Are you searching for a Xanax addiction treatment center but don’t know where to look? Are you feeling overwhelmed by trying to find the right one for your substance use disorder? The best place to start is with NuView Treatment Center. Our high quality Xanax rehab program is designed specifically for people who have an addiction to anti-anxiety drugs and benzodiazepines. Our staff members provide evidence-based treatment that has been shown to help people stop using Xanax and come out of their long-term addiction.
Individualized Treatment for Xanax Addiction in Los Angeles
NuView Substance Abuse Treatment Center Los Angeles offers an evidence-based treatment plan to clients who are suffering from addiction to Xanax which helps decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms while they’re in rehab. Our addiction treatment center is located on the Westside of Los Angeles and we help our clients develop coping strategies to stay clean after they leave. Each client is given our attention so that they feel comfortable discussing their individualized treatment plan. It’s important to understand that everyone develops substance abuse habits for different reasons so our aim at NuView is to provide a variety of individualized rehab options tailored specifically for each client’s needs.
Evidence-Based Outpatient Programs for Xanax Addiction
Our addiction management counselors create an individualized therapeutic protocol that helps our clients resolve their drug abuse issues as well as anything else that may have led to or come about because of their addiction. As we all know, there’s rarely just one thing wrong—so our addiction specialists ensure a full and holistic treatment plan is used in both group and one-on-one settings. This approach allows us to incorporate all possible methods of addressing each client’s problems, which prevents our counselors from missing any obstacles standing in their way of regaining control over their lives and living a drug/alcohol free lifestyle without returning to old destructive habits.
Flexible Rehab Programs in Los Angeles
Our outpatient programs make addiction recovery possible in patients’ everyday lives. Evening and Saturday programs accommodate those who have jobs, school or family obligations during the week. Treatment resources are vast and include counselors and therapists trained in a number of disciplines to advise on any number of needs from substance abuse treatment to family matters. Progress is monitored and we tailor plans accordingly so that patients reach sobriety in a timely manner.
Affordable and Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment
NuView Treatment Center is dedicated to helping you find a healthy recovery from your addiction. Our trained specialists are dedicated to helping you address any area of addiction and work with you to find healthy outlets for dealing with your difficulties effectively within the context of your future goals. Most major insurance plans and even many smaller ones do cover treatment for Xanax addiction. Calling us at Nuview can relieve some burden on you because we will be researching and negotiating the finer details which surround your particular coverage plans so that you can focus on recovering. Reach out today and get the help you need!
What is Xanax Addiction?
Xanax is an extremely powerful drug that is generally prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders. It is a benzodiazepine drug, a class of drugs sometimes referred to as sedatives. This medication, while useful in certain medical contexts, is extremely addictive when it is used on a long term basis. Xanax addiction and abuse is a serious concern among people who take the drug as prescribed, because even legitimate usage of Xanax can cause physical tolerance and significant problems. When a person stops taking Xanax suddenly, their withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Symptoms may include restlessness, anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. In some cases, Xanax withdrawal is so severe that it can be life-threatening.
Genuine Xanax addiction happens when a person becomes psychologically and physically reliant on this anti-anxiety medication. This kind of addiction commonly occurs with people who are prescribed the medication by a doctor, but can also occur amongst individuals who obtain the drug illicitly. Most cases of prescription medicine abuse happen because people want to feel ‘high’ or experience euphoria which is often a side effect pharmaceutical medications provide.
Left untreated, Xanax addiction can ruin your life. It will seem as though you’ll be the only person suffering from your behavioral and physical addiction; but in reality the changes brought on by this substance disorder affect everyone around you too. Your relationships, work, and school performance will all suffer in one way or another. And if things are not handled properly, severe Xanax addiction can lead to detrimental consequences including death. In fact, there is no substance quite as lethal as Xanax – which is precisely why it must be used with extreme caution when treating anxiety disorders.
How Does Xanax Addiction Happen?
Some people find themselves dependent on Xanax immediately, while others may find that they are snuck up on gradually over time. From a subjective perspective, it’s because their bodies grow accustomed and dependent on the effects of Xanax. These effects include reduced inhibitions, euphoria and lessened anxiety. There is a sense of connection created, making it easier for someone to feel relaxed and open up with other people, especially in social settings. However, with Xanax being so addictive, it can be very easy to become dependent upon the medication.
