Xanax is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. This consequently helps people manage their anxiety so that they can fulfill their daily responsibilities. With its calming and relaxing effects, it is not uncommon for users to become addicted to Xanax.
Addiction to Xanax comes with many dangers. However, knowing what Xanax is and how Xanax is used can make identifying it easier. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be addicted to Xanax, reach out to the professional staff at Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to learn more about how a Xanax addiction treatment program can help end the substance use disorder.
Risks of Xanax Use
Prolonged, un-prescribed use of Xanax brings many risks and dangers. Those who abuse Xanax may experience side effects such as insomnia, low energy, dizziness, lack of coordination, and even short-term memory loss. It can lead to an increased risk of dementia, hallucinations, and mental illness for regular users.
The risks associated with Xanax use often lie in the behaviors and outcomes, more so than the use itself. Some common behaviors which may lead to dangerous or unhealthy situations include:
- Seeking Xanax pills from friends and family to satisfy the urge
- Buying Xanax through any means necessary, even if illegal
- Increasing the dosage to achieve the same high
- Visiting multiple doctors to get additional Xanax pills
- Personal, professional, and financial problems as a result of using Xanax
- Experiencing legal issues such as arrest
- Participating in risky behaviors
- Loss of interest in hobbies or other activities that were once important to your life
Many who may begin using Xanax to alleviate anxiety symptoms may not quite understand the risks of Xanax use and how easily tolerance and dependence develop.
How is Xanax Used
Xanax can be ingested in many ways. While some people consume multiple pills at a time, others crush and snort it, while others inject Xanax. It is very common for people to mix Xanax with other drugs such as heroin and methadone to achieve a greater high. This practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to respiratory failure and ultimately overdose.
Another common concoction among those who abuse Xanax is mixing Xanax with alcohol. As alcohol is also a suppressant, it tends to impair a person’s brain, motor skills, concentration and even lead to difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Unfortunately, the body can easily become dependent on Xanax, forcing a person to take more of the drug to achieve the same effect as before, building up one’s tolerance to the drug and eventually leading to addiction. Learning to spot symptoms of Xanax use makes it easier to get the help one needs to kick the habit and start on the road to recovery.
Symptoms may include:
- Slurred speech
- Blurry vision
- Excessive drowsiness
- Stomach upset
Symptoms often resemble other substance use disorders, requiring help from experienced treatment professionals.
Can I Stop Using Xanax?
Regular users of Xanax cannot stop without avoiding withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Excessive sweating
- Seizures
- Blurry vision
- Unusually aggressive behavior
- Short-term memory loss
- Suicidal thoughts
The dangers of Xanax use and abuse far outweigh the temporary high users feel, and therefore, Xanax addiction treatment is necessary. Bayview Recovery provides medically-assisted detox programs to help clients safely stop using Xanax.
Bayview Recovery Supports Lifelong Recovery from Xanax Addiction
There is nothing to be ashamed of in admitting that you need help to end your addiction to Xanax. The dangers of Xanax—not just to users—but to other people are greater than what it will take for you to begin your recovery journey.
Bayview Recovery provides many options for people looking to end their addiction, including intensive outpatient, residential treatment, and partial hospitalization programs. Moreover, our aftercare program helps clients who have finished treatment to adjust to their new sober lifestyle and maintain lifelong sobriety.
Contact us at 855.478.3650 to learn more about how you or a loved one can start today.
