Xanax is prescribed to those who need treatment for panic attacks and possibly agoraphobia, a fear of leaving home or being around other people in open places. Xanax is used as an anti-convulsant, sedative and muscle relaxant.
It produces a calm and relaxed feeling, as if the brain has slowed down. Despite the ease of addiction, many who take Xanax do so for long periods of time, despite warnings and usually increasing the dosage over time.
Xanax Abuse & Addiction
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is one of a group of medications in the benzodiazepine (“benzo”) drug class. Addiction is possible after only 2 weeks and especially for those who take it for non-medical reasons.
Once the body adjusts to a certain dosage, the relaxation and other feelings are lessened, causing many abusers to take more and more over time in order to keep up with the effects. Put simpy, benzos such as Xanax are no longer effective after a few weeks or months of regular and increasing use.
Over time, the body builds a tolerance to a medication like Xanax and when taken beyond two weeks, Xanax withdrawal symptoms are usually reported when use is done. Eventually, in what can only be described as a vicious cycle, Xanax causes little or no effect as far as the “calm high” of early use, and continued abuse is carried out more to avoid withdrawal symptoms than anything else.
Snorting Xanax
Xanax comes in several forms: tablet, extended release tablet and oral and injectable liquid solution. Some who abuse will crush the tablets and then snort them.
Some signs of Xanax abuse or addiction include:
- Fatigue/Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Short-term memory problems
- Tremors
- Rage/Aggression
Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax withdrawal is not something to be undertaken without proper medical supervision; withdrawal effects of Xanax can include: hallucinations, seizures and bizarre delusions and visions. Those who do manage to successfully withdraw from drugs such as Xanax report brighter colors, better mood and a clearer mind.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines such as Xanax can lead to a variety of physical and mental issues, from memory loss to depression to anxiety. In most cases of Xanax abuse, the drug is not used on its own, but in concert with other drugs such as heroin and often as a sleeping aid or in an effort to tone down the withdrawal effects of alcohol.
