If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about whether or not you’re addicted to Xanax until it’s too late. Maybe you’ve been taking the drug for months or even years and only then do you realize that you can’t stop using it.
Alprazolam, more commonly known as Xanax, is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It’s considered a safe and effective medication when taken as prescribed. Xanax is popular among people who suffer from anxiety because it can provide relief relatively quickly. It can provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms and is also used to treat panic attacks.
However, Xanax is also addictive, and it’s important to know the signs of addiction so that you can seek help if needed. So how do you know if you’re addicted to Xanax? The good news is that there are a few key warning signs to look out for. In this blog post, I will discuss seven of them. Keep reading to learn more.
1) You Are Taking More Than What Your Prescription Calls For
If you find yourself taking more Xanax than what your prescription calls for, it’s a red flag that you may be addicted. Perhaps you’ve increased the dosage on your own or you’re taking more pills more often than prescribed. Either way, this is a sign that you should be concerned about.
It’s also possible that your doctor has advised you that you do not need to take Xanax as often as you are currently taking it, but you continue to do so anyway. Or if you do not have a prescription at all and yet you find yourself taking Xanax regularly, this is also a sign of addiction.
2) You Feel Like You Cannot Function Without Xanax
Another sign that you may be addicted to Xanax is if you feel like you cannot function without it. This means that you rely on the drug in order to get through your day-to-day activities.
If you find that you cannot get out of bed in the morning or go to work without taking Xanax, this is a sign that your addiction has reached a serious level. It’s also possible that you’ve started using the drug to deal with everyday stressors such as work or family problems.
3) You Spend a Lot of Time Thinking About Xanax
Do you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of Xanax? Do you spend a lot of time thinking about when you’ll be able to take your next dose? If so, this is a sign that you’re addicted.
It’s possible that you’ve started to think about Xanax even when you’re not taking it. For example, you may find yourself daydreaming about taking a pill or picturing yourself taking a higher dose than you currently do even when you’re at work or school.
4) You’ve Suffered Negative Consequences But You Continue to Take It Anyway
Have you ever gotten in trouble at work or school because of your use of Xanax? Have you ever had an accident while under the influence of the drug? Or perhaps your drug use is causing a rift in your relationships.
If you’ve experienced any negative consequences as a result of your use of Xanax but you continue to take it anyway, this is a sign that you have an addiction. It’s important to note that the negative consequences don’t have to be major in order for it to be a sign of addiction.
It can start with seemingly small things such as foregoing work or missing an important appointment. But if you continue to use it even when it’s causing problems in your life, it’s a sign that you need help.
5) You’ve Tried to Hide Your Use of Xanax from Others
If you’re trying to hide your use of Xanax to avoid judgment or criticism from others, this is a sign that you’re addicted. It’s possible that you’ve started lying to your friends and family about how much you’re taking or how often you’re taking it.
You may have even gone so far as to hide your pills or stash them in a place where others wouldn’t think to look. If you’re feeling the need to keep your use of Xanax a secret, it’s a sign that you should seek help.
6) You Are Experiencing Financial Problems Because of Your Xanax Use
Another sign that you’re addicted to Xanax is if you’re experiencing financial problems as a result of your drug use.
Perhaps you’ve started spending more money than you can afford on the drug or you’ve had to miss work because of your use. It’s also possible that you’ve had to borrow money from others in order to pay for your Xanax habit.
7) You Tried to Stop Using Xanax but Were Unsuccessful
If you’ve tried to stop using Xanax on your own but were unsuccessful, this is another sign that you’re addicted. It’s possible that you’ve attempted to quit multiple times but always end up going back to the drug.
This is because quitting cold turkey can be difficult and often leads to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability. If you’ve tried to quit but always end up relapsing, it’s important to seek professional help.
If you are struggling with alprazolam addiction, contact us today so we can help you get on the road to recovery. Our addiction treatment center offers a variety of programs and services that can help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.
