The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that slows down our brain by blocking specific signals in our central nervous system. This amino acid is known to produce calming effects, which means that lower GABA levels translate to more symptoms of anxiety.
Xanax is a drug from the benzodiazepine family, which works by enhancing the effects of GABA in our brain. This drug is mainly used by patients suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, mania, seizures, and more. However, intake of Xanax can be addictive, and a large portion of people who use this drug everyday, for six weeks or more, develop an addiction to the pills.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
With the effects produced by Xanax, it can be hard for some people to avoid the abuse of this drug. What makes it even more addicting is that its effects are almost immediately felt upon intake, and then dissipate after just a few hours. This makes people even more inclined to take more Xanax. However, the effects of consuming more Xanax leads to a build-up of tolerance from this kind of drug, which then leads patients to take larger and larger doses.
At Mallard Lake Detox Center, it is our mission to help avoid the abuse of these kinds of drugs and aid the patients who wish to recover from Xanax addiction. Patients suffering from this form of addiction may experience symptoms such as:
- An inclined feeling to take more medication, at times even beyond prescription
- The need to take increasing amounts of Xanax, only to feel the same effect
- Unpleasant withdrawal effects such as dizziness, insomnia, and/or mood swings upon intake stoppage
Xanax Addiction Treatments
Treatment involves fighting the addiction on two fronts: the physical compulsion to take the drug and the mental craving for more of its effects. Addressing the first front involves undergoing medical detox. The goal of this is to quit Xanax with as little distress as possible since the effects of withdrawal can be very painful and traumatic.
The second part of the treatment process involves addressing the mental damage Xanax addiction caused. With that said, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown considerable effects in helping patients wean off benzodiazepines. CBT is a form of counseling that helps the client realize how patterns of thought and behavior lead to Xanax abuse and addiction.
Get in Touch With Us
Our team at Mallard Lake Detox Center prides itself on our ability to create the perfect environment for patients’ transformation and healing. If you would like to know more about Xanax addiction or its treatment, please do not hesitate to give us a call.