Snorting Xanax
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What is Xanax?
Xanax is a prescription drug used to treat panic disorders and anxiety. It is a member of the drug family of benzodiazepines that interact with the central nervous system, reducing heart rate and producing a calming experience for the user. Xanax is one of the most widely prescribed drugs for treating panic disorders and is relatively affordable, with an average retail price under $40 per prescription.
This makes Xanax a popular street drug with significant potential for abuse. For many who abuse it, they resort to snorting Xanax. In fact, substance abuse treatment admissions related to benzodiazepines was 1.3%.
However, by 2017, this percentage had grown to 7.1%. Furthermore, in 2013, nearly 50 million prescriptions for Xanax were written in the U.S. (This wide availability makes it easy for Xanax to be obtained on the street, in schools, and online.
What is Snorting Xanax?
Snorting Xanax is a method of abuse that is increasingly popular. It is generally believed that snorting Xanax will create a faster high because, like the snorting of cocaine, the powdered drug can enter the bloodstream rapidly through the sensitive mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Xanax is known for the ability to produce dependency, and it is also a drug to which the body develops an easy tolerance.
This can result in users taking more of the medication than prescribed to receive the perceived needed effects. Users may also resort to more drastic approaches, such as snorting or injecting, to increase the drug’s absorption rate.
Xanax Effects and Abuse
Because of the potential for rapid tolerance, addiction to Xanax begins quickly for users and can lead to increasingly extreme behavior. Research indicates that some users who are struggling with addiction may take up to 30 pills per day and snort or inject the drug. It is also extremely difficult to stop taking Xanax. Withdrawal effects can be severe and may include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, restlessness, and muscle tremors.
While experiencing withdrawal symptoms is an indication that addiction has begun, addiction can usually only be resolved through professional help and medical intervention. Efforts to stop taking the drug without assistance may result in relapse and/or a fatal overdose. Frequently a medical professional will have to gradually lower the dosage of Xanax and eventually switch the user to a longer-acting form of the drug to help the body reduce dependence.
Xanax addiction is often so severe that daily responsibilities become unmanageable, costing the addict their job, friends, and emotional support system – thereby worsening the cycle of addiction.
Mental Illness and Snorting Xanax
The use of Xanax is frequently associated with euphoria, relaxation, freedom from fear, and a feeling of wellness. For those struggling with general anxiety disorders, PTSD, or even temporary fears, such as fear of flying, this medication can bring needed relief. However, it is not uncommon for Xanax to relieve mental health issues and create them – especially if taken incorrectly.
Since the brain releases “reward” chemicals when it encounters positive experiences, it is easy for those who cope with extreme anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD to crave more of the positive experience produced by Xanax. Research indicates that those with chronic mental health conditions may already be predisposed to Xanax addiction, though they are one of the drug’s target demographics.
For instance, women and older patients tend to be prescribed Xanax more frequently than other demographic groups, and studies indicate that those populations are more likely to develop addictions. Research also indicates that women are more likely to experience fear and social anxiety than men, increasing their likelihood of using and abusing Xanax.
Since Xanax’s effects can be felt in less than 30 minutes, the drug can allow users a way to process sudden anxiety triggers. But since the impact of the drug dissipates in a matter of hours, while the trigger may not, the temptation to reach for a second dose can be almost irresistible. Furthermore, unless those struggling with mental health issues possess the support and skills to cope with panic and anxiety, such as those offered by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Xanax can become a quick solution to unexpected stressors.
As the body of the user adapts to the drug, addiction can follow quickly. But with increased usage, the extreme withdrawal will follow soon after that. Those who wish to stop using Xanax may find themselves trapped. The co-occurring mental health disorder that led to the drug’s prescription in the first place may still be present and can re-emerge in conjunction with the withdrawal symptoms.
Decreased usage without medical supervision can worsen the very symptoms that led to the user taking the drug. These can include panic attacks, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, manic episodes, irritability, muscle tremors, and seizures. Medically supervised detox, such as that offered at Resurgence, provides a safe place to discontinue use within a supportive and medically supervised environment comfortably.
Xanax Treatment
Ideally, healthcare providers should not offer Xanax prescriptions as long-term solutions to issues such as anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health issues.
Addiction can be largely prevented by never allowing a patient to incorporate the drug into a day-to-day coping strategy.
Unfortunately, long-term Xanax prescriptions are often issued, or short-term prescriptions are repeatedly renewed without corresponding support services. The result is often disastrous for the patient and their family. Once addiction has begun, users may fear the symptoms of withdrawal more than the ongoing addiction.
Therefore, to be truly effective, Xanax recovery must include physical and psychological treatments. Usually, this program will begin with medical detoxification under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Medical detox allows the body to become accustomed to the lack of Xanax while allowing medical providers to decrease the pain and anxiety that come with withdrawal.
Since the effects of withdrawal can be traumatic to users, experiencing the withdrawal in a safe and supervised environment increases detox completion probability. However, detox is only the first step in the journey out of addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively helps clients escape Xanax addiction by helping the patient see how behaviors and triggers have contributed to the addiction – and crafting a plan for managing those situations.
The therapist then helps the client build the necessary skills to manage underlying psychological issues. Furthermore, professional drug treatment centers such as Resurgence offer holistic treatment approaches to empower clients to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers for substance use.
Resurgence uses inpatient and outpatient programming, partial hospitalization treatments, support groups, group therapy, and other wellness strategies, such as mediation, yoga, essential oils, nutrition counseling, fitness programming, lifestyle counseling regarding work/life balance and other positive changes that will help clients leave the center equipped to begin again.
Resurgence Behavioral Health
Hope begins today. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers compassionate, experienced addiction specialists, medical professionals, counselors, and licensed therapists to help you break the cycle of addiction.
We know that no two addiction stories are the same, and we are committed to empowering you with customized strategies to help address your diverse physical and emotional treatment needs. And with locations in Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, and Fullerton Hills, Resurgence Behavioral Health has a beautiful, welcoming facility close to you.
Our caring medical team offers social and medical drug detoxification, as well as residential, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, and other resources to support you in achieving the substance-free life you want.
And our programs are flexible and affordable because everyone deserves to be free from Xanax addiction. We accept most PPO insurances and offer payment plans for cash patients. It is time to start your journey of hope.
Call Resurgence Behavioral Health today.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.