Xanax Abuse And Xanax Addiction: Whats The Difference
Although the signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse and Xanax addiction are the same, there is a difference in being addicted to Xanax or abusing Xanax. When someone is abusing Xanax, they are often taking it during a specific period of time, perhaps during a stressful situation or for a specific occasion. When someone is abusing Xanax, they can likely stop at any time. When someone is addicted to Xanax, they cant control their intake of Xanax, and they have a compulsion to take it regardless of the consequences. An addict needs Xanax to function normally and cannot manage daily life without it. Needing Xanax to function is when the line from substance abuse crosses into substance use disorder.
When someone addicted to Xanax stops taking it without medical supervision, they can go into life-threatening drug withdrawal. There is a treatment program near you for Xanax addiction.
What Are The Dangers Of Xanax Addiction
Even without addiction, there are several dangerous side effects of Xanax, including disorientation, slurred speech, loss of coordination, memory problems, anxiety, feelings of sadness or emptiness, loss of interest or pleasure, trouble performing routine tasks, and depression.
Those who become addicted to Xanax often become so consumed with getting their medication that they let all other responsibilities, such as work, school, and family, fall to the wayside.
Addicts who increase their dosage or combine it with other drugs or alcohol put themselves at a higher risk of overdose, which can be fatal. The CDC reported that alprazolam was one of the top 10 drugs associated with overdose deaths in the US from 2010 to 2014.
Causes And Risk Factors For Xanax Abuse
Addiction is thought to be a disease caused by multiple factors working together. Causes for Xanax addiction may include:
Genetic: Individuals who have a relative who struggles with addiction to Xanax or other substances are more likely to develop an addiction to Xanax themselves. While not a definitive indicator, there is absolutely a greater risk among family members.
Brain Chemistry: Xanax works by decreasing the excitement transmitted via neurotransmitters in the brain. Individuals who have an inborn tendency toward increased levels of these neurotransmitters may seek ways to decrease this excitement and may self-medicate with Xanax.
Environmental: Individuals who are born into an unstable home environment, especially if substance abuse is modeled by a parent or guardian, are at greater risks for developing substance abuse later in life.
Psychological: As addiction rarely occurs without the presence of another mental illness, many individuals who struggle with undertreated or undiagnosed mental illnesses may turn to drugs or alcohol in order to manage the symptoms of their disorder.
Signs
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What Does Being On Xanax Feel Like
When people are on Xanax, they tend to feel very relaxed. Any anxiety the person has will quickly start to go away as the drug takes effect.
At higher doses, Xanax has a sedative-like effect comparable to sleeping pills such as Ambien. If you take too much of Xanax, you might experience blackouts in which you arent aware of where youve been or what youve done.
Factors For Developing An Addiction
Not everyone becomes addicted to or dependent on Xanax who uses it. There are risk factors in individuals, and patterns of use which many increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. Risk factors for developing an addiction to alprazolam include:
- A family history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
- A family history of mental health disorders
- A personal history of mental health disorders
- Trauma and stress in life, especially early stages
- Lack of peer support
- The presence of stress
- Individual body chemistry and metabolism
Of course, there are many other factors which may make somebody more susceptible to developing an addiction, but these are a few big ones. For example, people who spend time with other individuals who are abusing drugs are more likely to consume drugs themselves. There are also patterns of use that may cause dependence. Whether taking Xanax as a doctor prescribed or abusing it, here are a few factors which may impact the development of dependence:
- Age of first use
- General dosage
- The abuse of other drugs, or polydrug use
Its relatively simple to understand that those who use more drugs for a longer period of time are more likely to become addicted than those who try the drug once. Regular use of Xanax, even if taken as prescribed, can result in physical and psychological dependence over time.
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Effects Of Xanax Abuse
The effects of long-term Xanax abuse will differ from person to person, but one thing is clear: addiction to Xanax leaves virtually no area of an addicts life unscathed. Some of the most common effects of Xanax abuse include:
- Crumbling interpersonal relationships
- Preoccupation with obtaining, using, and recovering from Xanax
- Job loss
Co-Occurring Disorders
Take Care Of Yourself Along The Way
When someone you care about is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, it can be frustrating and stressful, especially when they do not seek help as quickly as you would like them to. We often think we know what is best for the people we love and we want to help in any way we can. The reality of the situation is that you cant force them to get help. They have to choose to do so on their own.
What you can do is provide them with resources and support. You can show them how much you care and want them to get help. And, you can take care of yourself by seeking counseling to manage your stress and frustration over the situation. Getting help from a counselor will allow you to be as emotionally strong and supportive as you can be for your loved ones during their time of need.
If you feel that you need extra support during these difficult times, the counseling staff at The Summit Wellness Group is here to help. Call us 24/7 at 770-299-1677.
