Xanax Abuse and Addiction
Use of Xanax, whether for legitimate treatment of anxiety or panic disorder or for recreational use, can result in addiction. Due to its addictive nature, people can become addicted to Xanax without even realizing it. When tolerance develops users tend to increase the quantity of Xanax they take or the frequency with which they take it resulting in dependence.
What is Xanax?
Xanax (Alprazolam), is a prescription drug, from the benzodiazepines category, used to treat people with anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Some characteristics of anxiety disorders are shortness of breath, trembling, restlessness, unreasonable worrying, sweating, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating to name a few. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the body which produces a calming effect.
Signs of Xanax Abuse
When abusing Xanax the effects tend to extend to most areas of the person’s life including affecting their relationships with others such as friends and family. Depending on the extent of the abuse it can also affect the person’s finances as they push to get more and more of the drug. It is not uncommon that their professional life will also be affected as their dependence causes them to miss work to avoid the withdrawal effects or if they are not feeling well due to some of the signs and symptoms of abuse. These may include:
- Aggressions
- Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Twitching
- Weakness
Signs of Xanax Withdrawal
When stopping the use of Xanax several withdrawal symptoms may be produced as a result. The risk of experiencing these symptoms increases when the drug has been used for a long time and/or in high doses. These symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Blurred Vision
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
