Xanax is a prescription medication that helps treat and manage symptoms produced by most anxiety disorders. Due to its fast-acting effects, Xanax offers high potential for addiction, and is mainly intended for short-term use.

If you or someone you love has been using Xanax for an extended period of time, and have demonstrated one or more uncharacteristic behavioral symptoms, treatment for Xanax addiction can help.

When used long-term, Xanax can alter your brain’s natural chemistry and change the way you seek stimulation. This can lead to risky behavior, decreased inhibitions, and other behavioral changes that can compromise your overall livelihood and well-being.

To learn more about available treatments for Xanax addiction, call our helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to speak with an experienced, caring addiction counselor. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide you with the resources you need to become healthier and overcome Xanax addiction.

Here are 7 common behavioral symptoms that indicate you might need treatment to overcome Xanax dependency.

1. Stealing Xanax

Stealing or “borrowing” Xanax from those who also take Xanax indicates you might have an addiction. Consider why you’re stealing Xanax in the first place. Did your physician refuse to refill your prescription? Are you taking Xanax more frequently than instructed? If you’re resorting to stealing Xanax, it’s possible you’ve formed an addiction.

2. Obtaining Multiple Prescriptions

Individuals who become dependent on Xanax may visit several different doctors with hopes of obtaining multiple Xanax prescriptions. If you find yourself making appointments with lots of physicians and stretching the truth about your health history, you may be struggling with addiction.

3. Exhibiting Risky Behavior

Studies have found that long-term use of Xanax alters your brain chemistry in a way that influences you to engage in risky behavior and decision-making. If you find yourself doing risky things you normally wouldn’t do, it’s most likely because Xanax addiction has altered and disrupted your neurotransmitter balance.

4. Acting Aggressive and Violent

When taken correctly as prescribed, Xanax can help relieve anxiety by making you feel more calm and relaxed. But if you notice you generally become aggressive and violent after you’ve stopped taking Xanax, you may be experiencing withdrawal. Look into treatment for Xanax addiction immediately before you cause harm to yourself, or someone you care about.

5. Suffering in Performance at School or Work

Drug dependency can take over your life in that it can interfere with school or work responsibilities. You might feel too tired to wake up on time, or think that refilling your Xanax prescription is a higher priority. Take a moment to consider whether your school or work performance is suffering on behalf of addiction, and seek treatment immediately.

6. Neglecting Personal Responsibilities

Have you stopped spending quality time with your children since you started using Xanax? Have you recently stopped going to the gym? Have you stopped cleaning your home? Addiction of any type can interfere with your personal responsibilities, and influence you to stop practicing healthy behaviors.

7. Crushing or Chewing Xanax

Crushing, snorting, or chewing pills are common signs of addiction to prescription drugs. Individuals facing Xanax addiction will crush, snort, or chew pills to make the drug’s effects more intense. If you no longer swallow Xanax whole as instructed on your prescription label, it may be time for you to seek help for your addiction.

Overcoming Xanax addiction can help save your life, and allow you to take back control of what’s really important to you. Treatment for Xanax addiction may involve a combination of detoxification, counseling, and therapy to help you achieve lifelong sobriety and avoid relapse. The sooner you treat your addiction, the sooner you can get back to living a fuller, more satisfying and healthy life.

Do you think you might have a problem with Xanax addiction? Don’t feel scared or ashamed of seeking help for your addiction. Call our helpline at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to have a confidential conversation with an addiction counselor who can provide you with information about treatment for Xanax addiction. We’re available 24/7 to help you in your time of need, and to guide you along the path to improved health and a Xanax-free life.