Addiction is a physiological process. When a person consumes Xanax, levels of dopamine in the brain spike. This chemical is the brain’s “reward chemical,” and it is responsible for reinforcing patterns of behavior. Repeated taking of Xanax over time leads to an decrease in the brain’s ability to naturally raise these neurotransmitter levels in comparison to people who do not use this substance on a regular basis or in high doses, which ultimately leads to an increased dependence on the medication to achieve neurological balance.
Though it comes with its fair share of positive effects, like being able to fight panic attacks or other types of stressful situations, people who are not using Xanax as prescribed and rely on the drug as a means of coping with life’s stressors can feel pretty rough when they stop taking it. While abusing Xanax for long periods of time, abusers experience short-term euphoria that leads them to want to repeat the experience regularly. This leads them down a path from which there is typically no return. It may be hard for some to see now, but in the long run taking this drug will only make you feel worse off than before.
What Are the Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction?
Identifying Xanax addiction can be tricky because the medication is prescribed to treat legitimate mental health problems. However, certain behaviors may indicate that a person has an unhealthy relationship with Xanax. If a person is taking the drug without working on other aspects of their lives, or if they seem uninterested in getting off the drug, there is a good chance there is a problem.
Physicians and addiction counselors utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine if a person is suffering from this addiction. Depending on the number of symptoms present, an individual may be diagnosed with a mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), or severe (6 or more) case of Xanax use disorder. The signs of this substance use disorder are as follows:
- Taking more pills or taking pills over a longer period of time than originally intended
- Had at least one experience of trying to cut down but finding it too difficult
- Spending great periods of time taking Xanax, recovering from Xanax, or engaged in other related activities
- Experiencing cravings that are so strong that it is difficult to think of anything else
- Experienced disruptions of difficulties at home, with family members, at work, or at school
- Took Xanax despite it causing problems with interpersonal relationships
- Cut down on activities or hobbies that you were once passionate about, because they got in the way of your Xanax abuse
- Found yourself in dangerous or risky situations (such as driving under the influence, operating heavy machinery, or having unsafe sex) due to intoxication
- Experienced anxiety, depression, memory loss, or other health problems due to taking anti-anxiety medications
- Needing more benzodiazepines than before in order to achieve the same effects
- Suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, including shakiness, restlessness, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, seizures, or delusions and hallucinations
Do I Have a Xanax Addiction?
Addiction to prescription drugs like Xanax is extremely common, and it’s also dangerous. If you feel that you are taking prescription drugs like Xanax for non-medical reasons, such as attempting to make it through stressful days at the office, or if you have been spending large amounts of time trying to obtain a steady supply of these medications, there is a good chance that you’re addicted. You may think that other people close to you should notice an issue if you have been acting strangely lately, but oftentimes even loved ones and friends are often in denial because admitting someone’s struggling means having to do something about it.
If you are noticing a pattern in your behavior, it’s time to take charge. If you typically go from doctor to doctor searching for different prescriptions and constantly finding new ways to receive drugs, then you might have an addiction problem that needs immediate medical attention. You definitely need to stop “doctor shopping,” as this term is known in the medical industry. The best way forward is by receiving proper care in an addiction treatment center. If you leave your Xanax addiction to develop, things could get even worse than they already are!
How Can I Help Someone with a Xanax Addiction?
When a family member, friend, or loved one is abusing Xanax and is at risk of becoming dependent on the drug, this person will likely experience some very harmful side effects. You might notice that their moods switch from euphoria to severe depression or that they engage in desperate drug-seeking behaviors. We urge you to approach this person with as much consideration and care as possible when considering an intervention or bringing them in for treatment at NuView’s outpatient rehab center in Los Angeles.
As a friend, you can provide the greatest assistance to this person by simply being present with them and showing that you care about what’s going on in their life. By listening deeply and carefully to them, you may prompt them to open up about any feelings of shame or guilt they may have. Remember, it’s likely that your friend has already noticed some negative problems as a result of taking Xanax for an extended period of time. It’s important not to pass judgment if you’ve never taken the drug yourself, but instead simply show interest in their well-being by caring and asking questions – because there is a high chance they will be happy to open up!
