Xanax is a prescription medication most commonly used for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders. Also known as alprazolam (the generic name for the medication), Xanax is highly addictive. For this reason, most psychiatric professionals only prescribe the medication to be taken at the onset of a panic attack, and they never recommend the medication be taken consecutively for more than a couple of weeks. Obtaining Xanax has become increasingly easier over the years due to its popularity as one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the nation. Unfortunately, most people who misuse this medication did not receive a written prescription – they either bought the medication from a low-level drug dealer or raided a family member’s medicine cabinet.
The Ways in Which Xanax Can Ruin Your Life
Xanax is so habit-forming, it doesn’t take long for a person to develop a physical dependence on the prescription medication. In fact, some people begin to develop dependence after only several weeks of using the medication other than as prescribed or intended. If you have been using Xanax other than as prescribed and you believe you might be struggling with a Xanax use disorder, Evoke Wellness MA is available to help. We work directly with men and women of all ages who have been struggling with prescription drug addiction of all kinds. Contact us today to learn more.
More About How Does Xanax Addiction Affect Your Life
Why would you quit? Say you have been misusing Xanax for several weeks, and you have started to notice that you are experiencing some minor short-term memory loss coupled with excessive drowsiness throughout the day, you might push through and write it off as no big deal. You have it under control. The truth is, substance use disorders are progressive. If you have been abusing Xanax for several weeks and you believe you have it all under control, keep in mind the fact that the longer you misuse the prescription medication, the more severe related consequences will become over time. Sure, you might be experiencing intermittent memory loss right now. But Xanax and other benzodiazepine medications have been linked to permanent cognitive damage — even to early-onset dementia. So the best course of action is always to seek professional help sooner rather than later. How else can Xanax ruin your life?
The Long-Term Consequences of Benzodiazepine Addiction
- Cognitive impairment – Because a medical professional initially prescribed Xanax, it might seem strange that this particular prescription drug can do such severe damage to your brain over time. However, according to numerous studies, excessive Xanax use can do permanent damage to cognitive function. According to a specific study,
“A meta-analysis of studies looking at withdrawal from an average of 17 mg per day of diazepam (a medication similar in structure to Xanax) found that long-term use led to substantial cognitive decline that did not resolve three months after discontinuation.”
- A severely compromised personal life – As is the case with any type of drug, Xanax can lead to severe and comprehensive consequences. Because people with Xanax use disorders tend to purchase the drug directly from dealers, they often find themselves in a place of financial ruin within several months. In addition, they often lose their careers, experience immense strain in their interpersonal relationships, and some even have regular run-ins with the law. If you have been abusing Xanax for an extended period of time, you might feel like these consequences are simply too much to face. Rest assured that Evoke Wellness at Miramar is ready and available to help you overcome any hurdles you are currently facing and begin living a life beyond your wildest dreams.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Prescription Drug Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we specialize in drug addiction recovery, equipping our clients with the tools they need to stay sober long-term while helping them heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. We know what immense, and all-encompassing damage Xanax addiction can do, and we are available to help you reclaim your life. The only thing standing between you and a life of addiction recovery is an initial phone call — pick up the phone and contact us today.