Users experience peak effects for hours after the drug kicks in. Others use it as part of their prescription or for self-medication to manage anxiety or panic.
Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders such as PTSD , and sometimes depression. While increasingly replaced by other drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for these purposes, Xanax has been prescribed for these purposes for decades.
Here, Xanax is dependence inducing in that individuals can become both physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Tolerance — The individual develops tolerance to the drug, meaning that the same dose has less or no effect. Many individuals will simply increase the dose to maintain the same effect.
Xanax users develop tolerance quickly, which is why modern prescriptions recommend a maximum of 5 weeks of usage. They begin to maintain a dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms like sweating, nausea, stomach pain, shaking, and even seizures. This can quickly result in addiction and seeking behavior because of constant exposure to the drug. Seeking Behavior — Individuals go out of their way to acquire and take Xanax, may acquire it illegally, may commit crimes to acquire Xanax, and will take Xanax in situations where it might put their personal safety or that of others at risk.
At this stage, the individual is considered to be an addict. Xanax is also increasingly popular as a recreational drug, where users will take a Xanax to relax, to feel better, or to supplement or replace other intoxicants like alcohol. Here, Xanax is typically used recreationally in clubs, at parties, and by individuals to relax. However, this recreational use is not common for persons with Xanax prescriptions.
Instead, recreational Xanax users typically source Xanax from street sellers, friends, family members, or through theft. But, millions of people abuse it every year, often without a prescription. Decrease of inhibition is highly characteristic of Xanax abuse, and is part of its allure for many who take the drug to overcome shyness or to quell the self-censor so they can have a good time without worrying about consequences.
As a result of a lowering of inhibitions, Xanax abusers may engage in risky behavior, making spur-of-the-moment decisions that are not well thought out. Withdrawal reactions can occur when someone who takes Xanax suddenly stops taking it.
Abruptly discontinuing the medication can cause seizures. Symptoms usually start to kick in days after the last Xanax dose and can last between weeks. Addiction is another concern, particularly among those who have been taking Xanax for a long time. Once Xanax abuse crosses over to addiction, only medically-supervised detox and treatment can help restore normal functioning. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated , people had tranquilizer use disorder in Benzodiazepines like Xanax are tranquilizers, a highly-addictive class of drug.
As for current tranquilizer misuse in the U. When taken as prescribed and exactly as directed by a physician, Xanax should not cause overdose. However, when someone takes more of Xanax that called for, overdose can occur, leading to coma or death. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC published in January shows that overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines among middle-aged women increased percent from There is a way out of the nightmare of , and it involves detoxing from the substance, entering inpatient or outpatient treatment that combines counseling, behavioral therapies, relaxation techniques, support groups and more.
Co-occurring dual diagnosis prescription drug addiction and mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder , can also be successfully treated, as can polydrug addiction.
There are alternatives to pills to get your life back. Benzo Withdrawal Timeline. Do I Need Xanax Rehab? Xanax Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline. Those prescribed Xanax should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following: Agitation Confusion Depressed mood Fluttering in the chest, pounding heartbeat Hallucinations Hostility Increased energy Muscle movements that are uncontrolled Racing thoughts Risk-taking behavior that is unusual Thoughts of suicide or self-harm Common Xanax side effects to be aware of include early morning anxiousness, balance or coordination loss, drowsiness, fatigue, memory problems, or slurred speech.
Ways People Abuse Xanax In an effort to enhance the effects of the medication, Xanax abusers often crush the pills and snort them. Xanax Withdrawal Withdrawal reactions can occur when someone who takes Xanax suddenly stops taking it. People may also be addicted to Xanax if they do not have a prescription and are getting Xanax illegally.
What are the side effects of Xanax? The physical symptoms of Xanax addiction or abuse mimic extreme drunkenness and can also be similar to some of the physical signs of opiate abuse. Some of the most common physical symptoms of Xanax addiction or abuse are:.
While these are common physical signs of substance abuse, Xanax symptoms in an abuser may be similar to those common to alcohol abuse and opiate abuse. Although Xanax can be abused by itself, many addicts will combine multiple drugs to create a more intense high. Benzos such as Xanax have been a significant factor in overdose deaths in the past few years. Mixing other drugs or alcohol with Xanax, especially in high doses, is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
Polydrug use involving Xanax is a popular way to experience a different type of high than Xanax alone provides. Stimulants are often used with Xanax to counter the depressant effects leaving a relaxing sensation while feeling alert and awake. If the symptoms of Xanax addiction described above are all too familiar and you need help, please contact us today at It is possible to live a life without Xanax. We can show you how.
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