What is Alprazolam?

The biggest addiction news in the media today focuses on opioids. But another drug, benzodiazepines, deserves its place in the addiction hall of fame. That is alprazolam, a highly addictive benzo also called Xanax. But what is alprazolam and why should family members and other loved ones feel concerned when someone uses this drug?

Over 15 types of benzos are prescribed today in the US, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Research. These primarily help with anxiety problems, and most prove unlikely for abuse. But alprazolam differs from these other benzodiazepines, in that many people seek it for recreational use. So, what is alprazolam and what does this drug do for people who use it?

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzo sold as Xanax. Doctors prescribe this drug for moderate to severe anxiety and panic attacks. Some people with depression also use Xanax for their additional symptoms of anxiety. The prescription medication helps with sleep problems, too.

Xanax comes in two forms, immediate release or extended release. The medication should be swallowed in pill form. But people abuse it by chewing, crushing, injecting, or snorting the pill.

Concerning Addiction – What is Alprazolam?

Xanax is both safe and effective under proper use for up to two to four weeks. But abuse is dangerous because Xanax acts quickly in the brain to flood it with dopamine.

This flooding makes the brain remember the drug. It also makes you start depending on the drug right away when compared to other types of medication. In fact, it is one of the most addictive benzos. In as little as three to five weeks, you can find yourself with a Xanax addiction.

Xanax addiction signs show that you or someone you love need recovery treatment. So, what is alprazolam if not another question about Xanax? These signs of addiction to Xanax include shirking family, work or school responsibilities to use your drug. You also spend a great deal of time getting Xanax, using it and recovering from your use. Another sign is continuing to abuse the drug despite telling others you want to stop or have already quit.

If you continue using Xanax despite how much it hurts your life, you need help for recovery. This is especially true if you need more of the medication to feel the same effects, use it more often than you intended and experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms when you stop.

Recovery From Xanax Addiction

Recovery from Xanax addiction requires professional help in an accredited rehab program. You gain your best results toward strong sobriety with access to the following types of treatment:

• Supervised medical detox
• Residential, PHP, IOP or OP rehab
• Extended care
• Transitional living and sober living
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Evidence-based, holistic and experiential therapies
• Individual, group and family therapy

If you or someone you love need help for recovery from Xanax addiction, call Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, FL now at 866.605.0532. Ask Beaches Recovery, “What is alprazolam?” Let the counselor talk to you about the realities of Xanax addiction and recovery, so you can get the help you need.