Alprazolam, known as Xanax, is a widely prescribed yet highly addictive drug in the U.S., with even those on medical prescriptions at risk of abuse. Knowing how to tell if someone is on Xanax is crucial for potentially saving lives, as abuse can damage relationships and harm physical and mental health. Understanding these signs can help identify if a loved one is struggling with addiction, which, though frightening, can be overcome with proper care and support.
What Is Xanax?
Belonging to a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a commonly prescribed medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and insomnia.
Xanax decreases activity in the brain and body, producing a feeling of relaxation due to being a central nervous system depressant that increases the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical messenger that stops brain signals that usually result in panic and anxiety.
Along with clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), Xanax is listed among the 200 most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.
Though Xanax is legal when prescribed, it is illegal without a prescription due to its adverse side effects and capacity for being misused. When someone is on Xanax and takes too much, it can be habit-forming and result in addiction.
What Is Xanax Abuse?
Unfortunately, Xanax is extremely addictive, and physical dependence can develop if it is taken for a prolonged period. Additionally, as the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine, Xanax is the second most common prescription medication to be involved in emergency room visits due to drug abuse. Knowing how to tell if someone is on Xanax is crucial for early intervention and recovery.
Xanax abuse arises when someone takes it against the advice of a medical professional. It can also occur if someone takes the drug when it is not prescribed. This could include taking it recreationally at a party, for example, or another event. Chronic use of Xanax and taking it in high doses can lead to Xanax addiction. Addiction differs from Xanax abuse as those suffering from addiction may find they have lost control over their drug use and may struggle to cope with sober life.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
Recognizing signs of abuse is key to identifying whether someone is on Xanax. If you suspect a loved one may be misusing Xanax and are concerned, look for specific behaviors and physical symptoms. Identifying these signs can help you take appropriate action to address the issue.
Some key indicators include:
Physical Signs:
- Drowsiness: Persistent sleepiness or lethargy, even after a full night’s rest.
- Slurring of speech: Difficulty articulating words clearly, often sounding drunk or incoherent.
- Blurry vision: Complaints of difficulty seeing or frequent squinting.
- Motor-coordination difficulty: Trouble with balance, stumbling, or clumsiness.
- Dizziness: Frequent complaints of feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Feeling weak: Generalized weakness or lack of energy.
- Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or labored breathing.
- Respiratory failure: In severe cases, this can lead to respiratory distress requiring medical intervention.
- Coma: Extreme cases of overdose can result in loss of consciousness and require immediate emergency care.
Behavioral Signs:
- Neglecting physical appearance: Noticeable decline in grooming and personal hygiene.
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities: Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyable or important.
- Shifty and secretive behavior: Increased secrecy, lying about whereabouts, or hiding drug use.
- Financial problems: Unexplained expenses, borrowing money, or stealing to support drug use.
- Relationship issues: Strained or damaged relationships with family, friends, or colleagues.
- Manipulative behavior: Using deceitful tactics to obtain more Xanax or other drugs.
The Importance of Recognizing These Signs
If you are wondering how to tell if someone is on Xanax, know that it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs. Here’s why:
- Early intervention: Recognizing the signs early can lead to timely intervention, which can prevent the situation from worsening.
- Safety: Addressing these signs can help keep the individual safe from the severe physical consequences of abuse, such as respiratory failure and coma.
- Preventing addiction: Early recognition and intervention can prevent the development of a more severe addiction.
- Support and treatment: Identifying these signs allows for the possibility of guiding the individual toward professional help and support, which is essential for recovery.
By understanding and recognizing these signs, you can take proactive steps to help your loved one and potentially save their life. If you suspect someone is abusing Xanax, consider discussing your concerns with them and seeking professional advice on the best course of action.
What to Do If a Loved One Is Abusing Xanax?
