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Can You Overdose the First Time You Try Xanax?

Can You Overdose The First Time You Try Xanax Resurgence Behavioral Health

What is Xanax? 

If you have ever suffered from a panic disorder, you can attest to the fact that it’s something that can completely paralyze you. The reaction, often sudden and overwhelming, can be debilitating. If you suffer from a panic disorder, there is a strong possibility that you may be given medications like Xanax or may be in the process of weaning off Zoloft, as these are often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Although there are several beneficial aspects of Xanax, it’s not something that is meant to be taken indefinitely, much like the considerations around weaning off Zoloft. Unfortunately, many people fall prey to a Xanax addiction due to the impact that it can have on the central nervous system. A person with an anxiety disorder can experience positive influences from Xanax, but there can be potentially severe or deadly consequences if Xanax use, or the process of weaning off Zoloft, goes unchecked. Balancing the benefits and risks is crucial in managing anxiety disorders effectively.

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The Risk of Xanax Overdose

Unfortunately, as with many other types of prescription medications, there is always an increased risk of overdoses on Xanax, which can plunge individuals into a deeply relaxed state. Losing track of how much of this substance is being taken can result in an overdose. While overdoses on Xanax might not always immediately result in death, they can certainly elevate the risk of needing emergency medical assistance and lead to physical and psychological impairments. In the broader scope of addiction and recovery, it’s pivotal to explore related concepts such as what is transfer addiction when discussing prescription medication misuse. Transfer addiction occurs when an individual, perhaps recovering from a substance abuse disorder, develops a new, substitute addiction, such as moving from opioid use to an unhealthy behavior like excessive eating or gambling. Understanding transfer addiction is fundamental in navigating recovery and managing potential risks associated with the use of medications like Xanax during the healing journey.

Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Overdose

If you have concerns that you or a loved one may have overdosed on Xanax, there are certain tell tale signs that you should be on the lookout for. Some examples of signs and symptoms of Xanax overdoses include

  • Light-headedness 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Headache 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Nausea 
  • Problems concentrating 
  • Problems passing urine 
  • Changes in appetite
  • Joint pain 
  • Change in behavior  

Why You Should Never Take Xanax That Didn’t Come From a Pharmacy

There is never a situation where you should take Xanax that did not come from a pharmacy. Xanax from a pharmacy will not be laced with any other substance and it will also be distributed in a dosage that is safe and exactly prescribed for you. Taking Xanax in any other capacity is something that could lead to total and complete devastation. 

Xanax Laced With Fentanyl – One Pill Can Kill

Over the years, it has become more and more prevalent for illegal Xanax to be laced with fentanyl. Although Xanax on its own or fentanyl on its own may not result in death, combining these two substances can early cause death. Even if you have never consumed Xanax before and you don’t have an addiction to it, there is a strong possibility that you could easily suffer from a fatal dose when Xanax is laced with fentanyl. Not taking substances that haven’t been prescribed to you or taking illegally acquired substances can be a life-saving step. 

How to Prevent a Xanax Overdose

The most effective way that you can prevent Xanax overdose is to strictly follow the treatment regime that your doctor has laid out for you. You should never take more than the Xanax dose that your doctor has prescribed. Also, it’s imperative that you openly and honestly communicate with your doctor about how you’re feeling. Canceling your doctor’s appointments or being less than honest about how you’re feeling as you take Xanax due to embarrassment or discomfort is something that will ultimately not help you. 

Also, you should never consume Xanax unless it’s something that has been prescribed to you. When you take Xanax from someone else or when you purchase it illegally, you run the risk of experiencing not only an overdose but death as well. 

Xanax Rehab at Resurgence Behavioral Health

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we understand the extreme addictive qualities associated with Xanax addiction. We help our clients to develop treatment programs that will help them to address not only their substance abuse but can also help them to experience the panic disorder that they may have as well as help them to identify the root cause of their drug addiction. Before you can commit to one of the addiction treatments that we offer, it’s possible that you may need to go through a drug detox program. Unfortunately, a Xanax addiction can come along with severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms. Xanax withdrawal symptoms can range in intensity, however, you can rest assured that this is not a period of time that you will want to be alone. Withdrawal symptoms can have a negative influence on mental illness and also cause physical complications including difficulty breathing or shakiness. Your drug detox would only last seven days in most cases, however, to ensure that you don’t suffer any severe withdrawal symptoms on your own, it’s strongly recommended that you take advantage of a detox program at a treatment facility with a staff that is specifically trained to care for you during this stretch of time. 

Once you complete drug detox, you will be in a better place both physically and psychologically to address the root cause of your Xanax addiction. This is something that is done through participating in a drug rehab program. One of the most important decisions that you will need to make is the type of drug rehab program that you would like to commit to. Many people that need to complete a drug detox program will feel more comfortable working through an inpatient rehab program. During inpatient rehab for Alprazolam Xanax abuse, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you have unlimited access to your treatment team. You will also be able to interact with other people who have experienced drug abuse and are working toward their recovery. One of the leading benefits of inpatient rehab for drug and alcohol abuse is the fact that you will be able to live in the treatment facility of your choice which can help to provide you with a sense of stability as you work through the events in your life that could have contributed to your Alprazolam Xanax addiction and abuse. 

If you’re unable to commit to an inpatient program, you will have options through an outpatient program. If you have work or school responsibilities, it may be all but impossible for you to commit to an inpatient program because of the restrictions that residential treatment can put in place. However, through an intensive outpatient program or a general outpatient program, you can learn the tools and resources that you need to work through your addiction. Your recovery team will also stay in close contact with you to ensure that you are still on track when it comes to the goals that you have for your treatment. If any changes need to be made or you feel as though you’re struggling with a certain aspect of your recovery, let your treatment team know so that they can address them. 

A focus of your time in addiction treatment will revolve around determining the root cause of your addiction. This is something that will primarily be done through participating in different forms of addiction therapy. While many people can feel turned off to therapy due to the fact that it’s uncomfortable or awkward, the reality is that the only way that you’re going to be able to address the addiction demons that you’re facing is to talk to them with people who can help you. There are many different types of addiction therapy that you will experience throughout the course of your treatment. Group therapy, behavioral therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and even trauma therapy are all forms of therapy that can help you to manage what you’re thinking and feeling as you recover. 

It’s important to remember that committing to an addiction treatment program is only the first step in a lifelong recovery journey. Once you complete your treatment program, it’s recommended that you come to an aftercare or sober living program so that you can adjust to living a sober lifestyle. This is something that will also be reinforced by taking the time to go to Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings on a regular basis. One of the great things about an NA or an AA meeting is the fact that they take place almost any day at any given time. You could be struggling with something in the middle of your day and you will almost certainly be able to find a meeting that you can attend which will help you to get and feel back on track. Even better, there are several meetings that are now virtual which give you the chance to attend a meeting regardless of where you are. 

Are you ready to take back your life and overcome your addiction to Xanax? The Resurgence Behavioral Health team is here to provide you with the support that you need during this stage of your life. For more information about our treatment programs, we encourage you to get in touch with us today at (855) 458-0050.

Addiction Treatment that
Just Works

Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.

Josh Chandler
Josh Chandler
After growing up in Chicago and North Carolina, Josh chose to get help with substance use disorder and mental health in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than five years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for four years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. Josh remains passionate about the field because he understands that one phone call can alter the course of a person's life.


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