Addiction to prescription drugs is one of the biggest epidemics the US population faces, and amongst them, Xanax is particularly common in terms of abuse.1 Spotting Xanax abuse isn’t easy, especially when the patient suffers from an anxiety disorder or needs the medication.
Some signs of Xanax abuse include an inability to handle stressful situations without the drug, feeling agitated when not taking Xanax, and having trouble keeping a coherent line of speech when interacting.
Xanax abuse can turn into a severe addiction within weeks of taking the medication. Reach out to Nurture Nexus Recovery Center for professional prescription drug addiction treatment today to give yourself a safe and sober tomorrow!
7 Symptoms of Xanax Abuse That You Can Easily Spot
Abuse of prescription medications like Xanax is often difficult to catch on to, as individuals tend to be high-functioning and hide their substance abuse behind mental illness or other excuses. However, paying attention to these seven signs can help you spot Xanax abuse in any person:
1. Increased Tolerance to Xanax
When an individual consumes more Xanax than is intended, the body begins to develop a tolerance to the drug. Soon, they will stop feeling the calming or ‘high’ effects of the drug at their usual dose and will need to increase consumption every often.2
2. Withdrawal Symptoms Start If You Miss a Dose
As tolerance to the drug continues to develop, missing even a single dose can cause a sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms.3 These symptoms can cause discomfort and disorientation, so the individual feels the urge to consume Xanax once again and continues the cycle of abuse.
3. Experiencing Blackouts When on Xanax
Prolonged misuse of Xanax has been associated with loss of memory and frequent blackouts in individuals. It also reduces the alertness of the user and may leave them in a state of constant brain fog, where it is hard to focus or recall events that happened recently.4
4. Pairing Xanax Consumption With Other Drugs
Xanax abuse is hardly a solitary issue. A study from 2021 shows that around 93% of benzodiazepine-related overdoses included the illicit use of an opioid as well.5 Similarly, many individuals tend to take their Xanax with alcohol to make the ‘high’ long lasting or increase the buzz from their drink.
5. Aggressive Behavior When Questioned About Xanax
A telltale sign of Xanax abuse is that when you ask the individual if their Xanax use has increased or doesn’t seem to be following their prescription, they’re aggressive or secretive with the answer. Being questioned may make the user feel like they will get caught, which causes them to either snap or panic in such a situation.
6. Inability to Function Without Xanax
Once an individual forms the habit of excessively taking Xanax whenever they are stressed, uneasy, can’t sleep, or are looking for a recreational high, they won’t be able to function without it. Proper treatment of mental illness with Xanax follows a schedule that minimizes dependence, but Xanax abuse increases dependency with each dose.
7. Slower Speaking and Other Physical Symptoms
After prolonged Xanax abuse, especially during the high, you may notice the individual abusing the drug has slurred speech or impaired cognition. They might roll certain sounds, have difficulty maintaining a consistent speech pattern, and even speak incoherently.
What Really Leads to Xanax Misuse?
Xanax abuse occurs when someone takes the medication beyond its prescribed purpose for illicit purposes. Xanax is primarily prescribed to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. For many, it works effectively when taken as directed.5 But its fast-acting nature makes it appealing beyond medical use, especially if individuals are struggling with emotional regulation and are going through a tough time.
People also recreationally use it for its ‘buzz-like’ high, while others might self-medicate for emotional pain, trauma, or sleeplessness. Unfortunately, what starts as self-help turns into a full-blown addiction without any warning. Since Xanax is highly habit-forming, most people who abuse Xanax are not aware they’re developing an addiction until things get out of hand.
How Dangerous is Xanax Abuse?