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Common Signs Someone Is Using Oxycodone
On the other hand, as well as the positive side effects of oxycodone, there are also negative signs someone is on oxycodone that can occur. These non-desirable oxycodone side effects can include nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and loss of appetite. They can also include feelings of weakness, sweating, headache and mood changes. As people develop a tolerance for oxycodone, these symptoms will often become more pronounced.
Severe signs someone is on oxycodone and has potentially overdosed can include an irregular heart rate, chest pain, hives or rash, swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, extreme tiredness and lightheadedness. There is also the potential for seizures with the use of oxycodone.
Some of the most dangerous and potentially deadly side effects of being on oxycodone are related to the fact that it can slow down, or completely stop, breathing and overall respiration.
Why Is Xanax Addictive
Xanax produces a sense of calm and wellbeing. Many people enjoy these effects, and they start taking the medication daily. Unfortunately, Xanax tolerance develops fast. Within weeks, you may find that your original dose no longer delivers results. You might start to take higher doses of the drug. Before you know it, your body is dependent on it.
Xanax dependency can be physical and psychological. If you have anxiety, you might experience a relapse when you try to stop taking the drug. You may also struggle with rebound depression, insomnia, or paranoia. Xanax soothes these symptoms temporarily, but the symptoms return with a vengeance when you stop taking the drug. Thats why Xanax is so hard to quit.
Once dependency occurs, most people cant stop taking the medication on their own. Without medical care, the detox process can be painful and risky. You may relapse and return to Xanax, or you might try to self-medicate with other drugs. Self-medication during detox is incredibly dangerous. Sometimes, it can produce fatal results. A Xanax withdrawal treatment center can provide a safe place to detox.
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How Can You Tell If Someone Is Addicted To Xanax
The typical period a doctor may prescribe Xanax is between two to six weeks to avoid developing addiction in patients. Their bodies can also quickly build a tolerance to Xanax, which means patients may not realize that they are becoming addicted.
You can tell someone is addicted to Xanax if they simply form a habit of using it even after the prescribed period is over. Xanax addicts will typically become less energetic and show signs of tiredness in their daily lives due to the drugs sedative nature.
They may be less interested in interacting with family or friends and lose motivation in their day-to-day activities. This is because Xanax addicts tend to feel lonely even when surrounded by their friends and family and exhibit no interest in taking part in conversations.
Many other symptoms can determine if a person is addicted to abusing Xanax regularly.
How To Tell If Your Teen Has A Xanax Addiction
How to Tell if Your Teen Has a Xanax Addiction?
Since the year 2000, there have been notable controversies surrounding the use of Xanax in teens for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder . Due to its effectiveness, almost everyone, especially teenagers, wants to hold this medicine. Unfortunately, excessive use of Xanax proved to be fatal, with an alarming death rate of 500 percent since the mentioned year.
There is data collected from various years showing the increased prescription of Xanax. However, the situation of Xanax abuse seems to persist throughout the years as more patients fall victim to Xanax Addiction. Even with the right amount of care from professionals, people still seem to find ways to become dependent on prescriptions.
Ways to tell your teen has Xanax addiction
For teenagers, being addicted to Xanax is a serious problem. Since many teenagers suffer from anxiety and depression, getting treatment is often necessary.
Learn more about Los Angeles Teen Depression Treatment.
If one of your children is currently taking this Xanax as medication, it would be best to check if they have become dependant and suffer from this condition. If your teen has developed an adolescent Xanax addiction, its best to contact us to learn more about our teen Xanax treatment in Los Angeles.
Ways to tell if your teen has Xanax addiction
Below are some signs your teen could be addicted to Xanax.
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Signs Your Loved One Is Abusing Xanax
Xanax is a drug prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can effectively relieve pain and anxiety, but chronic use can result in abuse and dependence. If you believe that someone you love is abusing Xanax, here are six signs to help you decide if treatment is your next step.
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a powerful benzodiazepine drug and central nervous system depressant. It is also an extremely potent schedule IV controlled substance. This type of classification makes Xanax the kind of drug that has a high risk of abuse and addiction.
Aside from its prescribed usage, many people abuse Xanax for its euphoric effects. They can also mix this benzodiazepine with other drugs and alcohol to achieve a more intense high. Unfortunately, misusing Xanax in this way can be extremely dangerous. If you suspect someone you love is abusing Xanax, it is essential to spot the signs and seek treatment immediately. Our Ohio drug rehab has several treatment options available for individuals looking to reclaim their lives from Xanax abuse and addiction.
Six signs your loved one is abusing Xanax may include:
- using Xanax outside of prescription guidelines
- multiple Xanax prescriptions or no prescription at all
- changes in behavior because of Xanax use
- physical signs of Xanax abuse
- psychological symptoms of Xanax abuse
- Xanax withdrawal symptoms
Lets explore these six signs in depth.
