Xanax is a prescription drug most commonly used to help manage anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders. Its relaxing effects are the result of suppressing the central nervous system’s inhibitory receptors, which decreases the elevated anticipation in the brain that leads to anxiety.
Following a doctor’s instructions, taking the drug as directed, and decreasing the dosage as advised will limit, if not completely negate, addiction problems. Unfortunately, when taken in large amounts over a long period. If you suspect that you or someone you know has a Xanax addiction, recognizing the signs and symptoms could be the key to early intervention.
The Top 10 Physical Symptoms
Due to its calming effects, Xanax is referred to as a “downer” drug. Some people use it with other downers like alcohol to increase its pleasurable and calming effects. The combination of multiple downers can lead to cardiac arrest, cause a coma, or flat out kill.
Others get hooked on Xanax while trying to combat an addiction to stimulants, or “uppers.” The dangerous marriage of uppers and downers can be the catalyst to cardiovascular problems like myocardial infarction. Physical signs of addiction can include:
- Feelings of elation
- Drowsiness
- Sleeping for extended periods of time
- Light-headedness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with memory
- Sluggishness
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Mental fog that impedes completing daily tasks
Psychological and Social Symptoms
Side effects of drug use go well beyond the physical. People addicted to Xanax typically have problems maintaining relationships with friends and family. A decline in their professional life due to repeatedly missing work is common, especially if they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Financial problems arise with the spending of larger and larger amounts of money to buy Xanax or dedicating time to scoring the drug instead of being productive.
People addicted to Xanax can even have problems with their verbal and motor skills. Addicts will appear excessively tired and lethargic, lacking the motivation and drive to engage in daily activities. Any task requiring stimulation or close attention will be too difficult to complete. Cognitive problems can also impair speech.
An additional mental disorder often accompanies Xanax addiction. The most common include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Stimulant abuse
- Other substance abuse
- Alcoholism
Causes of Addiction
Knowing someone’s background may assist in identifying an addiction early on. Three of the most common elements that increase the risk of addiction include:
- Genes: Addictive disorders can be inherited. While not an absolute, be aware of any history of addiction in a person’s family.
- Environment: Individuals from an unstable home are more prone to Xanax addiction. Chances increase if one or both parents are addicts.
- Neurotransmitters: If someone has increased levels of certain neurotransmitters in their brain they may seek to self-medicate with Xanax.
Quitting Xanax cold turkey is not generally recommended due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is addicted, seek treatment from the nearest qualified facility immediately. Clinics will provide a supervised detox plan and address the psychological side of the addiction.