Legacy Healing Center Blog

The Popularity of Xanax and the Risks of This Anti-Anxiety Drug

Xanax (alprazolam) is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs globally and also one of the most frequently abused. The very fact that Xanax is so popular has increased the danger for many people, including those suffering from anxiety and panic disorders as well as casual users.

There are many reasons for the rise of Xanax, including an increase in anxiety and panic disorders and social isolation. But no matter what the causes, a Xanax dependency is a serious problem, and the symptoms of Xanax abuse, as well as the withdrawal symptoms, can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Whether you know for a fact that someone you care about is abusing Xanax or you suspect it, you need to get help for them right away, before an already severe problem turns deadly.

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What Is Xanax?

Xanax is one of a class of prescription drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. When used appropriately and monitored carefully, it can be an effective form of treatment, but it also has a high potential for abuse.

On the street, Xanax goes by many names, including:

• Benzos
• French fries
• Ladders
• Sticks
• Blue footballs
• Handlebars

But no matter what it is called, it is just as dangerous. If someone you care about has been exhibiting signs of Xanax abuse, it is vital to get help for them right away.

How Did Xanax Become So Popular?

Some drug problems come out of nowhere, while others have been bubbling under the surface for years, just waiting for the opportunity to become an epidemic. Xanax addiction belongs in the latter category, as it has been widely used for many years.

For many years now, there has been an epidemic of anxiety and depression. Those problems have been recently exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that were implemented to fight it. Faced with social isolation, many men and women struggle mightily with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other emotional issues. They often turn to prescription medications to treat those conditions.

Xanax does have legitimate medical uses like treating anxiety, but it can also be highly addictive. Unfortunately, many who take Xanax don’t realize its potential for addiction, and friends and family members who watch someone else take the drug may think taking it themselves is no big deal. But whether the medication is prescribed by a licensed physician or shared among friends, it is still just as addictive, and it is essential to recognize that potential and get help when needed.

Side Effects and Risks of Taking Xanax

Like many other dangerous drugs, Xanax takes a strong physical hold on the bodies of those it impacts, and that can make getting off the medication especially difficult. A common withdrawal symptom associated with quitting Xanax is increased anxiety and panic attacks, leaving addicts who started using Xanax to treat anxiety in a serious bind. Kava (piper methysticum) is a unique herb that has shown promise for reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and muscle spasms associated with reduction of Xanax and other benzodiazepine use. Learn about how kava is used for anxiety, which kava capsules are best, and learn about the side effects of kava to watch out for and how to avoid them all on Kava Guides.

If you want to understand how dangerous Xanax is, it is vital to know the side effects it can bring. Here are some of the dangers Xanax users face:

• High potential for addiction – Despite its legal status, it carries a significant risk for abuse and addiction.
• Deadly consequences – It is easy to overdose on it, which can easily be fatal.
• Severe withdrawal symptoms – The withdrawal symptoms Xanax addicts experience can range from mild issues like headaches and chills to major and life-threatening symptoms like panic attacks, racing heartbeat, and even seizures.

Getting Treatment for Xanax Addiction

The use of Xanax has increased steadily in recent years, and the current COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns and social isolation have only made the situation worse. If you or a family member struggles with a Xanax addiction, we urge you to reach out for help.

At Legacy Healing Center, we specialize in treating all aspects of Xanax addiction. These treatments include mitigating the withdrawal symptoms during medical detox and providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to keep recovering addicts safe and comfortable throughout their treatment course.

We also specialized dual diagnosis treatment to treat the root causes of Xanax addiction like depression and anxiety. By taking a holistic approach to treating addiction, we can create an effective recovery plan for our clients. We provide patients with alternative and drug-free options for dealing with their anxiety and depression while giving them the chance to heal safely and in a supportive environment.

If you are ready to get help with your addiction or that of a loved one, we encourage you to contact Legacy Healing Center today. The support you need is just a phone call away.  Call 888.534.2295 anytime 24/7, all calls are confidential.