Why abuse xanax

Xanax was the most commonly prescribed prescription psychiatric medication from to in the United States and although it has allowed many individuals to regain control of their anxiety and their life, it also became a widely used and abused addictive drug. Xanax works within minutes of entering the bloodstream and peaks within hours and results in a state of pleasure and euphoria and as a result, many individuals use this drug for recreational purposes rather than medical purposes.

Due to the recreational popularity of this drug, Xanax is a well-known street drug that is often used to enhance the effects of alcohol in social situations such as parties and concerts. Xanax abuse can elicit pleasurable effects such as lightheadedness, a sense of unreality, a feeling of detachment, an emotional numbness and a greater sexual inclination.

Although overdose can occur from Xanax, withdrawal from this medication can be deadly and therefore it is important to consult a medical professional if you are trying to wean yourself benzodiazepines. Like alcohol, the immediate cessation from benzodiazepines can result in seizures and therefore a slow taper must be initiated. Common withdrawal effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, and seizures.

Xanax addiction, like alcohol, is usually treated with a slow taper of benzodiazepines to prevent seizures. Fumazenil Romazicon is a specific antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity however when used in acute overdose its potential risks may outweigh the benefits and therefore this medication remains controversial.

Xanax is typically abused because of the sense of calm and relaxation it causes in the user. Some people abuse Xanax by taking it in higher doses or combining it with other drugs or alcohol in order to achieve the desired high. The first time I popped a Xanax was the first time I felt relief from my anxiety disorder… There was something oddly comforting about Xanax — the way it came in many shapes and colors, like peach and blue.

I enjoyed looking at the pills. They were a pretty little assortment of happiness I could feel just by holding in my hands. Although Xanax put a temporary stop to my agony, it soon introduced a new kind. Make a Call An overdose on Xanax can be fatal, especially if the substance is taken with alcohol or other drugs. Overdose can also occur if the pills are crushed or chewed, as the drug is designed to be time-released into the system. Xanax overdose symptoms include:. Treatment for a Xanax overdose will depend on how much of the drug was taken and whether other drugs or alcohol were also taken.

In the event of an overdose, medical providers may pump the stomach to remove as much of the unabsorbed Xanax as possible. Medications such as Flumazenil may also be administered as antidotes. Doctors may insert an IV to provide necessary fluids.

It is important for anyone suffering from an overdose to be honest with the emergency medical personnel about exactly what substances were taken and at what amount.

Galloway, NJ. View Center. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Those suffering from Xanax addiction and abuse frequently combine the substance with alcohol or other pills — particularly Opiates — to get a better high. Heroin users regularly consume Xanax, as do Methadone users.

Alcohol is particularly dangerous when mixed with Xanax because they are both Depressants; combining the two can lead to an overdose and respiratory failure. Emergency room visits due to the recreational abuse of Xanax more than doubled, from 57, in to , in In , 50 million prescriptions were written for Alprazolam the generic name for Xanax , up from 38 million written in Medical detox and treatment programs can be helpful when treating a Xanax addiction.

Contact a treatment provider today for help finding a Xanax addiction treatment program near you. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. We are here to help you through every aspect of recovery. Let us call you to learn more about our treatment options. While this is the safest and most effective way to take the drug, some people abuse it in other ways, such as:.

Research shows that Xanax alprazolam abuse can have negative effects on the brain, such as impaired coordination, memory, and overall function. Adverse side effects may occur with prescribed use but are more likely with Xanax abuse. As a person builds a tolerance to Xanax, their brain becomes less effective at regulating GABA, so it needs the drug to keep it calm.

This traps many people in the cycle of addiction, causing them to keep taking Xanax in increasing amounts to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If your loved one is abusing Xanax, you may find pills from several doctors, unlabeled pill bottles, or Xanax tablets in baggies.

A sign that someone is suffering from addiction is a loss of control over their drug use. They may claim to need Xanax to get through the day and spend excessive time and money on it. Even if they want to stop taking it or cut back, they are likely unable to. Though it is less common to abuse benzodiazepines by snorting, smoking, or injection, some people do. Drug paraphernalia such as rolled paper, tin foil, or syringes could also indicate Xanax abuse.

A person can overdose on Xanax alprazolam if they take too much or combine it with other drugs. Benzodiazepines like Xanax are stored in body fat for later use when they are taken in excess. The more doses a person takes during this time, the more Xanax builds up in the body, which can cause it to reach a toxic level.

Xanax can be abused in the following ways:. Combining Xanax with alcohol or other substances that depress the central nervous system increases the chance of dangerous side effects like excessive sedation, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, coma and death. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, causing severe anxiety, convulsions and life-threatening seizures.

With professional support and medical supervision, recreational users can withdraw from Xanax safely. Our comprehensive rehab program guides you through the recovery process with services like individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling and aftercare. Call our toll-free number to find out how we can help you rebuild your life.