How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax is a potent prescription medication, one most commonly used for the treatment of severe anxiety disorders. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine, meaning that in addition to the rapid development of physical and psychological dependence, abusing Xanax for any length of time can result in serious – and potentially life-threatening – symptoms of withdrawal. Because Xanax has such a high potential for abuse, prescribing physicians often recommend that this medication is only taken at the onset of severe symptoms – like panic attacks or hyperventilation.
It is rarely prescribed to be taken daily and is never considered a long-term solution for anxiety. Because this medication is so frequently prescribed and because it can be so easily obtained, many individuals abuse Xanax recreationally (taking any medication other than prescribed by a medical professional is considered abuse). Other than ease of access, what makes Xanax such a popular recreational drug? There are many things about Xanax that make it appealing to recreational drug users – however, the consequences that go hand-in-hand with Xanax abuse always outweigh any potential positives.
Xanax and Recreational Use
How Xanax affects the user depends on several different factors, including age, weight, the amount of Xanax that is being taken, and whether or not the medication is being combined with another chemical substance. Individuals who take the drug recreationally typically report taking it for its sedative and calming effects. While many people use drugs to feel a euphoric high, those that take Xanax report feeling calmed and relaxed, which leads to addiction.
The drug can also have anesthetizing or numbing effects, making it popular among individuals who are either suffering from an untreated mental health disorder or who have undergone an emotionally traumatic experience and do not want to sit with their uncomfortable feelings. When Xanax is combined with other chemical substances – specifically alcohol – it can result in significant memory loss or long “blackouts” during which the user has no recollection of what happened. This can be extremely dangerous and can lead to a spike in risk-taking behavior. For example, many individuals who combine Xanax and alcohol end up getting behind the wheel of a car, later admitting that they have no memory of driving.
Some other factors that make Xanax such a popular recreational drug include:
- Its accessibility, as previously mentioned. Most individuals who abuse the medication originally obtain it from a friend or family member.
- The associated feelings. Those that abuse this medication are often looking for an escape from reality. They might be undergoing an unpleasant circumstance or situation or struggling with an untreated mental health issue.
- Peer pressure. Many teenagers and young adults use Xanax recreationally in social settings, like at house parties, for example. One individual might obtain an unused [prescription from a family member and pass it out at the party. For this reason, Xanax abuse is especially common among this specific demographic.
Treatment for Xanax Addiction
At Agape Treatment Center we have extensive experience treating men and women of all ages who have been suffering at the hands of a Xanax abuse disorder of any severity. It is important to understand the progressive nature of substance abuse – even if you do not consider your Xanax abuse disorder to be too severe, the associated symptoms will only continue to worsen over time. For this reason, it is crucial to seek professional addiction treatment as soon as possible. The moment that you decide to enter into a drug addiction treatment program, we will be available to help in any way possible. Simply give us a call and we will set to work developing a stress-free plan for your intake.
Our admissions counselors will help you smooth out all of the finer details like coverage and travel plans. We will gladly answer any additional questions you may have, and ultimately help you get started on your journey of Xanax addiction recovery as soon as possible. It is up to you to take the first step and make the initial phone call – after that, we will help you along every single step of the way. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
