This is even more likely to happen if the person is starting to suffer in their personal life and relationships due to addiction. These episodes can be very dangerous because a person may act out violently or engage in risky behaviors that they might not engage in normally. For example, people may experience Xanax-induced gastritis, or stomach pains, when misusing the prescription. One of the most commonly reported side effects of Xanax use is nausea that is often accompanied by vomiting. The following are some of the most common warning signs of Xanax misuse. The prevalence of DSM-IV CUD in adults from 2002 to 2017 stayed constant at 1.5% to 1.4% in the previous year.
What to Do if Someone Overdoses on Xanax
Taking too much and running out of your prescription, being overly focused on when you can take the next one, and feeling you can’t live without it could be signs that you’re developing a benzodiazepine use disorder. Benzodiazepine drugs are also sometimes used as “date rape” drugs because they impair the functions that normally allow a person to resist sexual aggression or assault. The drug is usually added to alcoholic drinks or even soft drinks in powder or liquid forms and can be hard to taste. Treatment may also address other underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Outpatient Treatment
The first step is to identify any misconceptions you might have about addiction. The way a person behaves while living with an addiction can vary widely. You may notice changes in mood, behavior, appearance, or performance at work or school, but many of these can be attributed to other factors as well.
Long-Term Effects & Dependency
This is because the body has difficulty metabolizing the two substances simultaneously, allowing more of each substance to remain active in the body for a more extended period. This can lead to a dangerous level of central nervous system depression, and a hazardous build-up of Xanax in the system, which can result in severe cardiovascular or respiratory complications, including coma and death. Combining Xanax with other substances can also lead to hostility, anger, and impulsive behavior, as well as to severely impaired cognitive abilities so that the user is unable to think clearly, make logical choices, or govern their actions. Many people will experience a total blackout on a combination of Xanax and alcohol or other drugs, retaining no memory of what they did while high. Xanax is the brand name of the drug alprazolam, often used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It belongs to one of the most highly abused drug classes, benzodiazepines, and works by slowing down overactivity in the central nervous system.
Cognitive Effects
- When opioids are combined with benzodiazepines, the risk of overdose, emergency department visits and death increases dramatically.
- Developing a dependency on Xanax can result in physical dependence, where the body requires the drug to function normally.
- Participants work through a series of steps to foster personal growth and sobriety.
- Research shows that in 2018, an estimated 5.4 million people over the age of 12 misused prescription benzodiazepines like Xanax.
It involves working with a therapist to develop a set of healthy coping strategies. Learn more about the risks and side effects of substance use disorders, including the signs of intoxication and overdose. Xanax, generically known as alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
Signs and Symptoms of Alprazolam Abuse
- They work by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
- Medical supervision is crucial during this phase to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
- Polydrug abuse involving Xanax poses heightened risks compared to using it alone.
- Individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, which vary in intensity based on the level of dependency.
If someone you love is addicted to Xanax, you should encourage them to get help by having a calm, serious discussion about specific behaviors and consequences of their drug use. If a one on one conversation isn’t effective, you may want to plan a formal intervention. You can prepare and run an intervention on your own, or work with a counselor or professional interventionist. Many treatment facilities offer intervention services to potential patients. Investigate the treatment options that are available to your loved one, so that you can connect them to a rehab facility as soon as they are ready to accept help. Xanax, one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, is generally considered safe for short-term use, but it can cause side effects like sleepiness, headaches, lethargy, dry mouth, and memory problems.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
The focus is on equipping individuals with the coping strategies and life skills to sustain their sobriety. Detoxification is the initial step in addressing Xanax addiction, involving the removal of the substance from the body. Medical supervision is crucial during this phase to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. Individuals undergoing detox may experience anxiety, insomnia, and seizures as their bodies adjust to the absence of Xanax, and medications may be administered to alleviate these symptoms and ensure a safe detox process.
Rare or serious side effects
Family therapy addresses underlying issues within the family dynamic that may contribute to drug misuse, fostering support and understanding. Using or misusing Xanax can cause numerous short- and long-term side effects and pose risks to your physical and mental health. Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety Benzodiazepine dependence and overdose are on the rise, increasing more than four times between 2002 and 2015.