Action was not taken on benzodiazepine abuse in the U.S. until the 1980s, when this class of medications became the most widely prescribed in the country. To this day, they are still among the most widely prescribed drugs despite their risks. Usually, those who have developed a physical dependence on Xanax experience the most severe withdrawal symptoms, which can begin just hours after the last dose.

Rehab Programs

They may also prescribe this form if your panic disorder symptoms come back or worsen between doses of immediate-release Xanax. At our Atlanta rehab center, we specialize in treating dual-diagnosis disorders. All of our treatments are carried out by skilled members of staff who have experience in mental health symptoms and medication management. We match each client with a counselor who best suits their needs and employ peer recovery support specialists, substance use counselors, and mental health professionals.

• The warning alerts doctors and patients to side effects that may be dangerous.
• According to the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), in the decade between 1998 and 2008, the number of people seeking treatment to end addiction to benzodiazepines tripled.
• This is the role of evidence-based therapy and support groups and is a necessary component of overcoming any substance use disorder.
• The overdose will be reversed, and the person will be able to breathe again.

Xanax use with other drugs

• Also, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of misuse or addiction, or any concerns about them.
• Overall, it’s great to carry this medicine because you could save somebody’s life.
• Not only does using benzodiazepines in any way other than is prescribed by a doctor very dangerous, especially injecting it, it is also deadly as it increases the risk for an overdose.
• Action was not taken on benzodiazepine abuse in the U.S. until the 1980s, when this class of medications became the most widely prescribed in the country.
• However, it can be addictive and should not be taken without a doctor’s supervision.
• As tolerance to the drug builds, people may take larger doses to achieve the same effects.

They are both depressants that slow down activity in the body’s nervous system. The presence of ethanol in alcohol is a likely contributor that elevates the maximum concentration of Xanax in the bloodstream. This is the role of evidence-based therapy and support groups and is a necessary component of overcoming any substance use disorder. People abuse Xanax by taking higher doses because of the potent relief it provides from stress or concerns. Perhaps this is why Xanax abuse, and abuse of other benzos, is popular among teens.

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If you take more than 4 mg of Xanax per day for this condition, your doctor may eventually suggest lowering your dosage. For additional information about allergic reaction, see the “Allergic reaction” section that follows. Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down activity in the brain and nervous system. Like other depressants, it works with a natural brain chemical called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is responsible for rest and relaxation.

Having all of that substance rushing through you and to your brain at one time dangerously increases depression of the central nervous system, slowing the heart rate and breathing. This can even cause the heart to stop beating if it slows down too quickly. Individuals choose to snort, smoke or inject Xanax in order to intensify the effects of the drug and to decrease the time it takes for the drug to take effect. Unfortunately, snorting, smoking and injecting Xanax can lead to dependency.

While that liquid could be sterile saline, it’s most often not a sterile liquid and could result in injecting pathogens into the bloodstream. Join 40,000+ People Who Receive Our Newsletter Get valuable resources on addiction, recovery, wellness, and our treatments delivered directly to your inbox. Xanax addiction is a significant problem that requires professional treatment. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available that can help people struggling with addiction to Xanax. On Tuesday, Kenner Police detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Danette Colbert, linking her to the tragic death of Adan Manzano. New evidence uncovered by investigators indicated Colbert and her alleged accomplice, Rickey White, had a pattern of drugging and robbing victims.

The truth is that the nose is simply not functional for inhaling powders. Just one single use of a drug like Xanax can cause lung infections, swelling in the inner linings of the nose, compromised respiratory tracts, and nasal blockages. Xanax itself is not the problem here, but rather, it is the additional substances that adds to the powdery mix that cause contamination.

Mixing it with other central nervous system depressants can exponentially increase this likelihood. Alcohol and opioids are two of the most commonly mixed-in depressants. Long-term damage caused by snorting drugs like Xanax can be massive.

Yet, despite naloxone’s greater accessibility, there are many people who do not know how to properly administer naloxone, posing potential risks to the effectiveness of the medicine. We recently spoke with Brent about what people should know about naloxone, how to use it, ongoing research on its use, and reflections on the decision to make it over the counter. Taking the medication around the same times of day helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

About Xanax misuse and addiction

Due to its relative ease of obtainability, people may not think twice about taking more than is prescribed or taking it more often than they should. These methods of Xanax abuse can be extremely dangerous and lead to several serious side effects. By boosting the effect of GABA, Xanax helps reduce nervous tension and feelings of anxiety. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication. If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Xanax, contact your insurance company.

This reduces the speed at which can you inject xanax nerve cells communicate with each other, producing sedation and relaxation while slowing down functions like breathing and heart rate. To treat panic disorder, you’ll likely take Xanax three times per day. Xanax XR works over about 24 hours, so you’ll likely take a dose once per day. Your doctor may prescribe Xanax XR if once-daily dosing is more convenient for you.

Does alprazolam ODT work faster than alprazolam?

Any form of alprazolam abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction and can also increase your risk of a fatal overdose. Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a powerful benzodiazepine used to provide short-term relief from mental health problems such as panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression. My name is Madison Knowles, I am a Mental health therapist at NPAC. I am a single-mother of two and I have a daughter who is globally delayed and has been diagnosed with autism. I have been in this industry since I was 16 years old, as I was fascinated with human behavior.

The Dangers of Smoking Xanax

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely. For more information about side effects of Xanax, see the “Xanax side effects” section.