Xanax is a common brand name for Alprazolam and comes from the benzodiazepine drug family. It is a powerful tranquilizer often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
You should only take Xanax if you have a genuine prescription from a licensed medical professional. Self-medicating with Xanax prescribed to someone else, even if you think you need it, is considered misuse. Other forms of misuse include taking more Xanax than your prescribed dose or prolonging use for longer than stated. You should never take prescription medication intended for someone else as this could lead to health problems.
Some people take Xanax for euphoric "nod" rather than its intended purpose, which is considered drug abuse. A common form of abuse involves crushing Xanax pills for snorting. Snorting Xanax can cause addiction, overdose, and other health problems.
If you are abusing Xanax, talk to someone such as a friend, helpline, or medical professional. There are many people wanting to offer help and support without judgment and shame.
Cirque Lodge is one of the country's most trusted addiction treatment centers. We provide personalized treatment plans for each client, allowing you to get the best care. Talk to us for confidential advice about your Xanax addiction and start your substance abuse treatment today.
You may be prescribed Xanax if you suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or panic attacks. When used correctly, it is an effective medication.
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down messages sent between the brain and body. Due to this, taking Xanax can cause side effects such as:
Xanax is from a class of psychoactive drugs called benzodiazepines. Another common benzo is diazepam which is known as Valium. Although these are prescription medication, they are dangerous and can be just as deadly as any street drug when abused.
Benzodiazepine abuse is on the rise, with experts worrying that it may become the next big drug epidemic. This is why it is important than ever to understand the risks of Xanax abuse.
If you have been prescribed Xanax, it is important you take it as stated only. Misuse can lead to health problems including overdose and addiction. You might think you have your Xanax abuse under control, but you are lying to yourself. Eventually drug abuse catches up with everybody, and sometimes with devastating consequences.
Something to be aware of is the existence of "fake Xanax" which is a street drug sold as Xanax but could contain other substances such as fentanyl which can increase the risk of overdose.
The first step to a better future is admitting you have a problem. Talking to someone can make all the difference. Free yourself from Xanax abuse today with our Cirque Lodge treatment programs.
Xanax misuse and abuse are similar and both dangerous, but the difference is intent. Xanax abuse occurs when you take the drug for something other than its intended purposes, such as a euphoric high. This is also known as substance abuse.
Xanax abuse can look like:
Xanax usually comes in pill form and is taken orally. Chewing Xanax breaks down the substance and allows it to enter the bloodstream quicker. Crushing and snorting Xanax is the fastest way for it to enter the bloodstream.
Much like with heroin, Xanax is sometimes taken by heating on tin foil and inhaling, or dissolving with water and injecting. These methods bring additional risks such as lung problems and blood infections.
There is also an extended release tablet called Xanax XR which is designed to release the drug into the system over a longer period of time. When Xanax XR is crushed, this can cause increased risk of overdose.
Other risks of a Xanax overdose include combining the drug with alcohol or other drugs, especially depressants such as marijuana and opioids. An overdose is always a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
People snort Xanax for rapid onset effects such as a euphoric high. Crushing and snorting Xanax pills is a quick way of getting the drug into your bloodstream. Not only has this been found to not necessarily be true, it is also incredibly dangerous and never worth it.
Snorting Xanax can cause short and long term health issues. Side effects of snorting xanax include:
Snorting Xanax can also lead to a fatal overdose. If you suspect someone is suffering from a Xanax overdose, call 911 and stay with them until help arrives. Signs of a Xanax overdose include:
If you snort Xanax, it is important to seek medical advice. This can feel daunting, but many people turn to help for their Xanax abuse and you are not alone. The quicker you receive help, the easier your recovery will be.
Xanax is addictive and both misuse and abuse can cause addiction. An addiction is where a person continues drug use despite adverse consequences to their health and wellbeing.
There are both psychological and physical signs of addiction including:
Withdrawal symptoms indicate a physical dependence. The only way to treat a physical dependence to Xanax or any other drugs is through a medical detox.
If you suspect you might have an addiction, contact a treatment center for advice on what to do next. At Cirque Lodge, we offer bespoke treatment plans with you in mind.
All addiction treatments begin with a detoxification which purges the body of all substance traces including Xanax and any other drugs such as marijuana or alcohol.
For your own personal safety and peace of mind, it is always recommended that you carry out a medically supervised detox. This is because some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and also it is simply difficult to detox without help. Under the care of trained medical professionals, you will be kept as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
A detox takes about a week on average, but the timeframe can vary due to variables such as length and severity of your addiction and if you have other drug abuse problems. After your detox, you will no longer have a physical addiction. However, you must work on your psychological tendencies towards Xanax through outpatient treatment.
As part of your addiction treatment you will likely take part in a variety of therapies to enhance long term recovery. Therapy aims to tackle the problems that may have caused your initial drug abuse such as any underlying mental health issues. You will also learn healthy coping mechanisms such as how to deal with stress or anger which are relapse triggers. Types of therapies include psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy.
Recovery is a long road but the journey can be made easier with ongoing help and support.
At Cirque Lodge, we offer luxury residential rehabilitation programs to support you through your journey to recovery. We are known as one of the most trusted rehab treatment centers in the US so you are sure to be safe in our care. Call today for free confidential advice on Xanax addiction treatment.
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