Xanax Abuse: Learn the Effects and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction.
Learn why Xanax abuse is so dangerous.
Xanax is often prescribed in the United States as an anti-anxiety medication. There are legitimate reasons for taking Xanax. It stops feelings of nausea in people undergoing chemotherapy, for example. It is also prescribed for people who suffer from chronic insomnia. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that creates a calm and sleepy feeling soon after taking it, and it is very prone to abuse. The problem with taking Xanax for extended periods is that the body begins to develop a tolerance to the drug, causing those taking it a need to use more and more to achieve the same desired effect. A large number of people in the United States suffer from a Xanax addiction. Xanax abuse, like most addictions, does have a single identifiable cause, but several factors that contribute to it.
- Genetic factors. Many individuals who develop an addiction problem such as Xanax abuse have a parent or close relative with addiction issues as well. There is a correlation between addiction and close family members with this type of addiction.
- Brain chemistry. Xanax works by affecting the central nervous system. It activates the reward system in the brain and creates feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Many medical experts theorize that individuals with Xanax addictions lack a certain level of brain chemicals that are essential in the brain's reward system.
- Environmental conditions. Individuals who are exposed to chaotic and unstructured home environments at a young age are at higher risk for developing substance abuse issues when they are older. This risk increases even more when there is a parent present with an addiction.
- Psychological. Addiction has strong roots in mental illness, especially if the mental illness has never been treated and has been present for a long period of time. These cases are at high risk for 'self medicating', which happens when a mentally ill individual abuses prescription medications like Xanax to control the symptoms of their mental illness. These symptoms often include being emotionally unstable, or unable to control one's emotions.
What are some Xanax addiction symptoms? There are mood symptoms that are often present with Xanax abuse. These symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Mania
- Restlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
Other Xanax abuse symptoms include behavioral symptoms such as:
- Risk taking behaviors
- Decreased inhibitions
- Hostility and violence
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or at work.
- Declining performance at home or at work.
- Chewing pills to make them work faster.
- Crushing or snorting pills.
- Taking more pills than are prescribed at one time.
- 'Doctor shopping', which is visiting several doctors to obtain more Xanax prescriptions.
- Stealing Xanax from friends or family members with prescriptions.
Xanax addiction symptoms are often physical, and can cause constipation, vision issues, heart palpitations, slurred speech, coordination difficulties, seizures, and more. Finally, some of the most difficult Xanax addiction symptoms to deal with include psychological symptoms, which include trouble concentrating, difficulties with memory, withdrawal, confusion and feelings of being disoriented, and difficulty with forming thoughts.
What are the effects of Xanax abuse? There are a number of effects that stem from Xanax abuse and similar addictions. They include short-term memory loss, reoccurring conflicts in the addicted individual's relationships, legal problems, divorce, and financial problems. Physical effects of Xanax abuse include chest pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and more.
People affected by Xanax addiction contribute to what is becoming a growing problem in the United States, as it is the fifth most prescribed drug in this country currently. Prescriptions for Xanax have been rising at a rate of 9% annually since 2008. The average person with a Xanax addiction will take between 20-30 pills every day. That does not mean that someone who takes 5 to 10 pills a day doesn't have a problem. Taking a prescribed medication in any other way than it is prescribed is considered abuse.
To learn more about Xanax addiction and the effects of Xanax abuse, visit: www.drugtreatmentcenterstallahassee.com. Or call: 850-460-3170 and speak with someone at Tallahassee Drug Treatment Centers. If you feel like you or someone you know has trouble with recalling memory, is exhausted all the time, or is experiencing emotional stability issues that have recently developed, take some time to learn about the different options for getting help and becoming sober from Xanax addiction. Treatment options are working and the success rate for treating Xanax addiction is high. There is hope to break this addiction.