Key Takeaways
- Regular use of Xanax for sleep can lead to dependency and addiction, disrupting natural sleep cycles and overall health.
- Safer alternatives like cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic sleep solutions, and non-addictive medications are available and effective.
- Xanax addiction treatment, including detox, therapy, and withdrawal support, is essential for recovery and long-term wellness.
Can You Be Addicted to Xanax for Sleep?
Learn More about Xanax and If It’s Possible to Get Addicted to It.
Doctors prescribe Xanax (the brand name for alprazolam) as a short-term treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. However, taking Xanax long-term or at higher doses can cause harm and could lead to addiction. Because it has a calming effect, people may begin to use it to fight insomnia. But there are better solutions for getting a good night’s sleep that are not habit-forming.
Xanax and similar sedatives can disrupt the brain’s natural sleep cycle and lead to dependence over time. If you’re using them to manage insomnia, it may be time to consider safer, long-term solutions.
Ocean Hills Recovery offers support for those seeking healthier ways to rest and recover.
What Kind of Drug Is Xanax, and What Happens When you Take it?
Xanax is included in a class of Benzodiazepines, often referred to as “benzos.” These mimic receptors that increase the brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down the activity of neurons, resulting in a relaxing, calming effect. Xanax is available in tablets, taken by mouth as 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 milligrams.
Xanax is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and you can feel its effects within an hour.[1] Those who have a Xanax prescription for a panic disorder know how effective it is for inducing relaxation. They may decide to take it before bed if they’re having a problem falling asleep. But the reason Xanax (and the other benzos) are prescribed short-term is because they can be habit-forming.
They are especially addictive if they’re taken in higher doses than prescribed or used over a long period of time. Your brain develops a tolerance to the drug, and you’ll require more of it to feel the same effects you experienced when you first began using it.
Can You be Addicted to Xanax for Sleep? What are the Signs?
Dr. John Mendelson, an expert in addiction and clinical psychopharmacology, warns that tolerance to Xanax can build up within a week or two if you take it every night. You may become dependent on the drug to fall asleep, and you could develop withdrawal symptoms if you stop. Ironically, one of the withdrawal symptoms is insomnia, which may lead you to take even more of the drug and eventually become addicted to it.
Some of the warning signs that you may be addicted to Xanax for sleep include:
- You need to take more of the drug to achieve the kind of effect it gave you when you first started taking it.
- You take it for a longer period of time than was originally intended.
- You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, aches and pains, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision, nausea, shakiness, nightmares, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.
- You always need to have a supply of the drug and feel panicky if you begin to run out.
- Engage in risky or dangerous behaviors to get a bigger supply of the drug.
- You feel such an urge to use it that you can’t focus on anything else.
- Much of your time is spent trying to get the drug or recover from side effects/withdrawal symptoms.
- You use it even though it’s leading to health problems and other difficulties in managing your life.
- Participation in high-risk behaviors while using the drug, such as driving or having unprotected sex.
- You try to stop using it, but can’t.
How Xanax Affects Sleep Cycles
While Xanax can help people fall asleep quickly, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle. Benzodiazepines reduce time spent in deep and REM sleep, both of which are critical for mental and physical restoration. Long-term use may result in poor sleep quality, fatigue, and worsened anxiety, the very symptoms the drug is meant to relieve.
Risk Factors That Increase Dependency
Several factors can make Xanax dependence more likely:
- Personal or family history of addiction
- Chronic stress or mental health disorders
- Lack of healthy sleep hygiene
- Use of alcohol or other substances alongside Xanax
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
Safer Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
It is safe to take Xanax once in a while. But if you’re regularly having trouble falling asleep, you may want to try safer alternative methods for curing your insomnia.
There are other medications prescribed specifically for insomnia that will not lead to tolerance or cause side effects. But even an OTC medication like diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl) may be safe to use for occasional sleeplessness. Natural remedies, including yoga and meditation, may provide good results. Some people find that drinking green tea or using CBD products helps them relax.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may lead you to discover the source of your sleeping issues and help you to change thoughts and behaviors that were thwarting your efforts to relax. You can also try to establish a bedtime routine, avoid caffeine or alcohol products too close to bedtime, and get more exercise daily.
How to Stop Using Xanax for Sleep Safely
Quitting Xanax abruptly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. It’s critical to taper the medication under medical supervision. A professional medical detox program may be necessary for those with long-term or high-dose use. A physician may recommend alternative sleep aids during this process.
Therapy and support groups can also help address the psychological aspect of addiction. Learning healthy coping strategies is essential for maintaining long-term recovery.
The Role of Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax addiction treatment is often necessary for those who have developed a dependency on the drug. Treatment typically begins with a medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. After detox, a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment may be used to promote long-term sobriety. At Ocean Hills Recovery, our Xanax addiction treatment plans are tailored to each client’s needs, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support and Relapse Prevention
Support during benzodiazepine withdrawal is critical. Benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, and even seizures, can occur when quitting Xanax. Medical supervision ensures a safer, gradual tapering process. Ongoing therapy, peer support groups, and relapse prevention planning all contribute to a successful recovery. Ocean Hills Recovery provides a full spectrum of benzodiazepine withdrawal support for those ready to regain control of their lives.
Holistic Sleep Solutions for Long-Term Relief
Holistic sleep solutions offer long-term alternatives to medication-based sleep aids. These can include stress management techniques like mindfulness, breathwork, or progressive muscle relaxation. Lifestyle changes such as consistent sleep schedules, reduced screen time, and sleep-promoting nutrition can also make a big difference. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we incorporate these methods into our treatment programs to help clients develop sustainable, drug-free approaches to better sleep.
Recovery from Xanax Sleep Use Starts Here
If you recognize yourself in any of the above warning signs for Xanax addiction, help is available. Ocean Hills Recovery treats individuals to address their unique experiences with drug misuse and abuse. We’ll help you identify the underlying reasons that led you to become addicted to Xanax. Our staff can teach you important tools to help you manage and cope once you’ve conquered your physical addiction.
Please get in touch with us if you’re struggling, and we can work together to find a rehab program that will work best for you.
FAQs
- Is Xanax safe to take for sleep on occasion?
Xanax may be safe when taken occasionally and as prescribed by a doctor. However, using it regularly for sleep increases the risk of dependency and may lead to addiction. - How do I know if I’m addicted to Xanax?
Signs of Xanax addiction include needing higher doses to fall asleep, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and continuing use despite negative consequences. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. - Can stopping Xanax suddenly be dangerous?
Yes, abruptly stopping Xanax can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. A medically supervised tapering plan is strongly recommended to ensure safety. - Are there treatments specifically for Xanax addiction?
Yes. Xanax addiction treatment may include medically supervised detox, behavioral therapy, and long-term support through outpatient or residential rehab programs. Ocean Hills Recovery offers customized treatment plans tailored to each individual. - What are effective alternatives to Xanax for treating insomnia?
Effective alternatives include non-habit-forming sleep aids, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic sleep solutions such as meditation, exercise, and sleep hygiene practices.
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