The second thing you can do that might aid your friend in getting sober is to encourage them to seek professional help, such as counseling or a medically supervised detox program. It doesn’t matter how severe the person’s Xanax abuse is if they’re not ready to kick their addiction and with so many programs available to support addicts, it just might be what your loved one needs for their biggest breakthrough yet!
Finally, it helps if you’re aware of what treatment options are available. If you know somebody addicted to CNS depressants like Xanax then you may have the opportunity to be a valuable resource and help them find out about local addiction support groups. Try to get educated on Xanax addiction through reliable sources and try to understand this kind of addiction recovery process as well as possible because even though their situation might appear hopeless, with your endless support they will learn how they can obtain the help they need in order to overcome their challenges.
How Is Xanax Addiction Treated?
Prescription drugs, including benzos like Xanax, are extremely powerful and addictive. If a person has become dependent on this drug, they need to undergo treatment for addiction and require professional help, normally in the form of rehabilitation at an accredited center. Drug rehab centers vary in terms of the level of care they offer as well as their price.
NuView Treatment Center offers a variety of outpatient programs that are designed to help individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction lead normal lives once again. If you’re out on the road to recovery, and want to continue your life while finding your way through treatment, outpatient programs may be the speedier and more convenient route for you. One big perk of these kinds of drug rehab programs is that users can normally carry on living at home (as opposed to entering inpatient drug rehab where one needs to live at a residential treatment facility), go to work, go to school – basically do the things you would in your normal day-to-day life!
When treating Xanax addiction, addressing physical dependence should be the first course of action. At high doses, withdrawal can prove quite dangerous – the withdrawal effects are so terrible and the risks associated with what is known as “cold turkey” detoxification so great that many addicts simply cannot do it alone. NuView Treatment Center employs physicians who are able to help reduce clients’ dosages gently over time until they are finally off the drug entirely.
While addiction may present itself as a physical problem, it is also very much a psychological and behavioral condition. Many people end up abusing prescription drugs that they don’t need because they have untreated depression or anxiety, or have other issues in their relationships or lifestyles that are bringing them distress. When addressing Xanax addiction, one must make sure to treat all of these aspects in order to let the client truly recover rather than enter another cycle of dependency once again.
What Counteracts Xanax?
It states that a study has shown that exercise can counteract the side effects of Xanax.
As a sedative, Xanax is prescribed to patients who suffer from anxiety and panic disorder. The drug is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but the misuse of it can be managed with prescriptions.
There are other ways to counteract Xanax. Some medical experts propose stress management or talk therapy as treatment options; these options could also be combined with medication if necessary.
If you are looking for a natural remedy to counteract xanax, try taking a break from your stressful event or situation. Experts say that being in a stressful environment can cause people to take more and more xanax to try and calm down. However, the best way to counteract xanax is simple: take a break from the stressful situation.
A natural remedy for Xanax addiction is taking time off from your stressful job or environment. Experts say that when people are in an overly stressed environment, they may be using Xanax as an escape because it makes them feel calm. The best way to counteract Xanax is by simply taking some time off from this overly stressful job or situation.
How Do Outpatient Programs Help Benzo Addicts?
Your caseworker will formulate an individualized treatment plan that coincides with your needs in order to improve your overall well-being during the recovery process. Outpatient sessions incorporate various approaches such as one-on-one counseling and group therapy. Each counselor at NuView Treatment Center is specially trained to help you master different methods of dealing with the challenges related to your specific behavior patterns and habits in order for you to overcome addiction for good and begin to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Other treatment approaches include:
- Individual therapy
- Medication monitoring
- Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation activities
- Career and education planning
- 12-step programs and 12-step alternatives
- Drug education
- Relapse prevention training
- Urine tests to ensure abstinence
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Fitness and health education
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Complementary and Alternative therapies
If you suspect that you or someone you love has become addicted to Xanax, there are certainly plenty of conventional treatment options available. One of the key elements in safely overcoming this type of drug addiction would be having acceptance for yourself and a willingness to heal, which is encouraged by the capable team at NuView Treatment Center. This excellent facility offers countless types of non-invasive and holistic treatment modalities created to get patients from all walks of life off drug dependency forever. These alternative therapies include:
- Nutritional programs
- Fitness programs
- Art therapy
- Sound therapy
- Yoga
- Meditation
It is a fact that the brain naturally produces neurotransmitters such as “dopamine,” which make us feel good and energetic. When taken for long periods of time, anti-anxiety medications end up altering the brain’s wiring and receptors in a way that causes people to need to take stronger medications over time. Once physical dependence sets in, the brain has a diminished ability to produce these “feel good” chemicals without medications. This is why it is so important to seek effective therapies that help you learn how to relax and create “natural highs” without chemical assistance.
