Autism and Addiction: Risk Factors and Specialized Treatments

Switching from short-acting Xanax to its longer-acting cousin Valium will make it easier for you to quit. Once you are stabilized on a dose of diazepam, your prescribing doctor will help you slowly Xanax Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment taper down a little bit at a time. This gives your body and mind the time to adjust to life without Xanax. Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means your body metabolizes it very quickly.

• Substance use or compulsive behaviors can become a way to satisfy these urges.
• Inpatient treatment programs allow you to recover in an environment that is free from temptation.
• He currently serves as the chief science officer and operations officer, Advanced Research Concepts LLC, a pioneering company dedicated to propelling humanity into the realms of space exploration.
• With its highly addictive nature and potentially lethal side effects, it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction and seek help if needed.
• Xanax addiction is specifically part of a subcategory of substance use disorder known as sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.
• Xanax is a drug that produces highly powerful effects and there are several negative consequences that can occur if the people who have been prescribed the drug do not adhere to its instructions.
• Education and prevention are needed and, as we develop new and better treatments for OUDs, so are overdose reversal and relapse prevention.

Xanax addiction – Treatment considerations

Even if you have Narcan at home, it’s still important to call 911 if you suspect an overdose. Narcan can wear off while opioids are still in the body, meaning the person is still at risk of overdose for several hours after Narcan is given. It’s important to call for medical help if you find a loved one unresponsive or difficult to rouse and you suspect opioid use. There are medications that can reverse an overdose, including naloxone, which can be found over-the-counter (OTC) in most states.

Psychological Effects

Xanax is a particularly fast-acting benzodiazepine, taking effect in 30 minutes or less, which is one of the primary reasons it is so popular. When used as prescribed, Xanax treats symptoms of mental health disorders.1 However, though Xanax treats these symptoms effectively, Xanax addiction has its own symptoms. If you are taking other medications or substances, it’s important to speak with your doctor to avoid potentially harmful effects or overdose. Detoxification, or detox, is the process of allowing a substance to leave the body while treating and mitigating any withdrawal symptoms. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that a person can become physically dependent on Xanax after 2 or more weeks of daily use. Research from 2015 suggests that 20⁠–50% of people experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing high dosage benzodiazepines.

• While detox medications are focused on avoiding adverse effects of withdrawal, behavioral therapy is a process that is focused on maintaining recovery.
• These medications can be useful during the early stages of treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
• Traditional addiction treatment may not be tailored to their unique communication styles and sensory sensitivities, further hindering their ability to access appropriate care.
• Many of our helpline representatives are themselves in recovery, so we know exactly what you or a loved one are going through.

Other Side Effects With Xanax

• Xanax overdoses have the potential to be fatal, especially when the medication is combined with alcohol or other drugs.
• There was a mixture of increased and decreased activity in the parts of the brain that are activated when resting (the default mode network).
• Xanax generally isn’t recommended as monotherapy (by itself) for GAD because it carries more risks than other types of anxiety medications.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapeutic intervention that analyzes eye movements to process traumatic memories that often underlie addiction.

Through active participation in fun, engaging activities, recovering individuals can confront and manage past traumas that frequently contribute to addictive behaviors. If you’re unsure where to start, The Edge Treatment Center’s caring staff and evidence-based treatment methods are the perfect jumping off point. Our dedicated team will guide you through understanding the roots of your addiction, and provide the necessary therapies and coping skills you need for a successful recovery. Behavioral signs of Xanax addiction may include increased secrecy about activities, changes in social circles, and neglecting responsibilities.

Why Are People with Autism More Likely to Develop an Addiction?

Effects of Xanax

• This involves setting up a detox schedule and using a process known as drug tapering.
• This occurs due to its central nervous system depressant properties, which lead to a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity.
• Xanax is taken orally usually every 4-6 hours or, if an extended release tablet is taken, once daily.
• You can also search for a treatment center close to where you live with the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.

Common Xanax Drug Combinations