Xanax is a prescription medication often used to treat some forms of insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. It is also highly addictive. Xanax abuse occurs when a person consumes more of the drug than is prescribed for them or uses it without a prescription. For those using it as an anxiety treatment, it’s not safe to simply stop using it. Treatment for prescription drug abuse is possible at Blueprint Recovery.
Why Is Xanax Abuse Occurring?
As a powerful type of benzodiazepine, Xanax is very effective for reducing anxiety symptoms. It works by slowing down the central nervous system’s function, allowing for symptoms of worry and panic to subside. However, it can also create euphoric feelings, which is why many people seek it out. Teens, especially, seek out anxiety treatment medications like this because it may be more accessible to them than other drugs.
There is evidence that prescription drug abuse is on the rise for many teens. That may be because more teens are prescribed medications like this for anxiety treatment. These drugs are also often mixed with opioids, which create a stronger high. These drugs have also been prescribed more heavily to treat pain.
What Are the Risks of Xanax Abuse?
Xanax abuse can lead to addiction and dependence quickly when the drug is used without a prescription or used more heavily than what is prescribed. Some of the side effects and risks of continued use include:
- Intense mood swings
- Aggressive and violent behavior
- Damage to the brain, including areas related to concentration and speech
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Instances of memory loss
Many teens experience emotional turmoil when using these drugs. They may have trouble with reasoning and decision-making. Some become so tired they cannot concentrate at school or make mistakes behind the wheel of a car. They often struggle with responsibility at home, work, or school. In some cases, Xanax abuse can also lead to weight loss and binge eating.
How Does Treatment for Anxiety Treatment Change?
If a person is engaging in prescription drug abuse, it is not safe to just stop taking that drug. Rather, there is still the underlying need to provide anxiety treatment. Other drugs can help that are not as addictive. More so, many people can work through the complications of anxiety with the help of talk therapy. This may alleviate the need for any prescription drugs over time.
Prescription drug abuse is complex. While a person may need those medications, they also may be put at a higher risk for developing addiction and dependence if they continue to use them. Over time, this makes them more susceptible to other forms of addiction, including more powerful and dangerous drugs.
How to Get Help for Prescription Drug Abuse
Treatment for Xanax abuse is effective. Doctors and therapists work to help minimize the onset of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They then create an individualized treatment plan to address the anxiety treatment needs a person has while also monitoring for side effects from withdrawal. Over time, treatment allows for the healing of the brain and body.
To achieve this, a range of treatment options and therapies are used. This includes education on addiction, monitoring symptoms of mental health disorder changes, and using strategies to overcome stress. Some of the therapies we offer include:
- Trauma therapy program
- Dialectical behavior program
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Seek Out Treatment by Calling Blueprint Recovery
Xanax abuse may be occurring at a fast rate, but with proper treatment, it is possible to overcome this condition. At Blueprint Recovery, we offer both anxiety treatment for those who wish to better control their mental health and prescription drug abuse treatment. Treatment can make a difference. Call 833.654.1004 or connect online for immediate support.