What Types of Outpatient Programs Are Offered for Xanax Addiction?
NuView Treatment Center provides outpatient treatments for substance abuse. NuView offers solutions at many levels of care to those suffering with addictions, so they can begin the process of recovery. They are dedicated to helping people overcome addiction issues by offering a variety of treatment services including individual and group therapy as well as addiction education and supportive care services.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs can be viewed as the highest level of care for addiction treatment because they’re medically supervised and very rigorous. They allow individuals to begin rebuilding their lives after struggling with addiction again and again. Our specialized partial hospitalization program is structured yet supportive, meeting multiple days a week for approximately half a day while allowing you to continue your everyday life at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our intensive outpatient program (“IOP”) is the second most intensive type of care we offer. You can expect to take part in group sessions several times a week for several hours each session. Clients engage in regular group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and skill-training workshops that help them gain better understanding of triggers and how to cope with those triggers. Clients develop strong support systems and new lifestyles.
Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (Evening IOP)
At NuView, we also offer an evening outpatient program for those looking for quality care with the same high-quality clinical practices as our traditional IOP. What makes this program stand out is that it can be attended after work or school in the evening. Many people seeking treatment for Xanax addiction have hectic schedules, requiring them to balance demanding careers and a responsibility for their family’s health and wellbeing. Our evening IOP affords clients the chance to attend recovery sessions when it suits them best and allows them time to put their own lives first during this highly stressful time.
Outpatient Program (OP)
NuView’s outpatient program is the lowest level of care on our spectrum of services. It can be very beneficial for clients who are transitioning from higher levels of care because it provides them with a more comfortable and personalized approach. As people’s lives improve – even when they know they still need daily support to help them remain sober – it becomes important to learn how to take your recovery into your own hands and sometimes it may seem overwhelming! This is why NuView takes a structured, face-to-face approach that makes success as simple as talking about what’s going on in your life that day, goals you have, thoughts you’re having and ways to relieve stress or cravings by adopting healthier habits like exercise or being mindful of what trickles into our minds throughout the day so we don’t feed bad habits.
How Can I Afford Xanax Addiction Treatment?
Addiction is a prevalent mental health disorder that can have immense negative effects on your daily life to the point where you might be experiencing some serious health complications. NuView strives to ensure that no serious addiction goes untreated and we’d love the opportunity to review your options with you so you can begin treatment as soon as possible! Rest assured, most major insurance plans are accepted. In fact, since addiction is a legitimate and medically recognized health condition, all insurance companies are legally obliged to provide some degree of coverage for treatment.
When you’re seeking to maintain sobriety, financial and professional obstacles can often interfere with your recovery mission. There are nevertheless places, such as NuView Treatment Center, that help make certain that individuals don’t have to deal with the burden of their circumstances alone. You’ll be able to work with our treatment center’s staff to learn how to access and afford the kind of outpatient treatment or other treatment resources, such as aftercare services, that meet your needs.
How Does NuView Treatment Center Support Families?
Benzo addiction doesn’t just affect the person taking the medication. In almost every case, loved ones are profoundly affected by the behavior and suffering of their addicted friend or family member. This can be attributed to many things, but most agree that it is a disease which has much to do with genetic predisposition as upbringing. NuView Treatment Center understands that getting better requires both active participation from your friends and family, so we make sure you’re surrounded by people who support your health decisions in whatever form they may take while also understanding that addicts all have different needs when it comes down to rehabilitation – which is why we offer support for each individual’s journey along the way!
