With all of the turbulence going on in our lives today, it is no wonder that many individuals think that they need a prescription to help them relax and calm their nerves. However, this is not always the best choice. You should try other ways of relaxing before starting a prescription for Xanax or any other benzodiazepine. These drugs should only be used for short-term anxiety relief or insomnia and not for long periods of time. They can be addictive if the user abuses or misuses benzodiazepines. But, individuals are using more Xanax for anxiety relief today.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It also affects the brain by boosting a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down the brain cell activity in the brain. This combination gives the user a relaxed and calm feeling. Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Xanax is dispensed in four strengths:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
This drug stays in the system from 12 to 15 hours. The highest effects are usually felt from 1 to 2 hours after taking the substance. Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. Some of the more common street names for Xanax are benzos, zannies or xannies, blue footballs, and ladders.
Why Individuals are Using More Xanax Today
According to CNN Health, anti-anxiety medication prescriptions are up 34% since the coronavirus pandemic started. This increase is nearly twice as high for women as men. Women’s prescriptions increased by almost 40% while men’s prescriptions went up 22.7%. Over the last five years, the prescription rates for benzodiazepines declined by 12.1%. Physicians have been trying to get away from prescribing these drugs because of the high addiction rates they have.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Once a person takes Xanax for an extended period of time, they will develop a tolerance to the substance. Once tolerance develops, it takes more of the drug to create the effects as before. This is when individuals start taking more of the drug or taking it more often than prescribed.
If you develop a dependence on Xanax, you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug “cold turkey.” You may have insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and restlessness. Once tolerance and withdrawal symptoms appear, chances are you are addicted to this drug.
Signs of Xanax abuse include, but are not limited to:
- Sluggishness
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Sleeping for long periods of time
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Impaired coordination
- Delirium
It is very dangerous for you to take Xanax in large quantities or mix it with other substances such as alcohol or opioids. Doing so can cause respiratory distress, coma, or even death. Many fatal overdoses include combinations of Xanax with other substances.
Seek Help for Addiction to Xanax
Yes, individuals are using more Xanax today and this is not necessarily a good thing. If you are finding yourself stressing more today and reaching for the Xanax, seek help from a reputable inpatient addiction treatment center. New Beginnings Drug Rehabilitation can offer you a treatment program that will fit your individual needs. Our compassionate staff can help you through detoxification in a safe manner and start you on your path to recovery.
One of our informed representatives can answer any questions you may have about our facility and a treatment program we can create for your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more.
- deadiversion.usdoj.gov – Controlled Substance Schedules
- cnn.com – Anti-Anxiety Medication Prescriptions Up 34% Since Coronavirus
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