Xanax Addiction Physical Effects

Xanax, a prescription medication, can prove to be physically and emotionally addictive. Prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, there is a tendency for people to abuse this medication. Once Xanax abuse Pennsylvania begins, side effects begin to show. These side effects may include:

■Muscle cramps
■Nausea
■Diarrhea
■Drowsiness
■Lack of coordination
■Loss of appetite
■Loss of concentration
■Slurred speech

After a period of time these symptoms may dissipate, even with increased use of the drug. The problem is that with increased use, comes tolerance and with tolerance comes an addiction. At this point, the person is continually abusing the medication in the hope of experiencing that initial calming effect again. What they don’t understand is that the initial feeling can never be duplicated and the only solution left is to detox from the Xanax addiction Pennsylvania.

Xanax Addiction and Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a Xanax addiction is extremely uncomfortable, but manageable. Always keep in mind that it is dangerous to abruptly discontinue Xanax without medical supervision and the right kind of Xanax treatment. Seizures, convulsions, even death, can occur if Xanax use is not decreased slowly.

One of the major difficulties with Xanax treatment for withdrawal is that it increases the initial symptoms the addict was trying to suppress. The brain, which was sedated by the Xanax, begins to race, creating even more anxiety. This, coupled with the anxiety produced by withdrawal can be extremely intense and difficult to cope with. It is well documented that the brain can actually go into seizure as it transitions from a period of medicated calm to one of hyperactivity, when the Xanax is discontinued.

Xanax Treatment for Xanax Addiction

In almost every case, Xanax treatment usually begins with an admission to a detox center for the management and treatment of any withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, Xanax addiction withdrawal symptoms are manageable under the care of a physician trained in addiction medicine and Xanax treatment Pennsylvania. A physician trained in addiction medicine is referred to as an addictionologist.

After successfully completing detox, which can last between ten and fourteen days, most people recovering from Xanax addiction transition into residential Xanax addiction treatment programs. Due to the emotional trauma people have experienced, it takes time to learn how to cope with the feelings they suppressed for so long. It is best to begin this Xanax treatment process in a supportive therapeutic environment, which is designed to eliminate outside distractions and allow a person to focus on the issues surrounding their recovery. Residential Xanax addiction treatment is approximately three weeks in length.

Upon completion of residential treatment, the patient can choose between attending day treatment, out patient treatment or private therapy. While there are many factors that go into selecting the most appropriate level of care for a recovering addict, the most important decision is to continue with Xanax treatment.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction please reach out to us at 570-536-9621.