Is Xanax Safe to Use?

Most everyone knows that addiction is a significant issue that affects millions of people every day. You may not know that a large part of the addiction epidemic comes from prescription drugs prescribed to treat specific issues. This can make it scary to use drugs that are given to you by a doctor out of fear of becoming addicted. In cases like these, it is important to know what you are using, what it is intended for, and the potential for addiction and side effects of the drug. 

 

At Grace Recovery, we know how it is to take medication the way it is meant to be taken and that it is easy to go from taking a prescribed drug to becoming addicted even if it was never intended. That’s why we want to give our clients all the help we can to stay sober if possible and, if they become addicted, to get the help, they need to return to a life of sobriety. In this post, we will discuss the prescription drug Xanax, what it is designed to treat, whether or not Xanax is addictive, the side effects of Xanax use, and the question is Xanax safe to use. 

 

What is Xanax Used to Treat? 

 

Xanax is a prescription drug that also goes by the generic name Alprazolam. The drug is in a category known as benzodiazepines or “benzos.” Xanax is used for anxiety treatment in most cases because the primary function of Xanax is to calm certain signals in the brain and make anxiety, panic attacks, and other disorders much less frequent and more manageable. 

 

Xanax can also be used to treat certain other conditions when used as part of a combination of medications; these conditions include seizures, depression, and specific phobias. If you have any of these conditions and are prescribed Xanax, it is important to consult with your doctor about when to take Xanax, when to stop or why not to take Xanax, and if your needs change. 

 

Is Xanax Addictive? 

 

Much like many drugs that interact with the brain or the body, Xanax is highly addictive. Two primary components contribute to why Xanax is so addictive. The first is due to the fact that Xanax affects the brain in a way that makes a person become chemically dependent on the drug over time, which eventually leads to complete and total addiction. Secondly, people who abuse Xanax typically do so because they like how the drug makes them feel, regardless of whether they’ve been prescribed it or acquired it through different means. 

 

In either case, when a person continues to use Xanax for prolonged periods or starts using it in ways that it was not intended, the chemistry of the brain begins to change, and the body develops a tolerance to the drug. This makes it so that a person has to take more to achieve the same results. Eventually, a person begins taking so much that they may even result in illicit or illegal means to get more of the drug. 

 

However, if you’re asking the question, “is Xanax safe” the answer depends on how and why it is used and whether it is used properly. 

 

What Are the Side Effects of Xanax? 

 

There are a number of physical and psychological side effects that can occur from Xanax use, some of which may be severe. If you’re using Xanax normally and experience severe side effects, consult with your doctor. If you or someone you know is abusing Xanax and may have an addiction, then it is important to seek help at a licensed treatment facility to get clean and return to a life of sobriety. 

 

Here are some of the common side effects of Xanax: 

 

• Joint pain 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Dry Mouth 
• Changes in Weight/appetite 
• Mood swings 
• Difficulty urinating
• Difficulty concentrating 

 

Among these side effects, there are also some severe side effects such as seizures, shortness of breath, or loss of balance that may occur. 

 

Is Xanax Safe to Use? 

 

If you’re prescribed Xanax, the question “is Xanax safe to use” is probably at the front of your mind. The true answer is yes; if appropriately used, as intended by a doctor, Xanax is a powerful medication that can treat a number of disorders. However, due to its potency and the way it interacts with the body, it has the potential to be highly addictive. 

If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, then it’s time to get help at Grace Recovery. We provide a well-rounded approach to addiction treatment that included a whole range of services from detox and inpatient rehab, to dual diagnosis care to treat both addiction and mental illness, as well as aftercare support and more so that once a client leaves our facility, they are well equipped to continue on their journey of sobriety and return to an everyday life.