Key Takeaways:
- Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that can lead to dependence and addiction quickly, even when it starts as a prescription for anxiety or panic attacks.
- Misusing Xanax by taking higher doses, using it without a prescription, or mixing it with alcohol or drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose and serious health effects.
- Xanax withdrawal can be severe and dangerous, with symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, tremors, nausea, and seizures, making medical detox the safest option.
- Xanax addiction treatment in San Diego at My Time Recovery includes detox, residential care, evidence-based therapy, dual diagnosis support, and aftercare planning.
Recognizing the Signs Early
For many people, Xanax is prescribed to alleviate their anxiety or panic attacks. While it may be effective in these situations when it is taken as prescribed, it can quickly lead to addiction when it is not. It may start with a small dose to alleviate a short-term situation, but it can quickly escalate into a more harmful situation of Xanax addiction.
In the U.S., prescription medication abuse is rising, especially Xanax, a benzodiazepine used for sedative and euphoric effects. Users increase doses, take it without prescriptions, or mix it with alcohol or other substances to intensify the high. Tolerance develops, and sudden stopping causes severe withdrawal symptoms.
At My Time Recovery’s San Diego Wellness Center, our experts can help you and your family identify the signs of addiction and addiction treatment for Xanax and provide you with effective treatment. The first step towards treatment is awareness.
What is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication in the benzodiazepine class that slows down brain activity to reduce anxiety and panic. When taken as prescribed under medical supervision at My Time Recovery, it can be safe for short-term use. However, misusing Xanax creates serious risks that can escalate quickly.
Can You Get Addicted to Xanax?
yes. Even when you follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, your body can become accustomed to the medication in just a few weeks. This means that over time, your body adapts to the drug, and you might need higher doses to feel the same calming effects.
Why Xanax Is So Addictive
Xanax affects the brain’s reward system by increasing calming and pleasure-related neurotransmitters. Regular use changes your brain chemistry, creating physical dependence that grows stronger over time.
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies Xanax as a Schedule IV controlled substance because it’s highly habit-forming, often leading to Xanax addiction faster than many other drugs. This is why Xanax is addictive and should always be used with careful guidance from your healthcare provider.
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Xanax?
The time it takes to become addicted can differ from person to person, but how long it takes to get addicted to Xanax might surprise you with how fast it happens. For some, dependence can develop in just two to four weeks of regular use.
Factors That Speed Up Addiction
Several factors influence how quickly addiction can set in:
- Dosage taken: Higher doses increase addiction risk
- Frequency of use: Daily use creates faster dependence
- Individual health history: Medical conditions and metabolism matter
- Mixing with other substances: Combining Xanax with alcohol or drugs accelerates addiction
Because of this rapid potential for addiction, it is extremely important to carefully monitor and limit your use to prevent dependence.
Common Xanax Addiction Symptoms
Recognizing Xanax addiction symptoms early can make a major difference in recovery. Warning signs that prescription use has turned into abuse include:
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Taking higher doses than prescribed or more often than recommended
- Needing Xanax to feel calm or function normally
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Hiding use from loved ones
- Visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions (doctor shopping)
- Taking Xanax without a prescription
- Mixing with alcohol or other drugs
Physical Warning Signs
- Memory lapses or confusion
- Drowsiness and lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Impaired judgment
At My Time Recovery, our treatment team helps identify these warning signs during the initial assessment.
Dangers of Xanax Addiction
The dangers of Xanax addiction extend beyond physical dependence. Misuse can affect nearly every area of life, from relationships and employment to overall health.
Physical Health Risks
- Memory issues: Difficulty remembering conversations or events
- Falls and accidents: From impaired coordination and drowsiness
- Respiratory problems: Especially when combined with other substances
- Fatal overdose: Risk increases dramatically when mixed with alcohol or opioids
Mental and Emotional Impact
- Mood changes: Depression, irritability, or emotional instability
- Cognitive decline: Confusion and poor decision-making
- Severe withdrawal: Dangerous symptoms when you try to stop
Common Side Effects
The most common side effect is drowsiness, which can be dangerous in daily life. Excessive fatigue impairs your ability to:
- Drive safely
- Pay attention at work or school
- Make good decisions
- Function normally
Long-term use may lead to depression, confusion, and memory issues. If you’re dealing with Xanax dependence, professional treatment at places like My Time Recovery can help you stop safely and rebuild your life.
Does Xanax Have Withdrawal?
Yes, it can. Withdrawal from Xanax can be intense and challenging, affecting both the body and mind. In some cases, if not properly managed under medical supervision, it can even become life-threatening.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone reduces or stops taking Xanax, their body may react quite strongly, which is why it’s essential to have trained medical professionals oversee the process at facilities like My Time Recovery. Common symptoms include:
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Shaking (tremors)
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- In severe cases, seizures
How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Last?
Xanax withdrawal typically lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how long it takes to get addicted to Xanax and how much you’ve been taking.
Factors That Affect Withdrawal Length
Several factors determine how long your withdrawal symptoms will last:
- Dosage: Higher doses usually cause longer, more intense withdrawal
- Length of use: Using Xanax for months or years extends withdrawal time
- Frequency of use: Daily use creates stronger physical dependence than occasional use
- Overall health: Medical conditions and metabolism affect how your body processes withdrawal
In some cases, it is well noted that the symptoms of withdrawal disappear in a matter of days, while in others, these symptoms of withdrawal remain for weeks and months. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek assistance from Xanax addiction treatment centers to ensure a safe withdrawal process, as withdrawal from this drug can lead to seizures.