Xanax abuse is dangerous as it can lead to overdose and even death if taken in combination with other drugs. Some statistics on Xanax abuse are:
- Around 30 million people in the U.S. use benzodiazepines, while 17% of this use consists of Xanax abuse
- Xanax use is more likely to be associated with emergency room visits than any other benzodiazepine
- Adults aged 18-25 have the highest reported statistics of Xanax abuse and addiction
- Women are more likely to suffer from Xanax abuse or addiction as compared to men
- Long-term benzodiazepine use has been associated with impaired cognitive function
Understanding Benzodiazepine/Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax addiction is a growing concern for regulating authorities in the U.S.. Even though measures such as Xanax extended release and stricter prescription practices have been successful in bringing down new addiction statistics, it takes consistent treatment to help those who have already become addicted to the drug.6
Many treatment centers use a blend of the following approaches when treating Xanax addiction:
- Medically Managed Detox
Medically managed detox is essential to help those individuals who are dependent on Xanax and suffer debilitating withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking the drug. It also helps shift the individual from Xanax to other low-abuse benzodiazepines to continue with treatment for their mental illness.
- Behavioral Health
Xanax addiction relies heavily on habit-forming behavior and using the drug as a coping mechanism for the stress in one’s life. Therefore, a behavioral health approach that uses both psychotherapy methods and counseling can help individuals understand the root cause of this behavior and teach them the proper mechanisms to handle negative emotions.
This helps them make safer choices in the future and reduces the likelihood of relapse should they begin to receive medication for the treatment of their mental health or pain issues. Treating Xanax addiction can be risky, but opting for professional treatment can increase the chances of a successful recovery.
The Xanax Withdrawal Syndrome
Xanax withdrawal is one of the most dangerous conditions professionals deal with when treating addiction to prescription drugs. Withdrawal symptoms8 may start mild, such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vision problems
- Mood swings
- Irritability
These symptoms can turn into severe ones within the course of a week. In some cases, extreme symptoms like the following may occur:
- Inability to speak properly
- Memory blackouts
- Rapid weight loss
- Chances in perception
- Heart palpitations
How The Xanax Withdrawal Timeline Works
Xanax withdrawal takes around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the frequency of Xanax abuse and how much of the drug was being abused. On average, the withdrawal timeline can look like:
First 6-12 Hours
Within the first 12 hours, the effects of Xanax wear off, and withdrawal begins to kick in. You may feel a heightened sense of anxiety and feel some physical discomfort that causes agitation.
In 1-4 Days
The first four days of Xanax withdrawal are the most intense, with symptoms ranging from panic attacks, muscle pain, excessive sweating, stomach pain, shaking, insomnia, and anxiety.
After One Week
By the seventh day, most people’s Xanax withdrawal symptoms subside, and they’re only left with mild insomnia and anxiety. However, if you’ve been misusing the drug for a long time, the major symptoms may persist.
After a Month
It can take anywhere from week 4 to week 8 for the lingering uneasiness, anxiety, and insomnia associated with Xanax withdrawal to end. After this period, the body may return to how it used to function before the drug abuse started.
When To Get Help For Your Xanax Addiction
Knowing what Xanax abuse looks like isn’t enough to convince yourself or your loved ones to get professional treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or know someone who is, then it is time to seek help for your Xanax addiction:
- You are using Xanax more often than prescribed by your doctor
- You are using Xanax without a prescription at all
- You rely on Xanax to get through difficult situations in life
- If you don’t have Xanax every so often, you feel agitated
- You’re always thinking about when you’ll have Xanax next
- You experiment with other drugs to make Xanax ‘hit’ better
Discover The Top Xanax Addiction Treatment Center in Texas
Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers professional prescription medication addiction treatment in Texas that’s fully insured. Our team of medical experts will help you or your loved ones get started towards a better sober future. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xanax
What Are the Side Effects of the Drug Xanax?
Xanax has side effects that range from low blood pressure to impaired coordination, stomach irritation, high libido, and difficulty speaking. However, the side effects are subject to the dosage and prescription.
How Long Does Xanax Take to Wear Off?
Xanax successfully wears off in 6-12 hours, depending on whether you took the normal pill or the extended-release version.
How Do People Act When They Take Xanax?
If people are taking Xanax due to mental health issues, they may act in a healthy fashion with less anxiety, a calm demeanor, and reduced symptoms. However, those who abuse Xanax tend to be buzzed, zoned out, and seem like their attention is diverted.
Can You Get Addicted to Xanax Even if You Have a Prescription?
Yes, Xanax is a highly addictive medication even when it is being used according to a prescription. This is why you should take your medication at a fixed schedule and avoid overconsumption or skipping your doses.
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