We encourage friends and family members of addicts to come to our support meetings because they are going through just as difficult a time as their addicted loved ones. At these support groups and family meetings, they can find comfort in other people who understand how difficult it is for them. During these meetings, experts educate family members on the mental illness of substance abuse so they are well-versed on ways they can help create a healthy environment for their loved ones as well as themselves! It is prudent to recognize that just because your loved one is struggling with addiction doesn’t make him or her an unredeemable person. Moreover, meetings help friends and family members gain insight into what it’s like to deal with addiction on a daily basis as well as educate them on ways to maintain a healthy way of living without becoming codependently involved in their loved one’s recovery.
Life After Xanax Addiction in Los Angeles
While abusing benzodiazepines and maintaining your habit, it might be difficult to imagine what life without prescription drugs will look like. You might wonder how you’ll cope with boredom or relax without pharmaceutical medications. At NuView Treatment Center’s outpatient programs, our goal is not only to help you avoid a relapse but also learn how to develop a range of skills that could eventually lead to new hobbies, interests, and life goals. In the process of getting sober, you’ll also develop a whole new life with people who support you!
Alcohol and drug rehab helps clients to navigate the different facets of their lives more positively. They’re able to identify problems they face in everyday situations and are provided with solutions to overcome them in every aspect of their lives. Clients also discover new positive experiences that help them live more fulfilling lives both professionally and personally.
It’s so important for our clients to be able to recognize their triggers for relapse and other substance abuse issues. The truth is, these fickle feelings can sneak up on you when you least expect them to, which unfortunately encourages many addicts to re-engage in destructive or self-destructive behaviors! So how can one prevent this from happening? It’s all a matter of preempting the problem with another proactive step – setting up new patterns that replace the old ones. That’s why we always encourage the use of aftercare resources long after graduating.
At NuView, we aim to support our clients at times when they might be most vulnerable – but additionally when they are feeling strong. By helping them even after they have gotten sober and connecting them to our alumni community, we ensure that all of our former clients who’ve gone through our addiction programs know that there are many others out there like them and that they can continue to grow their support system and pursue personal growth. There is no shortage of people who have gone on to build amazing lives for themselves both personally and professionally because of the way that sober support groups work to get each other through difficult situations. In fact, having access to one another and sharing stories from time to time has been shown to be just as effective as other types of therapies such as psychoanalysis or medication! So it’s easy to see why having help available whenever you need it can change someone’s life – possibly even save it.
Addiction doesn’t end just because you took the pills away or put some time between you and the substance abusing behavior. Addiction is a condition that may be with you for the rest of your life, but that does not mean it cannot be treated. This only means that recovery is a lifelong process which may involve learning about how your particular addiction works and how to manage it and prevent relapses. With treatment and support, working through addiction can successfully lead to a new life you’re excited about living!
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction occurs when a person finds they cannot function without a substance. It involves psychological and physical dependency and is not exclusive to only drugs. Addiction can involve alcohol, food, and even behaviors such as gambling, exercise, or other acts. Once a person finds something that gives them a “feel-good” response that can become the focus of their lives. For some, chasing this “rush” can be just as fulfilling as the act of taking whatever substance or behavior they are addicted to.
For substance abuse, the addiction is centered around a drug or substance that can change the way the brain reacts to things around them. For example, a person suffering from severe anxiety might find the only way to function normally is to use Xanax daily. Here lies the trouble with substance use. If a substance is needed daily to manage daily life, it can no longer be classified as therapeutic. After a certain point of repeated use, the body will build a tolerance to the substance. This is where the risk for addiction first occurs.
For Xanax specifically, people who take a dose of 4mg/day for longer than 12 weeks are at a high risk of developing a tolerance and addiction. This dependency is common for some four in 10 Xanax users. Not only is the risk of addiction increased at this point, but a person might take it upon themselves to self-medicate to maintain their “normal” feeling.
Changing their doses without medical guidance is very dangerous. Not only does this further increase the chances of addiction, but it also puts them at risk of overdosing or developing complications. Since Xanax is a depressive drug on the central nervous system, it has the potential to depress other important systems in the body, such as the respiratory system. This is further increased if Xanax is combined with other substances, like alcohol.
Still yet, the rush or sense of normalcy the users gain from using Xanax can cause them to habitually seek out the drug. This alone puts the severity of Xanax’s addictive nature in perspective to how serious abusing it can be.
There are certain signs of addiction a person should look out for. Several of which might be not overtly obvious at first. For example, if a person is reaching for the substance every time the onset of withdrawal symptoms appears, they may just see it as managing their problems. This, however, can indicate addiction. Along with this idea, if a person is altering doses to counteract their tolerance, they might not see this as dependency or addiction until it is too late.
