Xanax is used for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms – but does Xanax help with chronic pain? According to an extensive study published by the US National Library of Medicine, Xanax is more commonly being used for the treatment of chronic pain than ever before. (1) The study explains that as part of a comprehensive experiment, 100 men and women who experienced chronic pain were given 1.5 mg of the medication daily in a controlled environment. No other medications were administered at the time. Before the study was complete 16 patients had removed themselves from the study and one had died. Out of the 83 remaining individuals, a staggering 61 had shown immense improvement. Their chronic pain levels had been effectively treated, and they were far more comfortable than they had been in quite some time.
It is important to understand, however, that wherever Xanax is concerned there is no entirely safe use – no matter what the medication is prescribed for, it has a high potential for abuse. Men and women who take Xanax for chronic pain are just as likely to develop a physical and psychological dependency down the line as those who take the medication to treat anxiety.
What is Xanax Used For?
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, one that is mostly prescribed for the treatment of severe anxiety-related disorders like persistent panic attacks. Because Xanax is so habit-forming and because substance dependence can develop so quickly when this substance is concerned, prescribing psychiatric doctors typically only prescribe the medication to be taken short-term (at the onset of a panic attack, for example). Despite its addictive nature, this prescription medication is one of the most prescribed throughout the United States.
Seeing that Xanax is a benzodiazepine, it is a prescription tranquilizer – one with a high potential for abuse and one that can result in severe withdrawal-related symptoms when consistently abused for any significant length of time. If an individual is not slowly tapered off the drug in a medical detoxification setting, he or she is liable to experience serious and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms including seizure and coma. Some benzodiazepines are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in a medical detox environment. However, if the drug is not carefully administered, and if use is not monitored by a medical professional, the medication can ultimately wind up doing more harm than good.
How Does Xanax Help Ease Chronic Pain?
Xanax, primarily prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, can sometimes provide relief from certain types of pain due to its sedative and muscle-relaxing effects. The drug belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. By increasing GABA activity, Xanax can induce feelings of calmness and relaxation, which can indirectly alleviate pain associated with tension or anxiety.
Additionally, Xanax can help reduce muscle spasms and tension, which are common contributors to certain types of pain. However, it’s essential to note that Xanax is not specifically designed to treat pain, and its effectiveness in this regard varies from person to person. Misuse or overuse of Xanax can lead to dependence, addiction, and other serious health risks, so it should only be used as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
Signs of Xanax abuse can manifest in various ways, indicating both physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Physically, individuals abusing Xanax may exhibit symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and dizziness.
They might also experience shallow breathing, blurred vision, and weakness. Psychologically, signs may include increased tolerance to the drug, meaning higher doses are required to achieve the same effects, cravings for Xanax, and continued use despite negative consequences. Behavioral changes like social withdrawal, neglecting responsibilities, and engaging in risky behaviors to obtain more Xanax can also be indicative of abuse. Individuals may exhibit mood swings, agitation, irritability, and anxiety when not using Xanax, further highlighting dependence.
Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and seeking appropriate treatment for Xanax abuse.
Agape Treatment Center – Comprehensive Clinical Care
At Agape Treatment Center, we effectively treat men and women of all ages who are suffering from Xanax abuse disorders of any severity. In many cases, when an individual has prescribed a medication like Xanax by a trusted medical professional, he or she fails to grasp the potential dangers involved in taking more than prescribed. “It was given to me by a doctor, why would a doctor prescribe something that could be dangerous or habit-forming,” the individual might think. Note that Xanax absolutely can be habit-forming and can lead to serious health-related complications down the road when taken in a higher dose than advised. If you have a family history of substance abuse and you were given this medication to treat chronic pain, ask your physician if there are any alternative options.
If you are currently suffering from a Xanax abuse disorder, give us a call today to discuss our comprehensive and personalized program of inpatient addiction treatment. The moment you call our treatment advisors will begin developing a viable plan of action. We understand how crucial it is that those who have been struggling with Xanax abuse receive professional medical care immediately – for this reason, we have developed a quick and straightforward admissions process to get you started on your recovery journey today.
