How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Xanax?

Blog articles - Stillwater Treatment Center

If you or a loved one have an anxiety or panic disorder, your doctor may have spoken with you/them about a medical prescription to reduce the symptoms of this mental health disorder. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine for panic and anxiety disorders is alprazolam, brand name Xanax. 

You probably have many questions about Xanax use including whether or not it’s addictive and even how long it takes to become dependent or addicted to Xanax. These common questions are thoughtful and logical. 

At Stillwater Behavioral Health, we want to help provide the answers to these questions and more. Our substance abuse treatment programs are designed to help people who are struggling with mental health disorders and utilizing legal and illegal drugs to manage the symptoms. Contact us today to see how our dedicated staff can support you through addiction treatment at Stillwater Behavioral Health.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of the drug Alprazolam. It is prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax is an extremely addictive benzodiazepine that works to decrease panic attacks, motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, and vigilance and scanning; all common signs of anxiety and panic disorders. 

Taking Xanax regularly over a short period of time can create a calming feeling with the following side effects: “drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, dysarthria, headache, memory impairment, and depression.” 

Individuals who are prescribed Xanax should be closely monitored by their doctor. Alprazolam, while it is the most popularly prescribed benzodiazepine, is also appreciated in more intentional overdose deaths, lengthier hospital stays, and birth defects like dysmorphism and mental retardation. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Xanax?

If your doctor has prescribed you or your loved one Xanax, you may be wondering “how long does it take to get addicted to Xanax?” Wondering about this question may be due to concerns about starting a new medication, concern about continuing to use a medication prescribed, or worry about a loved one’s use. 

How long it takes to get addicted to Xanax depends on several factors, however, it is mostly dependent on the amount prescribed. Based on studies analyzed by the FDA prior to Xanax approval, individuals who were prescribed more than 4mg per day had difficulty weaning down to 0mg. Similar studies indicated that there was no difference in weaning down to 0mg based on length of use (3 months or 6 months). However, the FDA access data does indicate that doses between .75 mg and 4mg still pose a risk for dependence. 

Another factor that has been noted to be associated with Xanax addiction is the prior misuse of alcohol or opioids. Individuals who have a history of substance abuse are more likely to misuse Xanax (alprazolam) because of the effect it provides the body. 

Xanax use can also lead to addiction based on the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who wish to stop using Xanax after a period of time should consult with their doctor about the best way to ween usage, as withdrawal reactions to Xanax include potential life-threatening seizures. Seizures only occur in a small percentage of the population, but are most common in the first 24-72 hours after reduction in use. 

How To Get Help With a Xanax Addiction

At Stillwater Behavioral Health, we pride ourselves in providing high-quality rehabilitative treatment and care for individuals struggling with addiction. Through individualized treatment plans, our clients can access supportive care to address their recovery goals and help heal their mind, body, and spirit. 

Stillwater Behavioral Health is a leader in providing combination treatment with evidence-based therapeutic treatment with alternative high-quality creative treatments designed to support mental, physical, and emotional health. We utilize the best and newest treatments, including Medication-Assisted Treatment, to support individuals in improving their mental health. 

Contact our luxury addiction treatment center today for a tailor-made experience in sustainable recovery.

Why Is Alcohol Addictive?

Blog articles - Stillwater Treatment Center

In a society focused on alcohol and socializing, one topic that isn’t focused on heavily is the addictive nature of alcohol. 

In fact, alcohol use disorders, more commonly known as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, impact approximately 14.5 million people according to a 2019 study. Additionally, this same study found that 1 in 4 individuals over the age of 18 binge drinking, which can be a contributing factor in the development of alcoholism.

Through Stillwater Behavioral Health, people are taking back their lives and their sobriety by participating in our alcohol addiction treatment programs. Our tailored treatments are specifically designed to meet the client where they are and help them grow to achieve their sobriety goals.

If you are interested in improving your physical and mental health, contact us today at Stillwater Behavioral Health. 

What Is Alcohol?

Alcohol is the intoxicating ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor. Produced through the fermentation process, alcohol is a depressant. This means that it slows down the central nervous system and all other functions in the body. 

The affect that alcohol has on the body is dependent on the amount consumed. Because it is processed at approximately one “drink” per hour, the remainder of the alcohol stays in a person’s system until it can be flushed out by the liver.

You may be able to identify someone who is under the influence of alcohol by the following symptoms:

  • Reactions
    • Slow or delayed reactions
  • Inhibitions
    • Loud, annoying others, drinking more/faster than usual
  • Physical Appearance
    • Disheveled appearance, watery eyes, lack of focus
  • Coordination
    • Fumbling, spilling drink, falling, bumping into others
  • Judgment
    • Argumentative, careless with money, irrational statements, making risky/unsafe choices

While these symptoms aren’t exhaustive, the impact of alcohol is. Alcohol impairs motor coordination and affects the ability to drive and even see straight. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol by consuming it illegally or in an unsafe manner, contact Stillwater Behavioral Health today. Our personalized alcohol addiction treatment programs are designed to meet your specific needs. 

