Is Xanax a Benzo?

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a group of medications that can be quite addictive. Doctors frequently prescribe Xanax, a well-known drug, to help manage mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It provides a calming effect, but with continued use, individuals may need increasing amounts to experience the same relief. It’s essential to approach this with care and support for those affected.

If you or a loved one develops an addiction to Xanax, seeking benzo addiction treatment is the wisest path to regain a life worth living. Call The Right Step at 17135283709 to learn how we can help you deal with the troubling effects of Xanax use.

Is Xanax a Benzo?

Yes, Xanax is a benzo. Benzos are a depressant that increases the brain’s levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Doctors often use it to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and depression. It can also be prescribed to treat insomnia and specific phobias, as well as to manage withdrawal symptoms.

The generic drug name for Xanax is alprazolam. The drug directly affects the central nervous system to create a calming effect. This is especially helpful in managing the side effects of many of the conditions the drug is prescribed to treat. 

Side Effects of Xanax Use

Xanax causes its own set of side effects, whether taken legally or illegally. Side effects include:

  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Cognitive issues
  • Dizziness 
  • Difficulty concentrating

The most significant potential side effect is, of course, addiction, which can lead to an overdose if the addiction becomes severe and goes untreated.

What to Do About Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms

Since Xanax is a benzo with a shorter half-life, the withdrawal symptoms will be pretty intense, but they won’t last long. Because of the intensity of the symptoms, it can cause people to easily relapse and start taking the drug again.

Some of the most common benzo withdrawal symptoms include:

  • A racing heart
  • Full body sweats
  • Muscle aches
  • Body stiffness
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Shakes or tremors
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

A medically supervised detox in a safe and supported environment effectively manages these withdrawal symptoms and kickstarts the addiction treatment process.

What to Expect from Benzo Addiction Treatment

As with other substance use disorders (SUDs), treatment for an addiction to benzos can involve several approaches. These include:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help with withdrawal cravings
  • Yoga therapy for balancing mind, body, and spirit 
  • Mindfulness meditation to focus on the present 
  • Behavioral therapies to redirect negative thinking to positive thinking
  • Stress management to manage stressors and addiction triggers in everyday life
  • Massage therapy for relaxation
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Aftercare support

One of the most significant benefits of enrolling in a professional treatment program is that you can customize a treatment plan to use a combination of these therapeutic approaches that work for you. Each person’s addiction story is unique. Triggers may be different from person to person. In turn, treatment plans and recovery journeys will also be unique.

Connect with The Right Step and Get Started on Benzo Addiction Treatment Today

Withdrawing from a highly addictive drug becomes manageable with support from a professional treatment center. Long-term Xanax use can significantly harm your body. A holistic treatment approach, incorporating various therapies, offers a personalized experience at such centers. Effective detox, treatment, and recovery rely on the proper levels of support. Treatment includes not only the work done within the walls of a treatment center but also implementing what you learn in everyday life.

Contact the caring team at The Right Step at 17135283709 or use our online form to learn more about our treatment options in Texas.

Scroll to Top