically supervised tapering plan is often recommended to safely reduce and cease alprazolam consumption.
Recovery from alprazolam addiction begins with a professional assessment.
Addiction is complex and requires personalised treatment, and each treatment plan will need to be carefully constructed. Addiction is never a one size fits all method, and what might be effective for a patient may not work for another.
Following diagnosis, some individuals may benefit from entering a drug and alcohol rehab to begin detox and structured addiction treatment.
Alprazolam detox consists of allowing the substance to withdraw from your body safely. You can undergo alprazolam detox either as an outpatient or an inpatient at a residential rehab.
Depending on your individual case and diagnosis, you may undergo alprazolam detox in a medically supervised setting.
While this may sound intense, it allows you to recover in a safe and comfortable environment under 24/7 supervision from medical professionals, ensuring your safety.
Rather than stopping suddenly – also known as going “cold turkey” – doctors may gradually taper the dose to reduce withdrawal severity.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Valium or diazepam may be prescribed by an addiction physician to relieve patients of their symptoms and optimise recovery.
The detox process can last from less than a week to two weeks or longer, depending on your specific circumstances.
While detox addresses physical dependence, psychological treatment is essential for long-term recovery.
Therapy, whether individual or group therapy, can help patients understand the root causes of addiction, develop coping mechanisms for anxiety, and build confidence in maintaining sobriety.
It also allows them to externalise their emotions with a licensed counsellor, allowing them to proceed with more confidence and relief from internal struggles.
Some of the most effective form of therapeutic techniques at rehab include:
Recovery isn’t something that is miraculously achieved overnight. It’s a lifelong process. To reinforce this long-term strategy, patients are taught to manage their recovery with more autonomy before leaving rehab.
This includes being able to identify and avoid relapse triggers.
Relapse triggers can include social isolation, physical cravings, anger, romanticising substance use, social pressure, and so on.
Relapse prevention strategies such as HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) help individuals identify vulnerability factors and intervene early.
After leaving rehab, patients will still receive support. Depending on the rehab, patients will continue to have access to group meetings, fellowship programmes that facilitate 12-Step Therapy methods, and more.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand that the patient is not on their own once they have left rehab. While they have more self-autonomy and responsibility over their recovery, they are now a part of a greater support network.
If you believe you are struggling with alprazolam misuse, seeking help early can make recovery more manageable. If you are already experiencing withdrawal symptoms or escalating use, professional support is available.
It is never too early or too late to recover from alprazolam addiction. What may begin as a legitimate attempt to manage anxiety can gradually develop into dependence.
Call 0800 140 4690 (or +44 345 222 3508 internationally) today to discuss your situation or enquire about treatment options.
You’ll be greeted with a friendly admissions officer who can guide you through the process, answer questions, and provide assistance.
While your recovery is at the forefront of our priorities, we will tailor treatment to your unique needs and move at a pace that feels safe and appropriate.