Why Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol is addictive because of the way that it impacts the body. When your body has alcohol in it, it may feel relaxed and you may have fewer inhibitions, which is a very positive feeling for individuals with anxiety or stress disorders.

When the body feels good it releases endorphins and dopamine. This physical response to the alcohol can trigger the reward center of the brain indicating that this is what is making it happy and that the person should do it again. Soon, more alcohol needs to be consumed to get the same effect creating a tolerance to alcohol. 

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

According to the CDC, “Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble in your relationships, in school, in social activities, or in how you think and feel.”  This means that if you are struggling because of alcohol, you may have a problem and alcohol addiction treatment may be necessary to support it.

Can Stillwater Behavioral Health Help Me?

Stillwater Behavioral Health can help you every step of the way through the addiction treatment and rehabilitation process. 

Individuals who are struggling with alcohol and/or drugs may find themselves feeling overwhelmed at the process and thought of recovery. But at Stillwater Behavioral Health, we provide a safe environment with compassionate and supportive care starting in detoxification and continuing through treatment and aftercare.

Our clients work with our medical experts to create treatment programs that work to support them on a personal level. Through intensive individual counseling and group therapy, clients struggling with addiction can develop the self-management and coping skills necessary for success. 

Through our luxury treatment center, we have helped individuals overcome their addiction and live and maintain sobriety long-term. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

How To Get Help With a Heroin Addiction and Depression

How To Get Help With a Heroin Addiction and Depression

Major depressive disorder and addiction have been linked through years of study and observation. In fact, major depressive disorder is one of the most common factors in non-fatal opiate overdose.  Heroin, a common illegal opiate, is most often the culprit. 

If you are struggling with heroin addiction and depression, get help today at Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our dual-diagnosis addiction treatment programs provide a safe and stable luxury environment for rehabilitation and recovery. Through compassionate care and high-quality medical supports, our clients have access to holistic wellness and retreat.  

Signs of a Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an opiate pain reliever. It is a fairly common street drug and highly addictive. Individuals experimenting with drug use, who no longer have access to prescription pain medications, or who are addicted to stimulants are likely to utilize heroin for the calming euphoric high.  However, heroin addiction can create some noticeable physical symptoms. “Drowsiness, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), [small] pupils, warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and heavy extremities” are all common with heroin use. Overdose can cause fatal respiratory depression and seizures.

Even when an individual is not high, heroin addiction can be noticed. Changes in behavior may include secrecy, paranoia, and other mood or personality changes. The individual may lie or behave unlike themselves. You may also notice the individual has bloodshot eyes, has bruises from injections, and/or is experiencing extreme weight change. 

Signs of Depression

In the last year, 2020-2021, depression disorders have increased to 30% per the CDC and the Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. This increase in mental health-related symptoms is associated with COVID-19, but not that alone. In 2019, 18.5% of adults had symptoms of depression that were mild, moderate, or severe within a two-week period. 

Signs of depression include:

  • Feeling sad or “empty”
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities
  • Overeating, or not wanting to eat at all
  • Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much
  • Feeling very tired
  • Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

This brain disorder impacts over 19 million people, so if you are struggling, get help now through Stillwater Behavioral Health. Our treatment programs are designed to meet your specific mental health needs. 

Why Should You Get Help for Both Heroin Addiction and Depression?

Medical professionals speculate that the neurobiology of clients experiencing depression and drug use could be significantly altered based on which came first.  This means that changes in brain chemistry, how thoughts are processed, stored, and remembered, which can be significantly altered by both depression and drug use can become more damaged through the combination of both.

By addressing both depression and addiction, dual diagnosis treatment, clients can achieve a better quality of life, manage necessary medications, and develop a more stable basis to build their mental health upon. 

How To Get Help With a Heroin Addiction and Depression at Stillwater Behavioral Health

At Stillwater Behavioral Health, our clients can experience a tailor-made addiction treatment program for a sustainable recovery in a safe and structured environment. Our luxury facility supports clients with addiction and additional mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. 

Our complex and inclusive addiction treatment programs are designed to meet each client’s specific needs with a combination of traditional and unique therapies. This combination works to support the client’s total well-being and improvement of the mind, body, and spirit. 

Experience exclusive treatment and care in one of our facilities. With a 3:1 staff to client ratio, our clients receive high-quality personalized care and support through treatment.

Contact us today to see how Stillwater Behavioral Health can help with your addiction and mental illness treatment.