Over the last decade, news coverage and general awareness of alprazolam has increased. It is more commonly known by the brand name Xanax.
Xanax is a drug that is used to treat anxiety and other panic disorders. In the UK, the most common anti-anxiety drug is Valium, a similar medication to Xanax. The reason it is not more commonly prescribed in the UK is that there are many risks when taking the drug, and the risk of addiction is especially high.
Everyone is aware of the dangers of illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine, but medication you are legally prescribed can be abused too. Many people in this country enter prescription drug rehab for something a doctor initially prescribed to them.
It’s important to know about alprazolam addiction in the UK, what the signs are and how you can get help.
What Is Alprazolam and How Does It Work?
Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These types of medication are sedative and affect the central nervous system (CNS) primarily.
Alprazolam works by increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels, a neurotransmitter that has a depressive effect on your CNS. When GABA binds to receptors, it brings about a calming and sedative effect on your brain and body – reducing your anxiety and bringing euphoria.
Benzodiazepine dependence is common because of these effects. Alprazolam is more commonly abused compared to other benzodiazepines because of its fast-acting nature. It’s more potent and the duration of effects is less, meaning you are more likely to keep going back to feel the same way.
Is Alprazolam Legal in the UK?
The legality of alprazolam in the UK is not a clear-cut issue. It is classed as a Class C drug, meaning that it is illegal to buy or supply it. If you do so, then you could face up to 2 years in prison if caught in possession, and 14 years if you supply it.
Alprazolam is not available for prescription via the NHS. However, you can legally get a prescription for the drug from a private doctor.
In the UK especially, alprazolam is most commonly bought online. Counterfeit versions can be incredibly cheap on the dark web, leading to increased risks of overdoses and deaths, as what’s in the drugs sold online is not always what it is marketed as.
Why Is Alprazolam Addictive?
Asking the question “How addictive is alprazolam?” can be answered in one word:
Very.
Alprazolam is addictive because of the strong effects it has on your brain. The depressive effects it has on your CNS and the euphoria it gives you are fast-acting, but they fade quickly. To retain the positive effects, people take more and more. When you do this, you quickly build a tolerance.
A tolerance of a drug quickly leads to dependence as you want to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms between doses, due to the drug’s short half-life.
Along with physical dependence, psychological cravings can develop. Soon, your emotional and mental state is dictated by whether you have alprazolam in your system. It soon takes over the majority of your thinking – the last sign that you are addicted.
Alprazolam misuse is much more likely if you are using it to self-medicate from emotional/mental issues, mixing it with other substances or taking it recreationally.
Signs of Alprazolam Addiction
If you are concerned about alprazolam addiction in yourself or someone you know, being aware of what it looks like is essential. If you notice some of the alprazolam misuse signs below, you or a loved one could be suffering from addiction. If that’s the case, professional rehabilitation is a path worth seriously considering.
Behavioural Signs of Alprazolam Addiction
- Becoming more secretive
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Doctor shopping (going around to multiple doctors to get more prescriptions)
- Social isolation
- You tried to stop and couldn’t
Physical Signs of Alprazolam Addiction
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Fatigue
Emotional/Mental Signs of Alprazolam Addiction
- Increased anxiety between doses
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Panic attacks
Risks and Dangers of Addiction to Alprazolam
There are many risks of frequent alprazolam. These include:
Overdose
There is a risk of overdosing on alprazolam, especially if you are combining it with substances like alcohol and opioids. As it is a depressive, taking a lot of it can lead to slowed breathing. If not enough oxygen is getting to your brain, falling into a coma or experiencing a brain injury are possibilities.
Severe Withdrawal
It is not advisable to stop taking alprazolam suddenly. You can experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Hallucinations and psychosis
- Life-threatening seizures
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Confusion and delirium
- Heart palpitations
Long-term Cognitive and Emotional Effects
If abused long-term, alprazolam can affect your brain function. Issues with concentration, decision-making and the ability to form new memories can all arise from chronic alprazolam misuse.
In the throes of addiction, your mental health will worsen. Depression, increased anxiety, hallucinations and psychotic episodes are all huge risks when using alprazolam for longer than you should.
Seeking Help and Treatment Options in the UK for Alprazolam Addiction
As stated above, stopping alprazolam cold-turkey is incredibly dangerous. If you want to stop using the drug, you should seek medical supervision.
Going through a detox programme, via private treatment or the NHS, is the best way to begin your recovery. In a safe and professional setting, you can taper off the drug – replacing the alprazolam with a different benzodiazepine and using other prescription medication to help with the tapering off.
Private treatment, like we provide at Cassiobury Court, gives you access to a wide range of addiction treatments. Getting psychological support is vital because it helps you tackle the root causes of your addiction.
Individual and group therapy, support groups and CBT are all resources available to you in professional treatment. These along with a detox programme make a comprehensive addiction treatment experience that is effective.
Preventing Misuse of Alprazolam
Misusing alprazolam is not inevitable; there are things you can do to prevent it from occurring.
Listen to Your Doctor
If it is prescribed to you, follow your GP’s instructions to the letter and take the dose prescribed. Never increase it or make changes without strict instructions from a medical professional.
Don’t Share and Don’t Buy Online
You shouldn’t use someone else’s prescription or share yours with anyone else. Buying online is dangerous as counterfeit alprazolam is unpredictable in its potency and content.
Communication with Professionals
Be honest with your doctor. If you are worried about the amount you are taking, talk to your healthcare provider and they can adjust your dose. If you have a history of drug misuse, let them know as this will massively impact what medication they prescribe you.
Get Help with Alprazolam Addiction Today
Many people take alprazolam (Xanax) so it’s okay to ask the question – Is Xanax addictive?
Yes, it is, but alprazolam can be an effective anti-anxiety drug if used correctly. If you are worried about your use or someone else’s, you should get help sooner rather than later.
At Cassiobury Court, our therapies and treatments are evidence-based and effective. Help is all around and recovery is possible with the right support.
For more info, contact us now at 0800 001 4070 or text HELP to 83222.
