Rehab Near Me: Is Xanax as Narcotic?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2="Help Is Only A Phone Call Away" txt_align="center" shape="round" style="flat" color="vista-blue" el_width="sm" use_custom_fonts_h2="true" use_custom_fonts_h4="true"]Call Now 855-227-9535[/vc_cta] Substance abuse often stems from a lack of knowledge over drugs and the effects of addiction. On this article, we will be talking about Xanax, also known as alprazolam. Being the single most prescribed psychiatric medication in the US, it’s no surprise that it also one of the most commonly misused substances. What exactly is Xanax? Is it considered a narcotic? How does it work? Is it a controlled substance? Is abuse treatment similar with victims of cocaine addiction? What are the effects of withdrawal from xanax? Let’s have a closer look.

Xanax: An Overview

Xanax is the brand name for a drug known as alprazolam. It is categorized as a benzodiazepine or BZD. It comes from the same family as diazepam (valium), lorazepam, and flurazepam. Xanax is used to treat panic disorders, as well as severe anxiety. It works by increasing the number of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. It affects the nervous system in a way that creates positive effects for a person's mental health. The substance promotes calmness, causing the person to feel relaxed. Taken correctly, this medication is safe and effective. Unfortunately, many people abuse this anti-anxiety medication because of the euphoric sensations that it provides. When abused, it can cause psychological dependence. This potent substance slows down brain activity, causing it to become unbalanced. This relieves tension—and it’s a feel-good experience that many people seek out for recreational purposes. For this reason, many people get addicted to Xanax despite its accepted medical functions.

Is Xanax as Narcotic?

Your doctor may have given you Xanax as a prescription medication against anxiety. And now you want to know if it is a narcotic. Truth is, Xanax is not a narcotic of either the legal or medical variety. In law enforcement, the definition of narcotics is broad, but it does not cover Xanax as it can be obtained legally via prescription from a licensed physician. Unlike heroin addiction, Xanax is actually more common despite its low potential for abuse, because of its accessibility. Prescription drug addiction, like teen drug abuse, is a major problem. Medically speaking, Xanax is not classified as a narcotic because it is neither an opiate nor an opioid. Only substances derived from the opium poppy plant are defined as narcotics. Opiates are natural derivatives of the poppy plant, while opioids refer to the synthetic and semi-synthetic variants. Medical narcotics are typically used for pain relief, particularly for patients suffering from chronic pain. Like Xanax, narcotics have a high potential for abuse. So despite their medical uses, these drugs can still be dangerous if taken at high doses or abused for long periods of time. Xanax is one of the substances involved in the rampant prescription drug abuse problem in the United States.

Xanax and Substance Abuse

Xanax is very commonly abused. In fact, it is nearly as popular as opiates among illicit users. Tolerance can build up quickly when you take Xanax, meaning you’ll soon require larger doses to receive the same effects. Addicted individuals will take very high doses frequently. Xanax abusers will typically display symptoms such as drowsiness, irritability, headache, blurred vision, and slurred speech. [maxbutton id="2" ] Commonly abused drugs can have severe adverse effects, and Xanax is no different. Taking large doses of this drug can lead to more serious adverse effects like depression, aggression, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, chest pain, and seizures. These are the symptoms of Xanax addiction. A person who has developed physical dependence on Xanax will experience severe withdrawal and intense cravings whenever they try to quit the drug. They will have to discontinue usage within a supervised environment. It is possible to recover from Xanax addiction through drug rehab. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy may be necessary to thwart the effects of addiction. Every treatment center has a different approach when it comes to dealing with withdrawal symptoms and other effects of drug addiction. It’s going to be a long and difficult process—but it is all worth it in the end. There are various treatment therapies for those who want to stop taking xanax and alcohol--and all other substances. Look for a detox center near you today and find out how addiction treatment works for Xanax users!