The History of Xanax
Did you know Alprazolam is frequently prescribed in the United States? It is used to treat anxiety and panic attacks and is available under various brand names including Xanax. Due to its disinhibiting and euphoric effects, as well as its ability to reduce anxiety, it has been abused for recreational purposes despite the fact that it has benefited a great number of people. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized alprazolam for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, with or without agoraphobia. Sadly, the use of multiple medications is a factor in a significant number of Alprazolam-related incidents in which a person came perilously close to dying.
When Was Xanax Created?
In the late 1960s, a pharmaceutical scientist named J.B. Hester came up with the idea for Xanax. In 1970, he was given a patent for his idea in Germany. In the 1950s and 1960s, more people went to psychiatric care, which led doctors to look into treatments for insomnia caused by anxiety. Because of these studies, the drug Xanax was made.
In 1955, Librium, the first benzodiazepine, was made by a chemist named Leo Sternbach. The medicine wasn’t sold to the public until 1960. In 1963, scientists made small changes to the chemical structure of valium. This led to the creation of Xanax, which is a type of antidepressant. Xanax is a triazolobenzodiazepine, which is a type of benzodiazepine. This chemical causes the brain to make more GABA, which helps the brain relax when it is working too hard.
Upjohn sold Xanax to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a painkiller when it was first being made. Over 50 randomized, placebo-controlled studies showed that Xanax was more successful and safer than other drugs on the market at the time, like tricyclic antidepressants. Upjohn got a patent for Xanax in 1969, but the public couldn’t officially buy it until 1981, and even then, they had to get a prescription from a doctor.
Xanax and Panic Disorder
In 2013, over 48 million prescriptions for Xanax were filled in the United States, making it the most extensively prescribed benzodiazepine and psychiatric medication. Many medical personnel are concerned that alprazolam could be abused, and research indicates that alprazolam withdrawal is more difficult than withdrawal from other benzodiazepines. Alprazolam is the second most common prescription drug implicated in drug-related emergency room visits.
Alprazolam is commonly used to treat panic disorder, but it is associated with severe side effects. One in three deliberate overdoses or suicide attempts involve a benzodiazepine like alprazolam. A study found that alprazolam is associated with extended hospital stays and more frequent admissions to the intensive care unit than other benzodiazepines.
However, there are few distinct recommendations for clinicians regarding the optimal therapeutic practices for benzodiazepines prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder. Before administering benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, physicians should consider the drug’s addictive properties and the client’s specific risks. To ensure safe and effective use, additional research into the potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines and the formulation of appropriate prescribing guidelines are required.
Xanax Use Today
Anxiety disorders in adults may be treated with Xanax, a medicine available only with a doctor’s prescription. Because its primary component, alprazolam, can be habit-forming, it is under Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act. There are four distinct Xanax tablet strengths available. However, a boxed warning states that Xanax is associated with substantial risks of abuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal. Combining Xanax and opioids can lead to dangerous effects like drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death. It is crucial to only use Xanax if recommended by a doctor and to adhere to all specific regulations regarding the distribution of Schedule IV controlled substances.
History of Abuse
In the United States, the abuse of the benzodiazepine known as Xanax has a long and sadly prevalent history. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths caused by drug overdoses among American women has been on the rise. Benzodiazepines like Xanax have been identified as a significant element in this trend. The unadjusted fatality rate owing to pharmaceutical toxicity increased among women aged 30–64 by 260% between 1999 and 2017 (from 6.7 to 24.3 fatalities per 100,000 people). This rise occurred specifically among women. Benzodiazepines and prescription analgesics were connected to the biggest increases in overdose fatality rates among women between the ages of 55 and 64. This age group also showed the largest increase in the number of women who died from an overdose.
Defining Wellness Centers
Mississippi’s Ridgeland and Brandon communities are served by the Defining Wellness Centers, which are administered by our kind and compassionate family of professionals. To provide comprehensive care for mental health and Xanax addiction, the hospital combines evidence-based and time-tested counseling approaches with cutting-edge biotechnological therapies, physical training, and hands-on learning. This enables clients to receive the most effective treatment feasible for their conditions. The objective is to restore the client’s mental and physical health. They offer an extensive array of services, each of which can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each customer.
