Xanax is a brand name for a drug prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Also called alprazolam, Xanax belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines. According to Medical News Today, it’s the number-one prescribed psychiatric medication in the nation. Unfortunately, it can also become habit-forming. If you know someone who uses high doses Xanax or you are having problems yourself, Crestview Recovery offers Xanax addiction rehab in Portland, Oregon for people living in the Pacific Northwest.
What to Know About Xanax
Xanax works by subduing excitement inside the brain. It slows the movement of abnormal brain chemicals and boosts the natural production of a calming chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. In this way, anxiety decreases, and you feel more relaxed.
Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can be habit-forming if used in ways other than recommended. This drug provides an almost immediate high, but relying on a quick fix to treat anxiety may end up increasing the likelihood of addiction. You should never use Xanax unless it has been prescribed by your physician. You should also never share your Xanax prescription with anyone else. Lastly, never take pills from a friend’s prescription.
Long-Term Effects of Xanax
The long-term effects of Xanax are not worth the temporary relief some people experience when taking this drug. Some may even become permanent disabilities. They can include:
- Depression
- Psychotic episodes
- Increased aggression
- Impulsiveness
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
The body naturally builds up a tolerance to benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax. To get the same euphoric feeling, you must use more and more of the drug. This makes accidental overdose yet another possible, long-term effect of Xanax. This is why it’s very important to use Xanax only under the care of a licensed physician and only exactly as directed. If you need a benzodiazepine addiction treatment program, Crestview Recovery is here to help.
Substance Use Disorders
The negative long-term effects of Xanax may be enough incentive for you or your loved one to seek treatment. The longer you misuse this drug, the more damage it can do to your body. In addition to the issues listed above, this can also result in cognitive decline in users of all ages and in an increased chance of hip fracture in older users, says American Family Physician.
If your doctor prescribes Xanax or another brand of benzodiazepine, discuss your concerns and any risk factors you might have before you begin taking them. Other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy and alternative medications, may be better options. The long-term effects of Xanax can impact your health, relationships, and career.
Treatment in Portland, OR
If you do become psychologically dependent upon Xanax or another form of benzodiazepine, quality care at a drug addiction rehab facility is available. At Crestview Recovery, we specialize in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction in Portland, Oregon. And we treat disorders caused by Xanax. Using a full range of therapeutic techniques, we help wean you off of the drug gradually. This will eventually leave you drug-free. Clients at Crestview Recovery can recover from the long-term effects of Xanax by participating in the following activities:
- White water rafting
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Art
- Yoga
In addition, our quiet, private facility is Joint Commission accredited. This ensures a quality, rehabilitative experience for clients who need a break from the fast pace of life under the influence of chemicals.
Call Crestview Recovery
We believe a holistic approach, combined with more traditional therapies such as a 12-step recovery program and a cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT), is the best and most effective route to recovery. If you or a loved one needs help to recover from substance use disorder in or near Portland, Oregon, call us today at 866.262.0531. We offer a range of individualized treatment plans. We’ll find the solution that works best for your personal situation and for your family when you call Crestview Recovery for help with substance use disorder.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