More obvious indicators of addiction might involve avoiding family or friends as it could be seen as conflicting with their drug use. Worrying about their substance supply or when they will get their next dose is another indicator of addiction.
If the Xanax, or any other substance abuse, reaches the point where the user can no longer control how much or how often they are using this is a very clear indicator that the substance use has gotten out of hand. In general, if a person begins to question their substance abuse, they should take a moment to reflect on their drug habits. It may also be beneficial to seek out counseling to help determine the best route of help for them.
Once addiction has been established it is best to seek medical help to manage it. First, a person will want to manage the physical and mental withdrawal of Xanax. This can be dangerous to do on their own. However, through medical detoxication, a patient can safely expel the drug from their body. Many doctors will seek to taper the body from Xanax to help counter the severe withdrawal effects. This will not prevent withdrawal symptoms but perhaps minimize them as much as possible.
The patient might find themselves feeling achy or uncomfortable as the body starts to expel the substance. Over-the-counter medication can help manage these symptoms, but professional help and guidance are key to managing this detox period.
After the detox is complete, therapy in all different forms can be beneficial to help a patient learn how to cope without Xanax. Many rehabilitation centers will offer different forms of help such as music and art therapy, group therapy, and other wellness activities aimed to rebuild the confidence of the patient. These steps can help a user take control of their lives once again.
The common misconception is that snorting Xanax will cause the substance to reach the bloodstream much faster. This would allow the user to feel the effects quicker. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, unlike with other substances such as cocaine and heroin.
This method makes Xanax extremely addictive. If the user believes this method makes the substance abuse more effective, they will likely use more. As a result, this route of administration creates a tolerance to the substance and then the user will habitually continue to snort the substance to keep the high, which is ultimately likely to contribute to the forming an addiction. It can also do lasting physical damage when a person is snorting the substance continually. It is important to dispel this myth, since snorting damage not only results in short-term damage but long-term dangers as well, including addiction and life-threatening overdoses.
In general, snorting anything can irritate nasal cavities or even cause damage impacting the sinuses and respiratory tract. This damage can cause more major health problems such as severe infections for the respiratory system. A compromised respiratory system can result in chronic breathing complications or even death.
In addition to the symptoms in the nasal passage and respiratory system, long-term use of any drug, whether it is taken as prescribed or not, can cause side effects. Many of these side effects being dependency and organ damage. Misusing a drug will only increase the risk of these side effects occurring sooner. As well as creating greater damage done to the body.
Long-Term Use and Inflammation
The damage done to the nasal passage or respiratory system can cause the body to react as a means of protecting itself. If an infection occurs, the body will produce white blood cells to attack the infection through inflammation. While this is exactly what a healthy body is supposed to do, it can put an individual at risk as more attention is given to one problem area but taken from another problem area. This could leave the body compromised to bigger and more dangerous risks.
Furthermore, the constant attack on infections causes more cells to die. These dead cells have the potential to slow down the work done by healthy cells and even risk far more serious diseases, like cancer, occurring.
So, whether the damage is from constant substance abuse or reoccurring damage to the nasal cavity, snorting Xanax will only put a user in trouble of having complications. If it is used with other substances such as alcohol or other depressants, the risk of overdose is significantly increased.
Irreversible Damage
As mentioned above, the process of snorting can cause damage to the nasal cavity. This damage and irritation can in turn cause infection which puts the respiratory system at risk for complications. A compromised respiratory system not only leads to breathing problems and possible lifelong changes, such as the need for breathing support, but it can damage the lungs.
Damaged lungs can result in the hardening of the lung tissue. This impedes oxygen from being properly absorbed and cutting off the air supply to the brain. A healthy air supply to the brain is necessary for proper brain function. If there is a lack of oxygen, damage can occur which could result in brain damage or dementia in the long term.
While the lung tissue can be treated it is likely that once the problem persists the damage is done. This means lifelong complications with breathing and possibly other organ damage. After that point, only time can tell the full extent of the brain’s functionality.
