Xanax, or alprazolam, is a potentially addictive sedative medication designed for short-term use. It’s also one of the most widely prescribed medications in America. Prolonged or excessive use of Xanax dramatically increases the odds that you will become addicted. It also increases your risk of developing other serious problems. Timely Xanax addiction treatment helps you recover your sobriety and reduces your exposure to additional forms of long-term harm.
Xanax and Risks for Addiction
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, or benzo, medication. Medications in this class share many characteristics in common. One of the most crucial similarities is the potential to trigger classic symptoms of addiction.
Two factors significantly impact your chances of becoming addicted to a benzo. The first of these factors is the relative strength of the medication in question. The second is the size of the dose you take.
Xanax belongs to a group of high-potency benzos. When taken in large doses, it can trigger addiction in as little as 30 to 60 days. To avoid problems, doctors typically limit both the dosage and the timeframe of Xanax prescriptions. However, you can run into trouble if you ignore your dosing guidelines and increase your intake. The same holds true for anyone who takes Xanax without a prescription.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Xanax Addiction
There are both short- and long-term effects of Xanax addiction. Even if you’re not addicted, short-term use of the medication comes with risks for a vast number of side effects. The most likely of these effects include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
- Unusual fatigue
- Increased irritability
- A down or depressed mood
- Problems coordinating your body movements
- Daytime drowsiness
- Difficulty speaking clearly
There are also dozens of uncommon or rare side effects of Xanax use.
Long-Term Effects of Xanax Addiction – Cognitive Issues
One of the most prominent potential long-term effects of Xanax addiction is cognitive impairment. This term describes problems doing such things as:
- Learning new information
- Recalling things you’ve learned in the past
- Making decisions
- Focusing or concentrating
Over time, Xanax use can lead to serious declines in your cognitive skills. These deficits can remain even after you stop taking the medication.
Physical Effects on the Body From Xanax Addiction
Long-term exposure to Xanax can also alter your normal body function. What are the biggest physical effects on the body from Xanax addiction? The top concern is difficulty controlling your body movements and reflexes. This loss of control can steeply increase your risk for accidental injury. Notable areas of heightened risk include motor vehicle accidents and hip fractures in older adults.
Xanax Addiction and Protracted Withdrawal
In the best of circumstances, withdrawal from benzos takes longer than withdrawal from other addictive substances. If you’ve been using Xanax for a long time, you may experience something called protracted withdrawal. People affected by this issue need even more time to withdraw successfully from Xanax. As a result, they experience prolonged discomfort. It can take months for you to overcome the effects of protracted withdrawal.
Turn to Northpoint Colorado for More on the Long-Term Effects of Xanax Addiction
Want to know more about the possible long-term effects of an addiction to Xanax? Consult the specialists at Northpoint Colorado. We have the information you need to get a complete picture of your potential risks.
You can also turn to Northpoint for state-of-the-art Xanax addiction treatment. We feature customized services geared toward your specific symptoms and overall situation. These services also support recovery from other forms of benzo addiction. Get started today by calling us at 888.231.1281 or filling out our brief online message form. We’re here for you in your time of need.