Xanax misuse or abuse can lead to serious consequences affecting individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Understanding the signs of abuse, risks involved, and recovery is possible with Xanax abuse and detox treatment can be beneficial when someone is grappling with Xanax addiction.
What Is Xanax Abuse?
Xanax abuse refers to the improper or excessive use of the prescription drug alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name Xanax. While intended for short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, some individuals may misuse or abuse Xanax for its euphoric effects.
This can involve taking higher doses than prescribed, using it without a legitimate medical need, combining it with other substances such as alcohol or opioids, or seeking the drug from illicit sources. Xanax abuse poses significant risks to physical health and mental well-being, potentially leading to addiction, dependence, and various negative consequences in one’s life.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
Signs of Xanax abuse can manifest in various ways and vary from person to person. However, several common indicators could suggest someone is misusing or abusing Xanax:
- Taking Higher Doses: Taking larger amounts than prescribed or using it more frequently than recommended.
- Seeking Multiple Prescriptions: “Doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers.
- Changes in Behavior: Exhibiting noticeable changes in their behavior, such as increased aggression, irritability, or mood swings.
- Social Withdrawal: Isolating from family and friends and losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Financial Difficulties: Experiencing financial strain or resorting to illegal activities to support their habit.
- Relationship Problems: Abusing Xanax can lead to strained relationships with loved ones.
- Physical Symptoms: Some physical signs of Xanax abuse include drowsiness, slurred speech, coordination issues, slowed reflexes, and memory problems.
- Neglecting Obligations: Neglecting work, school, or other responsibilities due to their preoccupation with obtaining and using Xanax.
- Drug-seeking Behavior: Those addicted to Xanax often engage in deceptive behaviors, such as stealing Xanax from someone that needs it, stealing money, or engaging in questionable practices to obtain it illegally.
How Xanax Impacts the Body
Xanax affects the body by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps regulate brain activity and produces a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS).
When Xanax is ingested, it quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches peak concentration within 1 to 2 hours. It binds to specific receptors in the brain that are involved in stress response and anxiety regulation. As a result, Xanax reduces excessive neuronal firing, leading to sedation, relaxation of muscles, decreased anxiety levels, and a feeling of calmness.
Misuse or abuse can lead to various physical effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or constipation. Additionally, prolonged use can alter brain chemistry, leading to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using it.
Dangers of Mixing Xanax with Alcohol
Mixing Xanax with alcohol can be extremely dangerous. Both substances are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow down brain activity. When taken together, they intensify each other’s effects, leading to severe impairment and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Combining Xanax and alcohol can increase sedation, drowsiness, confusion, memory problems, impaired judgment, and slowed reflexes. There is also an increased risk of accidents, falls, or other injuries.
One of the most concerning risks of mixing Xanax and alcohol is they can cause severe suppression of respiratory function, leading to difficulty breathing or even complete cessation of breathing altogether. This dangerous effect can be fatal.
Additionally, combining Xanax and alcohol can increase the risk of overdose. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, coma or death.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms
The timeline and symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as the duration of use, dosage, and individual physiology. Generally, Xanax withdrawal follows a predictable pattern with distinct stages.
Early Withdrawal (Within 6-12 hours):
In this initial stage, individuals may experience anxiety rebound, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, muscle tension or cramps, sweating, and increased heart rate.
Acute Withdrawal (Days 1-4):
During this stage, symptoms tend to peak in intensity. Common symptoms include heightened anxiety or panic attacks, tremors, shaking hands, agitation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, heightened sensory perception, confusion, concentration problems, and increased heart rate.
Subacute Withdrawal (Days 5-14):
Symptoms gradually diminish during this stage but can still persist. These may include lingering anxiety or depression-like symptoms, insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns, mood swings and irritability, fatigue, or low energy levels.
Protracted Withdrawal (Two Weeks and Beyond):
Some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms that can last months after quitting Xanax. These symptoms often include persistent anxiety or depression, difficulty focusing or concentrating, memory issues, lingering cravings for Xanax, and emotional instability.
It’s important to note that the severity and duration of Xanax withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Withdrawal from Xanax abuse and detox should be done under medical supervision to ensure safety and provide appropriate support during this challenging process.
Customized Xanax Abuse and Detox Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
Taking the first steps to recovery from Xanax abuse is something no one has to do alone. At Tulip Hill Recovery in Murfreesboro, TN, we provide a caring, safe, compassionate, and supportive environment with personalized treatment plans to help you be successful in recovery. Start your treatment by contacting us today.