Smoking Xanax and Other Dangerous Methods of Use
Xanax is designed to be swallowed as a pill. However, some people crush and smoke it to feel the effects faster. This method is extremely dangerous and significantly increases your risk of serious harm.
Why Smoking Xanax Is Dangerous
When you smoke Xanax, the drug enters your bloodstream much faster than swallowing a pill. This rapid delivery creates several serious risks:
- Higher overdose risk: The drug hits your system all at once instead of being absorbed gradually
- Lung damage: Chemicals and binders in pills aren’t meant to be inhaled
- Unpredictable effects: Crushing the pill destroys the controlled-release mechanism
- Respiratory failure: Increased risk of breathing problems and death
Any form of Xanax misuse, whether smoking, crushing, snorting, or taking more than prescribed, requires immediate professional intervention. Xanax addiction treatment can help you stop dangerous use patterns before they cause permanent harm or fatal overdose.
Prescription Drug Abuse and Xanax
Xanax abuse is a widespread prescription drug abuse problem that can start as a legitimate prescription for people with anxiety and/or panic disorder. As a tolerance for the drug builds up in a patient’s body, it will eventually be less effective even when a higher dose is taken.
Some people will take a higher dose of their medication than prescribed just because it isn’t working effectively. My Time Recovery’s residential treatment helps you escape the environment that caused your addiction, overcoming it and learning to cope with anxiety.
Teen Xanax Addiction
Teen Xanax addiction is a growing problem that needs immediate attention. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to addiction, and early intervention can prevent lifelong struggles.
Where Teens Get Xanax
Adolescents often obtain Xanax without realizing the serious dangers. Common sources include:
- Family medicine cabinets
- Friends at school
- Online sources
Many teens don’t understand that Xanax is a powerful, addictive drug, not a harmless pill.
Why Teens Are More Vulnerable
Teenage brains are still developing, which makes them particularly susceptible to addiction. Xanax affects the developing brain differently than adult brains, making dependence happen faster and creating more severe long-term consequences.
Consequences of Teen Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction can damage multiple areas of a teenager’s life:
- Education: Failing grades, missing school, or dropping out
- Relationships: Conflicts with family and friends, and isolation
- Physical health: Overdose risk, accidents, and health problems
- Mental health: Worsening anxiety, depression, or other conditions
- Future opportunities: Legal problems and difficulty getting into college or finding jobs
Specialized Xanax addiction treatment programs designed for young people can stop addiction before it becomes a lifelong problem. The earlier a teen gets help, the better their chances for complete recovery and a healthy future.
Xanax Addiction Treatment in San Diego
My Time Recovery’s San Diego Wellness Center provides comprehensive Xanax addiction treatment in San Diego in a safe, supportive coastal environment that addresses both physical dependence and the emotional aspects of addiction.
Medical Detox
24/7 supervision by specialized healthcare professionals who monitor your withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe and comfortable through medical detox.
Residential Treatment
Treatment programs lasting 30 days to several months in a calm Southern California setting where you can focus completely on recovery through residential treatment.
Therapy Options
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Change negative thought patterns
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Manage emotions and stress
- Individual therapy: One-on-one counseling
- Group therapy: Peer support and shared experiences
- Family therapy: Healing relationships and building family support
Education and Relapse Prevention
Learning about addiction, identifying triggers, and creating a concrete plan to maintain sobriety after treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Support
Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD alongside Xanax addiction through dual diagnosis treatment.
My Time Recovery is here to support you every step of the way after you leave, collaborating with outpatient centers and PHP to help you stay sober and avoid relapse during this important transition.
Luxury Amenities Support Your Recovery
My Time Recovery offers more than just clinical treatment. Our gourmet culinary program features an in-house chef who prepares nutritious, delicious meals.
Recovery-Focused Amenities
Clients enjoy amenities including:
- Spacious swimming pool
- Gym memberships
- Guided hiking excursions
- Outdoor therapy sessions that take advantage of San Diego’s year-round mild climate
These comfortable accommodations create a peaceful environment that reduces stress and allows you to focus entirely on healing.
Get Help at San Diego Wellness Center
Addiction to Xanax is a health concern. It is important to note that early symptoms of addiction need to be identified to save lives. It is important to seek help in case you or your relative is suffering from symptoms of addiction.
Contact the San Diego Wellness Center at Call My Time Recovery to begin your journey to recovery with a specialist from Call My Time Recovery today! We are here to support you in your recovery and help you move forward with renewed health and happiness!
FAQ’s
What is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription benzodiazepine that slows brain activity to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks.
Can you get addicted to Xanax?
Yes. Even when taken as prescribed, your body can build tolerance and physical dependence—especially with regular use.
How fast can Xanax dependence happen?
For some people, dependence can develop in as little as 2 to 4 weeks, especially with higher doses or daily use.
What are the most common signs of Xanax addiction?
Common signs include taking more than prescribed, needing it to feel “normal,” cravings, hiding use, memory problems, drowsiness, and mixing it with alcohol or other drugs.
Is Xanax withdrawal dangerous?
Yes. Xanax withdrawal can be severe and may include intense anxiety, insomnia, tremors, nausea, and— in serious cases—seizures, which is why medical supervision is strongly recommended.