Xanax is a brand of one of the most prescribed drugs on the market called Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” are a class of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for many mental disorders and illnesses. They are used to treat moderate to severe anxiety, panic attacks, epileptic seizures, and even withdrawal symptoms from other central nervous system drugs that are depressants like alcohol. Because this drug can be highly addictive, Xanax is generally prescribed for short-term use.
Xanax should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor. When a person starts to build up a tolerance and then takes more than prescribed they could become addicted and start abusing the drug. Because A doctor prescribes Xanax, many people might not think they pose as a danger or know the associated with these drugs, yet Xanax abuse can lead to addiction, physical dependence, tolerance, and risk of overdose.
Learn The Signs And Symptoms Of Xanax Misuse
The signs and symptoms of shat are abusing Xanax can vary with the individual and may be hard to recognize if you’re not done with what symptoms to look out for. Xanax abuse has a range of psychological, physical, and social effects that can drastically reduce people’s quality of living.
What Are Some Signs Of Xanax Abuse?
- Behavioral Changes
A person who begins abusing Xanax may show subtle to apparent behavioral changes such as extreme drowsiness, lethargy, lack of interest in inactivates, and other similar symptoms. This is because Xanax contains properties, which relax, depress, sedate, and/or slow body functions.
- Physical Changes
Because Xanax is a prescription drug, a person abusing them may experience physical changes or side effects such as constipation, low sex drive, headache, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and salivation.
- “Doctor Shopping”
Someone who has started abusing Xanax will eventually run out of their prescription and have to find more. Since their main doctor won’t give them another prescription before it’s due to renew the prescription, they will have to go around “doctor shopping.” This is where you find other doctors to give you a prescription.
- Increased Health Risks
A person who abuses Xanax may experience several increased health risks as a result. First, because Xanax can make people sluggish and lazy, this inactivity may lead to a lack of eating and increased sleeping, which can mean weight loss and poor nutrition and eventually affect overall health.
- Mixing Xanax With Alcohol And Other Drugs
The most dangerous health risks come from mixing Xanax with other drugs, particularly other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. Because the drugs elicit similar reactions within the body, mixing the two often amplifies the effects of each substance and may cause an overdose.
- Seeking Other Ways To Get Drugs
When a person can no longer get their prescription of Xanax, they may resort to other ways of getting the drug. This may be by doctor shopping, stealing from friends and family, and other unsavory ways.
- Signs Of Addiction Or Dependence
Abuse of Xanax can quickly lead to addiction and dependence due to the highly addictive nature of the drugs. A person abusing benzodiazepines may become addicted or dependent within just a couple of weeks.
Get Treatment For Xanax Abuse Today
Asking for help is an important first step. If you — or your loved one — are ready to get treatment, it may be helpful to reach out to a supportive friend or family member for support. Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be more severe than that of other benzodiazepines. Mild withdrawal symptoms can occur after taking the drug for as little as one week if stopped abruptly. Xanax is safe when taken as prescribed. Detoxification (detox) is a process aimed at helping you safely stop taking Xanax while minimizing and managing your withdrawal symptoms.
Detox is usually done in a hospital or rehabilitation facility under medical supervision. In many cases, Xanax use is discontinued over time. Instead, it may be swapped for another longer-acting benzodiazepine. In both cases, you take less and less of the drug until it’s out of your system. This process is called tapering and can take up to 6 weeks. In some cases, it can take longer. Your doctor might also prescribe other medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction Recovery Institute Of America And Xanax Addiction Recovery
When it comes to finding a quality addiction treatment and detox program, the Addiction Recovery Institute of America can provide the help you or your loved one needs. Our team provides multiple levels of care and makes a point of constructing an individualized path from addiction to recovery. This treatment most often starts in medically supervised detox with helpful medications provided for safety and comfort.