Some people also use them to try to ease the comedown from cocaine or other stimulants. Using benzos along with other drugs, especially “downers” like opioids, is particularly risky. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. Symptoms of Xanax abuse include taking more than the prescribed dosage or using Xanax without a prescription. However, even those who follow a prescription can fall victim to Xanax addiction and abuse. Your healthcare provider cannot know the answers to these questions unless you are willing to participate in your diagnostic process—this means that you have to be interested in being diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of overdose
Learn more about the risks and side effects of substance use xanax addiction disorders, including the signs of intoxication and overdose. Now, the FDA notes that benzodiazepines like Xanax should not be taken daily for more than two weeks consecutively because the body develops a tolerance to, and dependence on, these substances very quickly. While dependence and addiction are not the same conditions, physical dependence may indicate abuse or addiction to a substance. Long-Term SupportRecovery from Xanax addiction is often a lengthy process, necessitating ongoing support.
For Treatment Providers
When taken as prescribed, Xanax can be an effective short-term treatment for anxiety and related conditions. However, the drug’s potency and the speed at which it takes effect can also make it highly addictive. Xanax binds to the GABA receptors in your brain, causing a rapid and intense sense of tranquility. This immediate relief from anxiety and stress can lead to dependence on the drug, seeking it out more frequently and in higher doses.
Physical Symptoms
Alprazolam tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to store your medicine. Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
- Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which are sedatives prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.
- You can write the date on the bottle the day you open it as a reminder.
- If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax misuse or addiction, know that help is available.
- It is also a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating a low to moderate potential for abuse and dependence compared to Schedule I, II, or III drugs.
Psychological Symptoms of Abuse
Detoxification (detox) is a process aimed at helping you safely stop taking Xanax while minimizing and managing your withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done in a hospital or rehabilitation facility under medical supervision. Dependence refers to a physical state in which your body is dependent on the drug. With drug dependence may also come tolerance, which is when you need more and more of a substance to achieve the same effect. You experience mental and physical effects (withdrawal) if you abruptly stop taking the drug. In 2009, Xanax and other benzodiazepines were responsible for the majority of https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/marijuana-addiction-how-addictive-is-weed/ the emergency room admissions caused by central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
- If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- Alprazolam solution should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C).
- Misuse is common, especially in those who are prescribed the drug for long-term use, highlighting the growing risk of addiction with extended periods of use.
- The abuse of benzodiazepines is related to both the effects they produce and to their widespread availability.
- The first benzodiazepines were developed in the 1930s, but they were not introduced as prescription drugs to the public until 1957.
Medication
If you suspect someone is experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose, or any other substance overdose, call 911 immediately. If you choose to enter treatment for your recovery, know that with a quality facility dedicated to a continuum of care, you have several options. Alprazolam is also excreted into breast milk in low concentrations.
The Body on Drugs
It can cause problems with concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Over time, the drug can cause structural changes amphetamine addiction treatment in your brain, leading to a diminished ability to form new memories and recall past events. This cognitive decline can significantly impact your personal and professional life, making it challenging to maintain employment, relationships, and overall quality of life. Prolonged Xanax use can have severe long-term consequences on your physical and mental health. The effects of Xanax on the body can be both physical and psychological.
