Most of us would agree that even prescription drugs can be addictive. The problem is, even if we stop using a particular drug, the effects can last long after the fact. In fact, many drugs stay in your body in some form or another for a long time after you’ve stopped using them. This can make it difficult to truly get on the path to recovery and to return to everyday day-to-day life. It can often be difficult to get a job and perform life activities while still having drugs in your system, even if the drug was one that was prescribed. 

At Principles Recovery, we know that addiction is a lifelong struggle and that returning to everyday life means getting the treatment you need and getting completely free of the drug. To help you understand how certain drugs affect you and stay in your system, we will look at the commonly prescribed drug Xanax. We will look at what Xanax is, how it is used, how long can Xanax last in your system, and how to find outpatient Xanax treatment in South Florida. 

How Long Xanax Stays in Your System

Like any drug, Xanax has a half-life. This equates to the amount of time a single dose of the medication remains in your system after usage.

The test performed and the amount used are the key determining factors in whether or not Xanax is still detectable in your system. The most common test for Xanax is a urine test. For light to average users, Xanax can stay detectable for up to 4 days. For heavier or chronic users or abusers, Xanax can stay detectable via a urine test for up to 7 days. 

Blood and hair follicle tests can detect the drug for much longer than standard tests. However, even occasional users may have Xanax detectable in their system for up to 90 days. The effects of the drug will wear off long before the drug clears the body, which can mean that a person has quit using but still has some of the drugs in their system. 

What is Xanax? 

Xanax is a specific brand name of the drug Alprazolam. Xanax and its generic counterpart are in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Xanax and this class of drugs work by acting on the brain and central nervous system to alter or enhance the effect of certain chemicals that occur in the body. 

One of the reasons that Xanax is potentially addictive is how it interacts with the brain and body. Over time the body adjusts to the drug, and it requires more and more of the drug to achieve the desired results. Eventually, the central nervous system and brain becomes dependent on the drug to function, leading to addiction. 

How is Xanax Used? 

Xanax is prescribed and taken orally by mouth, most often in pill form. It is used to treat mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It works by calming the brain and nervous signals that cause panic and anxiety attacks. Some people ask to be described different substances than Xanax to avoid addictive anxiety treatments.

While the most common form of the drug is a pill, there are also other forms (such as a concentrated liquid) that can be prescribed. The dosage and form of the drug are based on the needs of the person. Xanax may also be prescribed with other drugs to treat specific disorders, including seizures, agoraphobia, and premenstrual syndrome.

How to Find Outpatient Xanax Treatment

The first step to finding treatment for Xanax addiction is recognizing you have a problem and that the safest course of action is to get treatment at a licensed treatment facility near you. When you’re ready to seek treatment, the next step is to come to Principles Recovery, your go-to addiction treatment center in South Florida. 

At Principles Recovery Center, we treat all our clients like family. Our goal is to treat the addiction, not the drug. We offer a broad spectrum of treatment options and have care programs designed to maximize the chances of successfully getting and staying sober. Our outpatient program for Xanax is perfect for those that need treatment but want to maintain their everyday a life, but still get the care they need to be free of Xanax addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, give Principles Recovery a call today!

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky( Medical Director )

Dr. Carlos Satulovsky is a board-certified psychiatrist and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Facultad De Ciencias Medicas/Universidad Nacional. He is affiliated with medical facilities North Shore Medical Center.