These symptoms are common for any substance abuse that gets out of hand. It is important to recognize when using a substance, such as Xanax, has reached past being clinically helpful. Once addiction is formed there may come a time where a person will need help resolving their addiction. However, Xanax withdrawal can be complicated and something an individual should seek help to get through.
Xanax is a potentially dangerous drug that should only be used under medical supervision. The relief it provides might push an individual to easily abuse the substance. If an individual is suspected of abusing Xanax, they might have the drug removed from their treatment plan. If this person seeks to continue abusing Xanax, they might seek it out illegally.
Not only does this put them at risk with unguided drug use, but it also increases the risks of using counterfeit Xanax. Counterfeit Xanax bought on the streets, or wherever found, is unregulated in dosages and ingredients. A user could potentially be putting anything into their body every time they snort or even orally take counterfeit Xanax.
If Xanax use has reached this extreme it is easy to see assume addiction has taken hold. The danger now lies in when a person decides they no longer want to abuse the drug. Xanax withdrawal is very risky as there is an increased risk for seizures and panic attacks once the drug is abruptly stopped. Due to this, it is important to not abruptly stop Xanax use at the risk of several withdrawal symptoms.
Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms often include:
- Mind fog
- Nausea
- Increased anxiety
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Seizures
If an individual seeks to abruptly stop using Xanax, they are putting themselves at risk. As the likelihood of seizures and other complications increases with unguided Xanax use, removing Xanax from their system should not be done alone. Therefore, it is important to undergo medical supervision in a rehab program. Several outpatient programs can be utilized to help an individual overcome and recover from their addiction.
Not only can these centers provide safe places for an individual to experience withdrawal and medical detoxication. They can also help a person learn the tools necessary to live a life free from addiction. These new life skills can help prevent relapse and help an individual manage life stress in healthy ways. New functioning coping skills could mean the difference between life and death for an addict.
If the addict does not see the problem or has a desire to seek help, the responsibility may fall to family or support systems. Staging an intervention might be the first step in saving the life of a loved one. It may take some convincing, but seeing the impact their substance abuse has on loved ones might be all they need to turn their lives around. In any case, help is not far away for anyone who seeks it.
Smoking Xanax is a relatively recent method for using Xanax. In the past, the most popular methods of illicitly consuming Xanax were snorting it and taking it orally. However, smoking Xanax is possible. To do so, a person must take Xanax pills and crush them up into a fine powder. Once the pills have been pulverized, it is possible to smoke this powder.
Another popular method that is spreading in online forums like Reddit involves dissolving Xanax using glycerin. After dissolving the medication, it becomes easy to combine the dissolved Xanax with tobacco or marijuana. In this form, drug abusers can smoke Xanax in their joints, spills, or bongs. It is even possible to “vape” Xanax in an e-cigarette using this method.
The side effects of smoking Xanax can be unpredictable because this method has not been studied in clinical trials. It is a relatively new route of administration even among people who abuse drugs, which means that even word-of-mouth stories about smoking Xanax might not be sufficient to cover all the dangers.
However, the side effects of Xanax abuse are well-known. Short term consequences of Xanax abuse include:
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Impulsive or uninhibited behavior
- Lack of motor coordination
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Short term memory problems (blackouts)
- Problems breathing
- Coma
Heating Xanax pills can have unpredictable effects on the molecular level. Altering Xanax by heating it, crushing it, or dissolving it can actually change how the drug works. As a result, the effects on people who smoke Xanax are unclear — and may be more dangerous than anticipated.
The dangers inherent to smoking are well-publicized, however. When people consume any substance via smoking, they put themselves at risk for a variety of negative effects. These include:
- Mouth burns
- Mouth, throat, and lung cancer
- Respiratory problems
It is also possible that smoking Xanax encourages individuals to abuse other drugs as well. Since it is far easier to smoke Xanax when it is combined with tobacco, marijuana, crack cocaine, and other smokeable drugs, people who smoke Xanax are highly susceptible to polysubstance addiction. Polysubstance addiction carries far more overdose risks than other types of addiction, partly because drug interactions can often be fatal.
