Prescription drug use outside of the way it was prescribed continues to rise in the United States. While many medications are extremely useful when taken as prescribed, they can easily become dangerous when taken in excess or in a manner that does not reflect a physician’s intention. In 2008, 14,800 people died as a result overdosing on prescription medication. Xanax is no exception as Xanax addiction is a growing problem in the United States. In fact, nearly half of those deaths involved taking a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, the class of drugs that Xanax belongs to. 
Xanax, and all benzodiazepines, have a depressive effect on the central nervous system and work by slowing down the brain. While this type of reaction can help those with anxiety and panic disorders, Xanax can have a negative effect on the body including:
- Increased anxiety and feelings of depression
- Slowed rate of breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Death
People with Xanax addiction can find it nearly impossible to stop using the substance on their own. This is because benzodiazepines have a real effect on the human body. This negative effect results in a cycle of substance abuse:
- Ingesting Xanax
- The amount of neurotransmitters in the brain is dramatically increased resulting in a high feeling
- The brain attempts to return to normal levels and purges neurotransmitters, which are necessary to be able to feel pleasure. This purge results in coming down off of the high
- Due to the lack of neurotransmitters, the individual finds it nearly impossible to experience pleasure.
- The individual ingests additional Xanax to feel better
Located in the Bay Area, Summit Estate Recovery Center provides high quality rehab treatment in a luxury setting. Their 23 acre estate, comprised of hiking trails, orchards, gardens and lawns, provides the ideal setting for clients to focus on their recovery. Their 30 staff members focus on the specific needs of each of the six clients they have at a time. By limiting the number of clients, Summit Estate has an unmatched client to staff ratio, allowing Summit Estate to provide the specific treatment each client needs for success. For additional information on the Xanax addiction recovery program at Summit Estate, complete the form on this site or give them a call at 800-701-6997. Thank you.
