Xanax (also known as alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication that directly affects your central nervous system (CNS). Even though it’s classified as a Schedule IV drug, Xanax has a high risk for abuse being that it possesses the ability to trigger calming feelings. It is also considered the second most popular abused drug in the United States.
Xanax is a medication with depressant effects, which causes a decrease in normal excitement in your brain. Because of this effect, Xanax is widely used within medicine, especially to treat panic disorders and anxiety.
Oftentimes any warning signs of Xanax abuse may not be obvious, even more so if the person is taking it for medical purposes. With that said, how are you to know? If you have any suspicion that someone close to you might be abusing Xanax, you can look out for changes in behavior, along with their physical and mental health.
SYMPTOMS OF XANAX ABUSE:
Physical:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Sluggishness
- Headaches
Psychological:
- Mood swings
- Dissociation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Apathetic attitude
Behavioral:
- Financial problems
- Frequently switching doctors (doctor shopping)
- Obsession with obtaining/using Xanax
- Finishing Xanax prescriptions too fast
- Withdrawing socially
- Strained relationships between family and friends
Abusing Xanax poses numerous negative health risks and consequences, and are sometimes possibly life-threatening. Here is a quick rundown of the negative effects of Xanax abuse:
- Hyperactivity
- Hallucinations
- Impaired memory
- Uncontrollable movement and hand-eye coordination
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Vision problems
- Serious injury
(When combined with alcohol or other depressant drugs, Xanax abuse becomes much more dangerous. These combinations could lead to a coma, or even death.)
Though it may seem impossible to gain a victory from the snare of this drug, it does not have to be an impossible feat. There are various avenues and solutions available to anyone who needs them; Xanax or any other drug does not have to rule your life any longer.
At Asana Recovery, we understand each and every problem that may arise from traveling the road to recovery. We’re constantly gaining an understanding of these addictions through our work daily, helping people struggling the most from this disease. Although many believe they can battle it on their own, rehabilitation centers are a great help in working against dependency. Who says it has to be easy? Aftercare and therapy sessions can help you to identify and acknowledge the cognitive factors that initially steered you toward addiction, all while helping you create a foundation from which you can better handle life without leaning on addiction.
Nothing is without a resolution, as our supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are consistently offered in a disciplined yet relaxing, inspiring environment. Our deep commitment to ensuring your lifelong recovery compels us to also guide you on a path to a healthier, more productive future. There is never a better time than now; we’re always ready to speak with you! Call us now at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
