Knoxville Xanax Addiction Treatment

Dedicated to Your Recovery from Drug Addiction in Tennessee

Today, millions of people have heard of Xanax because it’s one of the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, and in 2011 doctors wrote more than 47 million prescriptions. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States and impact 40 million individuals every year – that’s 18.1 percent of the population. Thanks to its widespread use and availability, however, this also means that there are many cases of Xanax abuse and addiction. Though Xanax has brought relief to many people, it’s also taken control of people’s lives.

Tennessee Wellness Center is here to tell you that there’s a way to break the vicious cycle – by getting help from a reputable and effective drug addiction treatment center like ours. Our Knoxville team offers a range of programs to treat drug abuse, including Xanax addiction. Recovery involves much more than weaning yourself off drug use – it also requires self-reflection and healthy coping mechanisms that need to be taught and utilized.

Reach out to us personally to learn more about our Tennessee facility online or call (865) 205-2770. We strive to make recovery affordable and work with a variety of insurance plans.

On This Page:

• What is Xanax & Why is it Addictive?
• Short & Long-Term Effects of Xanax Abuse
• Signs of a Xanax Overdose
• How Xanax Addiction is Treated
• Helping Someone With an Addiction to Xanax
• Seek Treatment for Xanax Addiction in Knoxville, TN

What is Xanax & Why is it Addictive?

Xanax is a brand name for a type of benzodiazepine. Also known as tranquilizers, benzodiazepines act on the central nervous system to produce feelings of relaxation and sedation, and they’re frequently prescribed for medical conditions like anxiety, insomnia, seizures, panic disorders, and muscle-related issues. They’re also notoriously known as “date rape” drugs because their sedative qualities can impair a person and make them less likely to resist sexual assault. Benzodiazepines are categorized by short-acting drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) and long-acting drugs, which include chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium).

Though benzodiazepines work to decrease brain activity levels, larger doses can produce feelings of euphoria, which is why this class of drugs is often abused. And because many patients are prescribed Xanax and use it over a longer period of time, it’s more likely they’ll develop a dependence on the drug, which can lead to an addiction.

If any of the following statements are relatable to you, it’s possible you may be addicted to Xanax:

• You’re taking Xanax in larger quantities than you did when you first started using it
• You’re spending more of your free time getting the drug or getting high from the drug
• You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not on Xanax
• You’re trying to get more Xanax without a valid prescription

One sure sign of Xanax addiction is called doctor shopping, which occurs when individuals seek drug prescriptions from multiple physicians so they can access their drug of choice without raising concern or suspicion. If you find that you or a loved one are making excuses to obtain more Xanax, you may have a dependence.

Short & Long-Term Effects of Xanax Abuse

When administered correctly, Xanax can help relieve an individual of insomnia and anxiety, but when abused, Xanax can actually cause “rebound symptoms,” or magnification of a person’s existing symptoms. People who are addicted to Xanax will often notice a worsening in their sleeping habits, such as insomnia or hypersomnia.

Some side effects of Xanax addiction include:

• Waning appetite, which leads to weight loss
• Lethargy, which can lead to weight gain
• Forgetfulness, which can result in missing school and work deadlines and other responsibilities
• Impaired judgment, which results in making people more open to taking risks like reckless driving
• Depression and suicidal ideation
• Irritability

There’s also been research that shows a possible correlation between Xanax and dementia. In a study of 2,000 older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease done by Harvard Health, the risk of developing the disease increased by 32 percent for those who had used medications like Xanax for three to six months, and 84 percent for those who used it for longer than six months.

Signs of a Xanax Overdose

Overdose may occur if a person takes too much Xanax in a short period of time. At high levels, the body is unable to detoxify and cleanse the Xanax from its system, leading the central nervous system to be depressed and potentially shut down. At high enough quantities, an overdose of Xanax can cause coma, respiratory failure, or even death.

Signs of overdose include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Extreme sedation
• Impaired coordination and reflexes
• Loss of consciousness

If you believe someone is experiencing a Xanax overdose, call 911 immediately.

How Xanax Addiction is Treated

Because withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, it’s recommended that you should seek professional detox help if you wish to quit your Xanax addiction. Beyond getting clean, however, addiction treatment also involves treating one’s mental health. If your goal is to avoid returning to Xanax, you must address the root of your addiction and learn healthy strategies to cope with your new lifestyle. Additionally, Xanax addiction treatment may also include treatment for underlying mental disorders like anxiety or depression.

At Tennessee Wellness Center, your health is our priority. We treat all aspects of wellness, including both drug addiction and mental health issues. We offer both partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs, and we can refer you to a notable detox center if you wish to undergo medical detox first.

Helping Someone With an Addiction to Xanax

There are few things more overwhelming than watching someone you love struggle with an addiction to Xanax. For some people, ignoring the situation may seem like an easier solution. While it may be painful, it is important you take the time to encourage your loved one to get the help they need. You could be saving their life.

If your son, daughter, parent, significant other, or friend is struggling with Xanax addiction, we recommend you do the following:

• Do your research ahead of time and educate yourself about addiction so you can better understand what they are going through.
• Offer your support and express your concerns for their wellbeing. Tell them you are worried about their health and urge them to seek treatment.
• Be persistent but avoid making them feel guilty or ashamed of their struggles.
• Be prepared for the possibility that they may be in denial of their addiction. If your loved one refuses to acknowledge an obvious problem, consider staging an intervention with the help of a professional.
• If they seek treatment, stay involved in their recovery journey and participate in their ongoing care. This is the time they will need your support most.

Seek Treatment for Xanax Addiction in Knoxville, TN

Xanax addiction can be difficult to overcome, but recovery is possible with the right help. At Tennessee Wellness Center, we understand what you are going through and are ready to stand by your side every step of the way on your journey to sobriety. You are not alone in your struggles, and there is always hope at our facility for those who seek treatment.

While some other treatment centers approach treatment using a "one-size-fits-all" method, we understand that each person is unique and tailor our programs to meet your individual needs. Using a combination of evidence-backed therapies and holistic wellness activities, our team of professionals address the core of your addiction and can equip you with the skills and tools you need to transition to a life free of mind-altering substances.

Take the first step towards a brighter future by calling (865) 205-2770 today for Xanax addiction treatment in Knoxville.