Facts about Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction is one of the most abused drugs by teens and adults in America. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States reported that there was an 89 percent increase in Xanax abuse from 2004 to 2008. Many people become addicted and tolerant to the drug's effect, and they jeopardize their health because of Xanax abuse.

Xanax Addiction

The drug is a prescription medication that helps in depressing the central nervous system. This potent tranquilizer fights off the effects of stress and anxiety among individuals. It is prescribed by some doctors in treating anxiety and nervous disorders. The effects may be felt instantly, yet it may only last for a few hours. Some users decide to take more doses of the drug because they appreciate the calm feeling caused by Xanax. However, this practice can lead to tolerance and dependence on the substance.

Alprazolam is the generic name of Xanax, and it is one of the most abused drugs aside from hydrocodone and oxycodone. When alprazolam is mixed with other painkillers or alcohol, a person is likely to suffer from lethal effects.

Xanax is highly addictive, and it is only recommended by doctors in providing a temporary relief for panic, anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, more people become addicted to the drug, and they try to purchase it illegally.

The following are among the symptoms linked with Xanax addiction:

• Long hours of sleep
• Frequent sleepiness
• Slow breathing and heart beat
• Inability to concentrate
• Lightheadedness or sensation of floating in the air
• Mental confusion and loss of memory
• Intense craving for the drug

Overdose on Xanax

Aside from the negative health consequences in taking Xanax, some people are also at risk of suffering from an overdose on the drug. They may have slower reaction time and poor decision making skills, so they may be unable to operate machine or drive vehicles.

The drug can make a person become physically and psychologically addicted to the drug, and those who wish to quite may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. For instance, they may suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances and rapid heartbeat when they quit taking the drug abruptly.

Some users may also have shaky hands, frequent mood swings, anxieties, and irritable behavior when they withdraw from Xanax. Treatment for drug addiction is highly recommended, as it can help individuals start a new life and overcome the challenges of quitting. However, a holistic form of therapy is the ideal option, as this eliminates additional side effects caused by medication during treatment or rehabilitation.

Additional Facts about Xanax

Addiction to Xanax is an extremely challenging problem in many parts of the world, including the United States. Several rehabilitation programs for treating patients addicted to Xanax have been started, and some doctors no longer recommend this drug to their patients.

However, there are people who try to do everything they can just to get a hold of the drug. They may produce fake prescription letters and purchase the drug illegally. When they have become addicted to the drug, the substance will cause their body to build a tolerance to the chemicals. When these people have first started taking a pill, they may only need about .25 mg of the drug to feel its effect. A few months after, they may end up increasing the dosage to .5 up to 1 mg, so they could experience the same effects as when they first took the drug. When they keep on increasing the dosage, they may suffer from serious medical conditions.

In addition, the doctor who prescribed the medication may stop recommending the drug because of the negative symptoms that a patient has experienced. When this happens, the patient may try to find ways to purchase the drug in illegal ways just to satisfy the body's craving for the substance.

Several people that struggle with the difficulties linked with Xanax addiction decide to buy the drug from dealers on the street. This may cause serious dangers to users because some people may put incorrect or fake labels on the pills. Some individuals may also find many doctors that can give them a prescription, so they can buy the drug in pharmacies without having to worry about purchasing it from illegal dealers. However, they are likely to suffer the risks of abusing the drug because of an overdose or chronic use.