A Xanax addiction can seriously affect many aspects of someone’s life, including their health, relationships, work and overall well-being. Here’s how it can impact someone:

• Mental and physical health: Over time, the body can become dependent on Xanax, meaning it needs the drug just to ‘feel normal’. This can lead to a tolerance, where higher doses are needed to get the same calming effect. If someone tries to stop suddenly, they might experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, shaking or even seizures. Mentally, Xanax addiction can worsen anxiety or depression, creating a cycle where the person feels they need the drug to cope but can’t escape the dependence.
• Cognitive impairment: Long-term Xanax use can cloud thinking and memory, making it harder to focus, make decisions or remember things. This can affect day-to-day activities, conversations and work responsibilities.
• Relationship strain: Addiction often puts a strain on personal relationships. Mood swings, irritability and withdrawing from social activities can become common and loved ones may feel frustrated or helpless as they watch these changes happen.
• Work and financial problems: As the addiction progresses, it can affect job performance. People may miss work, struggle to meet deadlines or find it difficult to keep up with responsibilities. This can lead to job loss or financial trouble, especially with the costs of maintaining the addiction adding further stress.

Legal issues: In some cases, Xanax addiction might lead to risky behaviours, like trying to get the drug without a prescription. This can result in legal problems, which only adds to the stress of the situation.

Recognising the signs of Xanax addiction is incredibly important, especially as addiction often sneaks up on a person and becomes noticeable only when it’s well advanced. Whether you’re concerned about your own use or worried about a loved one, identifying the signs early can lead to faster intervention and recovery.

Physical signs

• Drowsiness or fatigue: Xanax can make a person feel constantly tired or lethargic.
• Slurred speech: Speaking with difficulty or mumbling is common due to the sedative effects of Xanax.
• Impaired coordination: Frequent stumbling, clumsiness or difficulty with motor skills.
• Memory problems: Short-term memory issues, such as forgetting conversations or tasks, are common.
• Dizziness or headaches: Frequent complaints of feeling lightheaded or experiencing headaches can be physical symptoms of misuse.

Psychological signs

• Increased tolerance: Needing larger doses of Xanax to achieve the same calming effect over time.
• Anxiety or panic when not using: Ironically, withdrawal from Xanax can cause increased anxiety or panic attacks, even though it’s prescribed to treat these conditions.
• Mood swings: Unpredictable mood shifts, from extreme calm to irritability or anger, often after the effects wear off.
• Confusion or disorientation: Difficulty focusing or staying present in conversations and situations.
• Depression: Extended Xanax use can lead to depressive thoughts and an overall sense of hopelessness.

Behavioural signs

• Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions or exaggerating symptoms to receive higher doses (common in countries that have a privatised healthcare system)
• Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to meet work, school or family obligations due to the overwhelming influence of the drug.
• Secretive behaviour: Hiding pill bottles, lying about usage or isolating oneself to take the drug without others knowing.
• Social withdrawal: Losing interest in social activities or relationships, often preferring to stay alone and use Xanax.
• Risky behaviours: Taking Xanax in higher doses than prescribed or combining it with other substances like alcohol, despite the dangers.

Whether you’ve been prescribed Xanax or have used it recreationally, it’s important to check in with yourself to catch or address any signs of addiction. Xanax, while effective for anxiety and related conditions, can lead to dependency if not carefully monitored.

Here are five questions to ask yourself:

• Do you feel anxious or stressed when you don’t have access to Xanax?
• Have you noticed that you need higher doses to feel the same calming effects?
• Are you using Xanax outside of what was prescribed, such as taking more than your doctor recommended?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability or shaking when you miss a dose?
• Has your Xanax use started to interfere with your work, relationships or daily responsibilities?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it might be a sign of developing or existing dependency and seeking help could be the next step.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Xanax addiction, Liberty House is here to help. Our dedicated Xanax addiction programme begins with a medically supervised detox to ensure your safety and comfort.

Once detox is complete, we offer a range of therapies, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and holistic therapies such as art and yoga to support your emotional and mental well-being.

Our aftercare services will continue to guide you on your journey to recovery, ensuring you have the support you need for long-term sobriety.

If you’re ready to reclaim your life from Xanax addiction, contact Liberty House today. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.