Offer Treatment Options For Alcohol And Xanax Addiction
Help your son or daughter by providing options for treatment. Simply pointing out that they have a problem and need to stop using drugs and drinking is not enough. They may feel lost, unsure what to do next, even if they do realize there is a problem. Do your research and come up with some facilities for treatment.
A great option for someone addicted to Xanax and alcohol is to commit to going to a residential treatment center, or rehab. Research indicates that effective treatment needs to last for at least three months. Treatment is also most effective when it addresses all behavioral and mental health issues. Residential care can provide long-term treatment and diagnosis and treatment of any other mental illnesses your adult child may have.
Treatment for co-occurring substance disorders should include an individualized plan, which is what your adult child can expect in a residential facility. There will be personalized care from a team of professionals with expertise in different areas. Treatment should include individual behavioral therapy, group support, medical care, and a variety of alternative and complementary therapies.
We’re Here to Help. Call Today!
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Why Do Some People Abuse Xanax And Others Do Not
There are many reasons someone may suffer an addiction to Xanax. The primary three are:
- Genetics
- Environment
- Family history
If people in your family struggle with addiction or mental illness, especially close relatives, you are more likely to suffer from one or both of these conditions yourself. Some genetic markers have been linked to addiction. Environmental factors may activate these markers and increase your risk of struggling with addiction to any drug, including Xanax. If you have certain mental health conditionsand anxiety disorders are one group of those conditionsthen you are at a higher risk for developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol. If you are in a stressful environment, you may begin to abuse drugs in an attempt to reduce your stress.
Most people who struggle with addiction have some combination of these factors. People who receive a prescription drug like Xanax for anxiety may take a lot of it to feel normal, and they may not want to take it short-term or as-needed because they may feel like it is the only way they can feel normal enough to function in their daily lives.
Get help overcoming Xanax addiction before any severe, life-limiting side effects occur.
Where To Treat Xanax Addiction
Are you or a loved one struggling and wondering where to treat Xanax addiction? The best way to treat addiction to Xanax is at a qualified addiction treatment facility like Hawaii Island Recovery. We offer caring, comprehensive drug rehab programs for anyone trying to escape the cycle of addiction.
Whether its your first time trying to get sober or youve been to treatment before, were here to help you. Reach out to us today and let us help you find your way out!
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How Can I Tell If My Loved One Has A Xanax Addiction
Dealing with a loved ones addiction can be painful and confusing. Your loved one may deny that they have a problem. They might conceal their drug use and invent excuses to hide the symptoms.
Not sure whether your loved one is abusing Xanax? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Has my loved one become listless, irritable, or groggy?
- Have they lost interest in the things they used to enjoy?
- Do they sleep for most of the day?
- Have they reported thoughts of suicide or acted aggressively toward others?
- Have they lost their job or experienced financial problems because of their symptoms?
- Are they in legal trouble for drug or alcohol abuse?
- Have I caught them hiding pills or lying about their drug use?
- Have they stolen medication or money from family members or friends?
Because Xanax is a prescription, people struggling with addiction may consider their drug use safe. They might argue that using a prescription drug doesnt qualify as drug abuse. Keep in mind that patients who take Xanax for legitimate purposes can still become addicted. Even if a doctor has prescribed Xanax, your loved one can still abuse it. A treatment center can help your loved one safely quit Xanax.
How To Treat An Addiction To Xanax
A Xanax addiction has to be treated like any other drug addiction. Patients will need to cease consumption and then work through withdrawal, followed by a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program. There are many therapeutic approaches to recovery that can be effective.
Evidence-based recovery rehab will start with talk therapy.
This can help change behaviors, address any underlying history of trauma and work through mental health conditions that could be playing a role. Involving the family can also be helpful, as can group therapy. Alternative or holistic therapies ranging from fitness to acupuncture can play a role in boosting overall wellness and strength against relapse as well.
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What Are The Signs Of Xanax Abuse
- To offer acute relief of anxiety
- To induce sleep or relaxation
- As a preanesthetic drug
- To address withdrawal from alcohol
While Xanax is often associated with anxiety relief, it is only prescribed for clinically significant dysfunctional anxiety in individuals with anxiety disorders or other psychiatric disorders. It is not used for normal nervousness or anxiousness that people experience as a result of daily living.
Prior to the use of benzodiazepines like Xanax, barbiturates were prescribed for many of the above purposes however, barbiturate abuse became a major issue in the United States. Benzodiazepines are shorter-acting in most cases and were believed to have less of a potential for abuse than barbiturates however, benzodiazepine abuse is a significant issue in itself.
Benzodiazepines have good medical uses as depicted above, but the United States Drug Enforcement Administration also recognizes that they are potential substances of abuse that can produce physical dependence. Benzodiazepines are typically classified as controlled substances under the Schedule IV categorization. This means that any legal use of Xanax can only occur when a person has a prescription from a physician for the drug.
- The development of tolerance
- The potential development of a withdrawal syndrome
- Slowing down of the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system while on the drug
