Why is xanax abused

Their withdrawals alone can result in seizures and even death and therefore individuals taking benzodiazepines usually need to be slowly weaned in order to prevent deadly withdrawals. Benzodiazepines work on the same receptors in the brain as alcohol. These are known as gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA receptors. Enhanced GABA activity results in sedation, muscle relaxation, anxiolytic effects and anticonvulsant effects and therefore this class of medication is necessary to treat certain disorder however it has a very strong addiction potential and when abused can cause severe damage.

Additionally when benzodiazepines are co-ingested with alcohol, side effects can be potentiated. Although overdose is known to occur, withdrawing from benzodiazepines, like alcohol, can be deadly and often a slow taper of benzodiazepines is necessary to prevent withdrawal seizures. Xanax was the most commonly prescribed prescription psychiatric medication from to in the United States and although it has allowed many individuals to regain control of their anxiety and their life, it also became a widely used and abused addictive drug.

Xanax works within minutes of entering the bloodstream and peaks within hours and results in a state of pleasure and euphoria and as a result, many individuals use this drug for recreational purposes rather than medical purposes.

Due to the recreational popularity of this drug, Xanax is a well-known street drug that is often used to enhance the effects of alcohol in social situations such as parties and concerts. Xanax abuse can elicit pleasurable effects such as lightheadedness, a sense of unreality, a feeling of detachment, an emotional numbness and a greater sexual inclination.

Although overdose can occur from Xanax, withdrawal from this medication can be deadly and therefore it is important to consult a medical professional if you are trying to wean yourself benzodiazepines. Like alcohol, the immediate cessation from benzodiazepines can result in seizures and therefore a slow taper must be initiated. Emergency room visits due to the recreational abuse of Xanax more than doubled, from 57, in to , in In , 50 million prescriptions were written for Alprazolam the generic name for Xanax , up from 38 million written in Medical detox and treatment programs can be helpful when treating a Xanax addiction.

Contact a treatment provider today for help finding a Xanax addiction treatment program near you. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction.

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Xanax can be abused in the following ways:. Combining Xanax with alcohol or other substances that depress the central nervous system increases the chance of dangerous side effects like excessive sedation, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, coma and death.

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, causing severe anxiety, convulsions and life-threatening seizures. With professional support and medical supervision, recreational users can withdraw from Xanax safely. Our comprehensive rehab program guides you through the recovery process with services like individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling and aftercare.

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