Xanax is a potent and short-acting prescription medication, one most used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and persistent panic attacks. Xanax is one of the most frequently prescribed medications throughout the United States. A survey conducted in 2017 concluded that one out of every five American adults actively uses a prescription benzodiazepine like Xanax – benzodiazepines (more commonly referred to as Benzos) are potent tranquilizers that work to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation by interfering with the central nervous system.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, overdose deaths that were causally linked to benzodiazepine abuse multiplied sevenfold from the year 1999 to the year 2015. The U.S. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that there is a clear and disturbing link between the national opioid epidemic and benzodiazepine abuse – nearly one out of every three overdose-related deaths that were linked to opioid narcotics also involved benzos.
Xanax addiction is a serious – often life-threatening – problem. But how easy is it to become addicted to Xanax, and how many times will it take before an individual develops a life-threatening Xanax dependence?
Xanax Abuse and Addiction
The truth is the rate at which someone develops a Xanax use disorder will vary significantly on a person-to-person basis. One individual might be prescribed Xanax take at the onset of a panic attack, and he or she might take Xanax safely for the remainder of his or her life. Another individual might begin taking Xanax and develop a tolerance quickly.
He or she might begin taking a higher dosage even if doing so is not advised by a medical professional. This will likely lead to a substance abuse issue and could eventually result in full-blown addiction. There are many contributing factors when it comes to the development of an addictive disorder. These contributing factors include:
- Family history of substance abuse. It has been repeatedly proven that addiction is a genetic disease, meaning it is passed down from one generation to another. If an individual has family members who suffer from substance abuse, he or she is far more likely to suffer from the same condition (or a similar condition).
- Underlying mental health conditions. Individuals who suffer from mental health disorders are likely to engage in self-medication, meaning they use drugs and alcohol to alleviate symptoms of their condition.
- Environmental factors. The environment in which an individual grows up in or the environment in which he or she resides in adulthood can have a major impact on the development of a substance abuse disorder. For example, someone who grows up around gang violence and drug dealing are more likely to engage in those self-destructive behaviors.
- The developmental stage of the individual in question. For example, an individual who begins to use chemical substances before his or her brain has fully developed is more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder.
How long does it take until an individual becomes addicted to Xanax? It depends on the individual. If you or someone close to you have been abusing Xanax or any other prescription benzodiazepine, seeking professional medical help as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. Do not wait to seek help until you are suffering from a full-fledged addictive disorder – if you have developed a tolerance, are experiencing withdrawal symptoms with ceased use, or are taking more than the prescribed or recommended amount of Xanax, call us today to learn about your treatment options.
Garden State Treatment Center and Xanax Addiction
At Garden State Treatment Center, we have extensive experience working with individuals who have been suffering from a Xanax abuse disorder of any severity. We understand how addictive this specific prescription medication can be and know just how difficult it can be to quit without assistance. For more information on our effective and comprehensive recovery program, please feel free to give us a call at any point in time.