ClickCease Signs That Someone Is Abusing Xanax - Granite Recovery Centers

Signs That Someone Is Abusing Xanax

Xanax is one of the most commonly used benzodiazepines, and the withdrawal process from it can be uncomfortable and difficult without medical intervention. In recent years, its use has increased exponentially due to the high prescription rates. These surges have led to nationwide addiction,   hitting more households in the United States than other similar drugs. Xanax use is even rising among teenagers, which can be scary for parents.

Our team at GRC is always ready to help you understand the dangers of Xanax addiction and of substance use disorder as a whole so you or your loved one can move away from its use, and begin a new and healthy life in recovery.

The journey starts with a phone call to our Admissions team, available 24/7, to answer any of your questions, discuss your individual situation, and help you explore your treatment options. The road to recovery is a continuous and sometimes difficult process, but it is easier with the help of professionals who know the way.

 

What Is Xanax?

Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It acts on the central nervous part of the brain to produce a calming effect. It helps people dealing with issues like panic attacks, anxiety attacks, depression, and even insomnia. All of these issues are common in the United States, and they aren’t always easy to overcome, especially without any kind of medication.

There are a few alternative solutions for these ailments. Melatonin is a natural supplement that’s used to help people sleep better. The supplement may also help with anxiety. The problem is that melatonin, and other supplements like it, doesn’t always work, and the lack of results causes people to look for more drastic measures.

Healthcare professionals may use Xanax to try to deal with the problems. Doctors try to be as careful as they can when prescribing this medication because they know how strong it is. Despite their precautions, and even if it’s taken they recommend, a person can still develop a dependency quite rapidly because of the addictive nature of the substance.

If you know someone who needs a Xanax prescription, be sure to find out what the doctor is doing to prevent addiction. It’s vital that the doctor is monitoring reactions to the medication at all times and can stop the Xanax use if necessary.

 

Xanax and Its Normal Side Effects

Knowing if someone is abusing Xanax is a little complex. It starts with knowing the normal side effects that people sometimes experience when using this medication.

On top of that, trusting your gut feeling about your loved one should help. A simple suspicion could lead to the discovery of a substance use disorder, an occasion that the staff at Granite Recovery Centers has seen before.

The following are some side effects people experience without abusing Xanax:

  • One thing people experience when using Xanax is drowsiness. It’s vital to avoid heavy machinery or operating a vehicle.
  • Some individuals experience some lightheadedness. The severity of this feeling varies from person to person.
  • Every so often, people sleep longer than they would normally, past the eight hours most people sleep, which is a bit abnormal.
  • Sometimes, people experience a little cognitive impairment while using Xanax.
  • Sluggishness is something a lot of people report when using this medication.
  • A few people might experience some nausea, but the feeling could get worse. Some vomit after using this medication.
  • Taking this medication can lead to headaches and dry mouth.
  • Slurred speech is a possibility, especially if you’re feeling a little drowsy.
  • In some cases, people experience a form of delirium. In essence, people might confuse things or won’t be able to pay attention, which can seem pretty disturbing.
  • Impaired coordination, vertigo, and overall weakness are other reactions that some people report experiencing when taking this medication.

Try to keep these side effects in mind because they don’t go away even when your loved one starts to build up a tolerance for Xanax.

Even if you don’t think your loved one is abusing the medication, if you notice any of these signs, it’s important to inform the user’s doctor of everything so that he or she can monitor a reaction to the medication.

 

What Happens After Long-Term Use of Xanax?

While some side effects might always present, other symptoms can develop over time. Once your loved one is starting to display some new signs, in addition to the usual ones, then it’s time to worry. At this point, the substance use disorder may be severe.

You’ll want to give one of our representatives a call so that we can help you through this stage. We’ll help you properly identify what you’re seeing and help you see why it’s important to have your loved one give us a call.

Granite Recovery Centers is always open. Anyone can call at any time to discuss what’s going on. We have a number of treatment programs that could make a difference in your life or in the life of your loved one. Don’t hesitate to make that call because the time to act is now.

The following are some serious side effects of using this medication for an extended amount of time:

  • Some users fall into a deep depression after taking Xanax for a prolonged period.
  • A few people become more impulsive, sometimes even dangerously so. Aggression is another common behavior people develop, and it can seem pretty scary for those on the receiving end of the intensity.
  • Every so often, someone who’s been using Xanax too long could experience psychosis. This condition could mean various things, from severe confusion to hallucinations, which could be dangerous, too.

None of these are desirable effects. When the effects are positive, it’s easier to see how someone might fall into a substance use disorder, but that doesn’t apply to every drug. However, many of these side effects are not pleasant, but enduring the bothersome does not matter to your loved one if he or she has a substance use disorder.

At this point, your loved one is just doing his or her best to satisfy a craving for Xanax. Our team at Granite Recovery Centers knows how confusing all of this must be, but the more you focus on the side effects, the more effective you’ll be at helping your loved one.

 

Behavioral Changes Linked to Xanax Abuse

Behavior changes when a person develops substance use disorder. It’s important to recognize these changes because they’re signs of abuse.

The following are some changes that you’ll notice if your loved one is dealing with substance use disorder:

  • Losing interest in things they love
  • Trouble with the law
  • Cravings; irrational irritability.
  • Disregard for their appearance and hygiene
  • Financial issues
  • Keeping up with relationships (both family and friends)
  • Seizures (from withdrawal)

We’ve treated many people with Xanax abuse concerns at the Granite Recovery Centers. We know how troubling some of these could be and how dangerous these individuals are, so we know that recovery seems like an impossible goal. You can’t imagine the number of people who feel this way, and you aren’t alone. The good thing is that we’ve seen folks turn things around.

Yes, it may take a while to mend relationships or to recover financially, but at least, the substance use disorder won’t be standing in your way. You don’t know how proud we are of our staff. We feel privileged to lend a hand and to help folks reclaim their lives.

 

Staging the Intervention and Addressing Rehab

You need to plan out the intervention and maybe even rehearse it. You want to have your speech prepared, and you want to choose the right moment. It can’t be right after a fight when emotions are high, and it can’t be after a serious setback. No one is saying you should delay the intervention too long; just make sure you avoid clearly bad moments. Try to focus on what this issue is doing to you and to everyone your loved one cares about.

It’s important to have our number handy. Not only can we give you pointers so that you can handle this intervention, but we’ll be there to help your loved one take that next step towards recovery.

Drug rehabilitation is a delicate process. Xanax is not the kind of drug you can just stop cold turkey. A lot of people tend to make the mistake of thinking they can just stop using it without any preparation. Trying to stop like that could lead to serious health issues and usually doesn’t work.

Specialists often approach this disorder with a tapering-off program that allows a person to slowly stop using the drug. This process is going to require everyone’s patience. Our team is more than happy to talk to you about everything we plan and how we do so.

 

Individualized Treatment

Keep in mind that we don’t create treatment programs until we talk to a person and find out the specifics of the individualized substance use disorder. Each person reacts differently to a disorder, which means our approach has to vary, too. We go through an extensive interview process where your loved one talks to a few experts who can better understand his or her specific disorder.

Sometimes, underlying conditions are unearthed and dealt with. Underlying conditions could include depression or anxiety issues. These can make a person vulnerable to substance use disorder, which is the reason it’s something we pay attention to.

We do the work, and we take the time. Granite Recovery Centers is a sanctuary that doesn’t judge but that encourages recovery. Many people are instrumental in a successful recovery, and that’s why many users have trusted us. We want to see people reclaim their lives. We want you to see your loved one restored. With some work, this is all possible after being dependent on a substance like Xanax.