Discovering that a loved one is abusing Xanax can be distressing and overwhelming. However, taking appropriate steps can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
Here are some practical steps to take if you suspect or know that a loved one is abusing Xanax:
- Educate yourself – Learn about Xanax, its addiction potential, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Observe and document – Note behavioral and physical changes. Keep records to aid discussions with healthcare professionals.
- Communicate openly and supportively – Talk with empathy and concern. Choose a private, sober moment to discuss without being accusatory.
- Encourage professional help – Suggest seeing a doctor, therapist, or addiction specialist. Help find resources and make appointments.
- Set boundaries – Establish clear limits to protect yourself and others, avoiding enabling behaviors like giving money.
- Seek support for yourself – Join support groups for family members of individuals with substance use disorders.
- Be patient and persistent – Encourage commitment to the treatment plan. Be supportive and celebrate progress, understanding recovery is a long process.
- Consider an intervention – If necessary, arrange a professionally facilitated intervention to encourage treatment.
- Understand the risks of withdrawal – Ensure any discontinuation of Xanax is under medical supervision to manage severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Promote a healthy environment – Support a recovery-friendly lifestyle, reduce stress, and avoid triggers for substance use.
Addressing Xanax abuse in a loved one requires a compassionate and informed approach. Remember that professional guidance and support are crucial for both you and your loved one during this challenging time.
Xanax and Other Drugs
Combining Xanax with other drugs is extremely dangerous. Most fatalities involving Xanax are due to polydrug abuse, which is mixing multiple drugs.
How to tell if someone is on Xanax includes looking for the exacerbated effects when taken with other substances, which can result in death. Abusing Xanax while drinking alcohol, for example, can be life-threatening as the potency of both drugs will increase, and both are central nervous system depressants. Even taking Xanax and alcohol in small amounts is highly dangerous.
Using other drugs alongside Xanax can also result in long-term health effects such as depression, memory problems, insomnia, irritability, and addiction.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms From Xanax Addiction?
Those who use Xanax in higher doses than recommended for a long time will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when they begin treatment.
While it may seem like a good idea, quitting Xanax cold turkey can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, it is important for anyone who has become addicted to Xanax to go through the withdrawal process under the guidance of a licensed medical professional. This can be done at a drug rehab center under the supervision of a specialist and other health professionals.
Xanax withdrawal usually involves tapering the dosage slowly, which helps ease the withdrawal symptoms. However, withdrawal can still result in a range of unpleasant physical and psychological side effects. Some of the common physical symptoms include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle pain
- Shaking
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Seizures
Some psychological symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Concentration issues
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Memory loss and problems
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Suicidal thoughts
- Psychosis
Xanax Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Because Xanax is prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia, quitting the drug can result in these symptoms returning with intensity. These are known as rebound symptoms. Although they usually decrease in severity after one week, it is important to seek support from mental health services and addiction specialists to solve the underlying cause of drug addiction.
Xanax Rehab in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Substance abuse treatment is a long-term endeavor, and detoxing is just the first step. Once detox has been completed, those in recovery are advised to continue with different treatment options to ensure they maintain sobriety.
Addiction treatment options include attending support groups such as a 12-step program, seeing a mental health professional, and building a support system. Implementing healthy coping strategies will also help those in recovery stay on the right path and adopt a positive routine.
Those in need will be advised to enroll either in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program for treatment. The program best suited to them will depend on their recovery needs, the severity of their addiction, and how long they have struggled with addiction.
While many people overlook it, psychological support is vital during recovery. Getting to the root of the problem by addressing underlying mental health issues will help decrease the risk of relapse.
Learn How To Tell if Someone is on Xanax at Tulip Hill Recovery
If a loved one is struggling with Xanax abuse or addiction, the good news is that there is help available. Addiction is a disease that causes many to experience feelings of shame and isolation, so remember to be kind to anyone who may be struggling.
With the right care, advice, and support, Xanax addiction can be overcome, and a life free from substance abuse can be achieved. Contact us today to learn more about how to tell if someone is on Xanax.
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