The plan includes comprehensive health and wellness programs, clinical treatment for co-occurring conditions, and medical detoxification. The potentially fatal disorders of alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal are also treated at wellness facilities that meet the definition of “wellness.” The facility employs psychiatrists, addictionologists, nurses, and therapists who collaborate to develop individualized treatment programs for each client. The hospital then implements these strategies.
Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction is a serious problem that can be very bad for a person’s physical and mental health. Learn the signs of addiction so you can catch it early and get the help you need.
Here are some of the most common signs of Xanax addiction:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Dry speech
- Lack of coordination
If you or someone you care about has any of these signs, it is very important to get help from a Defining Wellness Center as soon as possible. It can be hard to get off Xanax on your own, and you may need medical help to deal with withdrawal signs and lower the chance of relapsing in the future.
Coping With Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax withdrawal symptoms might be difficult to treat, but there are effective methods available. You must put your physical and mental well-being first throughout this time. Here are some ideas that may be useful in reducing the severity of Xanax withdrawal:
- Exercising regularly has been shown to enhance both mood and energy levels. The release of endorphins, which might reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, may also result from this process. At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day is recommended.
- Eat only healthy foods. Not only can eating meals high in nutrients provide you the energy to get through the day, but they can also lift your spirits. Fresh fruits and vegetables should replace processed foods in your diet.
- Get some restful sleep. Getting enough rest is crucial for the body to recuperate during withdrawal. It’s recommended that you aim for eight hours of sleep per night and stick to a regular bedtime routine.
- Seek out a safe space where you can open up about how you’re feeling and what you’re going through. This could happen with someone you know well, a member of your family, a therapist, or a counselor. It’s conceivable that talking about your feelings will help them subside, making withdrawal easier to manage.
- Make a list of things that will help you handle withdrawal – It may be useful to make a list of items that will assist you handle the withdrawal symptoms. Some examples are working out, doing yoga, meditating, keeping a journal, and hanging out with loved ones.
- Seek expert help if you or someone you care about is experiencing Xanax withdrawal. It may be necessary to take part in a rehabilitation program, go to therapy, or consult with a counselor.
- Maintaining a healthy and active routine is crucial to recovery from addiction. Think about picking up some volunteer hours or exploring a new hobby.
- Keep in touch with friends and loved ones. You may find the withdrawal process more manageable if you prioritize spending time with your most important relationships. Try to spend time together doing activities that you both enjoy.
- Don’t get too close to anyone who seems to be high. It may be more challenging to handle withdrawal symptoms if you are in the company of other substance addicts. It’s ideal if you don’t put yourself in situations where you might be tempted to use Xanax.
Types of Treatment
While Xanax addiction is notoriously difficult to beat, several effective treatment methods are at the client’s disposal at the Defining Wellness Centers. Detoxification, psychotherapy, medication, and residential treatment facilities are all possible parts of our spectrum of care.
Detoxification
The first and foremost aspect of Xanax addiction treatment is detoxification, which is the process of completely cleansing the body of the drug. Drugs or gradual withdrawal from the substance can be used to achieve this goal. However, detoxification can be a tricky process fraught with the danger of recurrence. This is why medical supervision is required whenever the procedure is to be carried out.
Therapy and Counselling
Alternative therapies for Xanax addiction include therapy and counseling. Working with a therapist or counselor to identify triggers and learn coping mechanisms is essential for this goal to be reached. Counseling and therapy can take several forms; the most frequent are inpatient (long-term, short-term, and outpatient) and outpatient. It’s crucial to check out several options until you find the one that works best for you.
Support Groups
Getting involved in a support group is another great approach to get help during the healing process. These groups allow people to talk to others who are going through the same things they are, which can be a great source of comfort and strength.
Medication
With the help of medication, Xanax addiction can also be treated and overcome. Depression is a typical Xanax withdrawal symptom, and antidepressants are very successful in treating it. To detox from substances safely, it may be necessary to use prescription drugs.
Rehabilitation Programs
Clients should expect a full recovery process from rehabilitation programs. Detoxification, psychotherapy, medication management, support group meetings, and aftercare preparation are all common features of such programs. Rehabilitation programs are supervised by licensed medical professionals with experience treating addiction, and they use holistic therapies and evidence-based practices in their treatment plans.
Defining Wellness Centers offers a wide variety of treatment options for individuals struggling with an addiction to Xanax. Get help as soon as possible if you, or someone you care about, are struggling with an addiction to Xanax. Rehabilitative services can make it possible for you or a loved one to lead a happier and healthier life.
