What is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a potent benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, panic disorders, or insomnia. It acts quickly within the body taken in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid. Thus, producing a calming effect by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity.
Due to its fast-acting nature, Xanax is often used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms. However, its potential for dependence and addiction has led to increasing concerns regarding its misuse. Particularly when used for extended periods or in higher doses than prescribed.
Chronic use of Xanax can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, highlighting the importance of cautious prescribing practices and close monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Xanax is commonly misused due to its sedative and euphoric effects. It is used recreationally alongside marijuana and alcohol. In addition, Xanax is also used in “speedballs” that include stimulants like Adderall or cocaine. For this reason, it is made and sold on the street. Street drugs can be counterfeit, containing unknown substances in unknown amounts. Xanax is sometimes sold laced with opioids including fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and death.
Misusing Xanax greatly increases the risks of addiction. Fortunately, our Xanax addiction treatment center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee offers safe and effective services and programs to help clients overcome Xanax addiction.
Street Names For Xanax and Other Benzodiazepines
- School bus
- Bars
- Bicycle handlebars
- Sticks
- Xanies
- Footballs
- Hulk
- Zbars
- Benzos
- Blues
- Ladders
- Planks
- Chill Pills
- Downers
- Nerve pills
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Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Xanax produces rapid, powerful changes in the brain. Because of this, it is one of the most addictive medications on the market. Struggling with addiction not only harms the body but also one’s emotional well-being. Therefore, it helps to readily identify signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction.
Identifying Xanax addiction requires keen observation. The signs we’ve noted at our Xanax addiction treatment center in Murfreesboro, range from the physical to the behavioral. Some of the most telling indicators include:
- Increased tolerance to Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the desired effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop Xanax use, such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and tremors.
- Neglecting responsibilities and social activities due to preoccupation with obtaining and using Xanax.
- Continued use of Xanax despite experiencing negative consequences, such as problems at work, school, or in relationships.
- Cravings or compulsions to use Xanax, often lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
- Physical signs of Xanax addiction may include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination.
- Psychological symptoms can include mood swings, heightened anxiety, depression, and changes in behavior or personality.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence of Xanax or combining it with other substances.
- Spending significant time and effort obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Xanax.
- Developing a psychological dependence on Xanax to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, leading to an inability to function without the drug.
Attempts to control the addiction lead to feelings of shame. As a result, people suffering from addiction have low self-esteem. At our Xanax addiction treatment centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we understand and treat both physical and psychological dependence.
Xanax Deadly Drug Interactions
Although Xanax helps many people, it can sometimes lead to addiction. Moreover, this is especially true if someone has a substance use disorder. It can interact with several other medications and alcohol. Side effects are greatly increased when misused. People who take Xanax with alcohol or other CNS (central nervous system) depressants risk severe complications, overdose, or death.
When someone takes too much Xanax, they may just become drowsy and fall asleep. An overdose may not be recognized at first. It may appear to be alcohol intoxication, with confusion, slurred speech, and stumbling. However, at higher doses or mixed with other depressants, breathing can stop.
Overdose Symptoms
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Depressed respiration
- Coma
- Death
Combining Xanax with alcohol or illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, can prove to be a deadly cocktail. The National Institute on Drug Addition states in 2020, 16% of overdose deaths involving opioids also involved drugs like Xanax. Long-term effects of an overdose can be brain damage, kidney, liver, and heart damage.
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