When a person develops a substance use disorder with Xanax, they may use a variety of methods to consume it. These methods may include snorting, smoking, taking it orally, and even injecting it. If your loved one is regularly smoking Xanax, it is likely that they will go to great lengths to avoid detection. However, you can usually tell if someone is developing a Xanax addiction problem by looking out for several signs. Common signs of a Xanax addiction include:
- Difficulty stopping Xanax use even when they want to
- Using Xanax continually even though it is leading to personal difficulties
- Feeling obsessed with obtaining and using Xanax
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that they once enjoyed
- Suffering from legal or financial problems as a result of smoking Xanax
- Losing control over the quantity and frequency of Xanax being consumed
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviors while taking Xanax, or in order to obtain Xanax
Xanax falls under the benzodiazepine drug class, which is considered a psychoactive substance that changes the way a person thinks and behaves. It is utilized mostly to manage anxiety disorders, insomnia, and sometimes seizures. Since benzodiazepines are used to improve the effectiveness of the GABA chemical in the brain to create a calming effect rather than treat pain, Xanax would not be classified as a narcotic.
However, Xanax does share many similarities with narcotics. Doctors seek to use both benzodiazepines and narcotics as a treatment for only short periods. This is due to both drugs being habit-forming and increasing the likelihood of addiction for the user.
Both drugs can influence the brain similarly by having a depressive effect on the central nervous system. This can cause the user to feel as though they are intoxicated when using the drug. This makes both drugs equally dangerous if they are mixed with other depressive substances such as alcohol. They have the potential to slow the central nervous system that could influence other important systems in the body, such as the respiratory system.
Benzodiazepines and narcotics also have similar withdrawal symptoms, but benzodiazepines are far riskier when it comes to suddenly removing them from the body’s system. If an individual suddenly stops using a narcotic painkiller they might suffer from unpleasant side effects that are often excruciatingly painful. However, suddenly withdrawing benzodiazepines from an individual’s system could be deadly. There is an increased risk of seizures and other severe side effects when stopping the use of benzodiazepines.
Despite the similarities, Xanax still does not classify as a narcotic though there is a concern with abuse when used. Xanax abuse is a leading problem in the United States as it is one of the most prescribed substances. This makes the risk high for addiction and life-threatening consequences.
The depressive influence Xanax has on the central nervous system makes it dangerous to mix with any other substances. Some notable ones include alcohol, other depressant drugs, and especially narcotics. This can also be said for narcotics, which tend to make the user feel intoxicated even without combining them with any other substances.
When Xanax is combined with narcotics it can suppress the central nervous system to the point of causing a person to lose consciousness or die. This is because Xanax and other depressants can relax the body to the point of stopping important organ functions. This could involve the respiratory system shutting down. This reaction is likely if Xanax is mixed with alcohol. Xanax and alcohol tend to increase the effects of each other, causing the chances of an accidental overdose to increase. If the users do not realize these interactions are bad they could be putting themselves at risk.
This deadly mixture of drugs has caused an increased number of overdoses and deaths in the United States. With the misconception of what a narcotic is, aside from being deadly, it is no wonder there is some confusion about whether Xanax would be considered one.
Barbiturates are central nervous depressants that cause muscle relaxation. This reduces heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. They act like Xanax by affecting GABA chemicals in the brain. Barbiturates are used to treat headaches, insomnia, and seizures. They function in similar ways as Xanax, but they are not the same.
While Xanax is known to influence the nervous system causing relaxation they are classified as a benzodiazepine rather than a barbiturate. Despite the similarities, barbiturates and benzodiazepines are very different drug classes.
What is the difference between Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates?
Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are both drugs that impact gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The chemical in the brain helps to control stress and anxiety in an individual’s central nervous system. This leads both benzodiazepines and barbiturates to be used to treat the same conditions such as insomnia and seizures. However, benzodiazepines are known the treat a greater number of conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.
Common benzodiazepines are:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
These benzodiazepines come with their own unique side effects such as changes in appetite, constipation, unplanned weight gain, and fatigue. Though they share side effects with barbiturates such as confusion, lightheadedness, drowsiness, impaired coordination and memory, and nausea or vomiting.
Barbiturates, on the other hand, do not seem to be as common as benzodiazepines. This is likely because they are used to treat fewer conditions. Common barbiturates are:
- Secobarbital (Seconal)
- Thiopental (Pentothal)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Barbiturates also share many side effects with benzodiazepines, but ones specific to barbiturates are dizziness, headache, and abdominal pain.
Both drugs are known for treating insomnia and seizures.
