In the United States, numbers of individuals are prescribed medications every single day to treat physical ailments or mental health complications. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 16 million people in the United States — 6% of Americans over the age of 12 — abuse prescriptions in a year. Of those who abuse prescriptions, 4.8 million (30%) abuse benzodiazepines.
One of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the country is Xanax, a drug that has become popular for its medical applications as well as illegal recreational use. While Xanax has many beneficial uses in treating various physical and mental conditions, people have also begun snorting Xanax for its sedative and euphoric properties.
However, it is important to remember that Xanax should be taken only as prescribed and can lead to serious side effects when abused. This unregulated use of the medication can be incredibly dangerous, even with just one instance of misuse. If you are considering snorting Xanax or misusing this drug in any way, it is important to know the risks involved with Xanax abuse.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a brand-name prescription medication that contains the active ingredient alprazolam. This medication is a type benzodiazepine (or benzo) which induces a tranquilizing effect that calms the brain’s central nervous system (CNS). For this reason, psychiatrists and other medical professionals prescribe Xanax to treat the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders.
Xanax is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is a chronic condition that causes excessive worry and tension. People who suffer from panic disorder, a condition that causes sudden, intense attacks of fear and anxiety, also benefit from Xanax.
It can also be used to help manage seizure disorders due to its calming effects on the brain. Xanax is a short-acting medication, which means that its effects wear off quickly, usually taken in pill form 2-4 times daily. Of course, the dosage will vary depending on a person’s specific needs.
This medication is typically produced in the form of a Xanax bar and can be found in a variety of colors, including blue Xanax bars, yellow Xanax bars, and various others. Alprazolam is also available as a regular release and orally disintegrating tablets in strengths of 0.25-2 mg. It may also be administered as an extended-release tablet in strengths of 0.5-3 mg or as an oral solution in strengths of 0.5 mg/5 mL and 1 mg/10 mL.
Why Do People Snort Xanax?
While Xanax is intended to be consumed orally, those who use this drug recreationally often try to find other methods of administering the medication. One method that has become particularly popular is snorting Xanax.
But why do people snort Xanax? The easiest answer to this question is that those who abuse this drug believe that snorting it can lead to a faster and more intense high. However, what they often do not realize is that snorting Xanax is a dangerous and harmful practice that can lead to serious health consequences.
The Dangers of Snorting Xanax
As a benzodiazepine, Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. When snorted, Xanax bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream much more quickly than when taken orally. This results in a much faster and more intense high. While this form of drug abuse quickly produces the desired effect, it is incredibly dangerous due to the high potential risk of overdose.
Some of the dangers of snorting Xanax include:
- Damage to the nose: Snorting Xanax increases inflammation of the nasal passages which can lead to difficulties breathing. It can also damage the lining of the nose, leading to pain and bleeding.
- Organ damage: snorting Xanax can damage the body’s internal organs, leading to heart issues, seizures, and kidney failure. Repeated Xanax abuse can also increase your risk of infection.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Once a person is physically dependent on Xanax, they can experience unpleasant and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug.
- Addiction: Snorting Xanax can increase the risk of addiction, as it is a highly addictive drug, and snorting it can make the addiction even worse.
- Overdose: Snorting Xanax can lead to a rapid and severe overdose, which can cause respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Many people who snort this drug may also wonder, “Can you smoke Xanax?” While the answer is technically yes, by no means is it safe. Just as snorting Xanax can have serious adverse effects, so too can smoking it or using this medication in any way other than prescribed.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Abuse?
Because of how addictive Xanax can be, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of dependence on this medication.
While the exact symptoms can vary from person to person, some of the most common signs of Xanax abuse include:
- Changes in behavior, such as missing work or school, withdrawing from social activities, or running into legal or financial problems.
- Changes in personality, such as increased risk-taking behavior, frequent mood swings, or spending large amounts of time thinking about, using, or recovering from Xanax.
- Changes in appearance, such as weight loss or gain, swollen hands and feet, frequent bruising, needle marks, and a general decline in hygiene.
- Attempting to buy Xanax online or from any other source who is not a licensed medical provider or use this medication without a legitimate prescription.
It is also important to understand that the effects of Xanax can be highly addictive. Taking it in any form, including snorting it, can lead to real physical and psychological dependence on the drug.
Common symptoms of Xanax addiction include an inability to focus or concentrate, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, and mood swings. These symptoms are serious and require professional intervention for successful recovery.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be struggling with Xanax addiction, it is important to seek professional help as soon as available. There are many resources available to help people who are struggling with Xanax abuse, and recovery is possible.
Reach Out for Help With Xanax Abuse
Are you struggling with an addiction to Xanax?
Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is here to help you recover. Because we care.
What Is the Xanax Withdrawal Process Like?
Xanax withdrawal is the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous experience that can occur when someone stops taking Xanax or reduces their dose too quickly after a long period of use. If you have been taking Xanax for a long time, your body will become dependent on the drug to function normally.
This means that when you stop taking it, your brain and body will go through a period of adjustment that can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can vary from person to person, but will typically include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Depression
- Seizures
In severe cases, Xanax withdrawal can be life-threatening. Seizures are the most serious risk, and they can occur even if you have only been taking Xanax for a short time. Other serious risks include delirium, psychosis, and heart problems.
The best way to quit snorting Xanax and avoid the risks of Xanax withdrawal is to taper off the drug slowly under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. This will help to minimize the severity and duration of the withdrawal symptoms. Once the detox process is complete, you can move on to additional levels of care that will help you re-adjust to living an independent, sober life.
Xanax Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
Royal Life Centers at Seaglass offers Xanax addiction treatment for women in Prescott, Arizona. Our experienced team of professionals has years of experience in helping those struggling with substance use disorders, and we understand the unique challenges of prescription drug abuse.
At our women’s rehab center, we offer the treatment you need to safely and effectively recover from Xanax addiction. No matter what your recovery needs may be, our facility offers a full continuum of care designed to address every aspect of your addiction.
In joining treatment at Royal Life Centers, you will have access to our rehab program include:
- 24/7 Clinical Staff
- Residential Treatment Program
- Intensive Outpatient Program
- Outpatient Program
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Psychoeducational Courses
- Intensive Therapies
- Women-Specific Groups
- Holistic Wellness Services
Our residential inpatient program provides 24/7 medical supervision to ensure the safety of our clients. During all of our treatment programs, you can participate in evidence-based behavioral therapies to identify triggers, battle cravings, and develop healthy coping skills to prevent relapse. Our addiction and mental health education assist you in understanding the long-term effects of Xanax abuse and addiction. With these resources, you will be able to quit smoking Xanax and make meaningful changes in your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a dependence on Xanax, it’s important to seek help immediately. Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is here to provide the support and resources needed to begin your journey to recovery. Call us today at 877-RECOVERY for more information about our Xanax addiction treatment services.
