Xanax, a commonly abused prescription drug called benzodiazepine (benzos), is linked to more than 10,000 deaths annually in the United States. Overdose symptoms of Xanax are challenging to identify. This is due to the use of the drug exhibiting calming and sedative-like effects. Symptoms of Xanax overdose can begin within an hour of consuming Xanax and require immediate emergency medical attention, followed by entering into a benzo addiction treatment program.
Drug addiction has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Accidental overdoses are now the leading cause of unintentional death nationwide. They are also the number one cause of death among Americans under 50. Even recreational drug use can lead to fatal overdoses, making the risks of drug and alcohol use more significant than in prior years and generations and increasing the need for Xanax treatment.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant and a prescription drug called benzodiazepine that is typically used to treat anxiety disorders. Xanax causes your brain to release a rush of GABA, which is a neurotransmitter. This causes calming and relaxing effects on the user. While Xanax is very useful in managing symptoms related to anxiety disorders, it is both physically and psychologically addictive, especially when taking it for prolonged periods or if taking it not as prescribed. Taking too much Xanax or mixing it with other substances, especially other central nervous system depressants, can cause Xanax overdose symptoms and even death.
Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, making it easily accessible. It is also very inexpensive. Xanax comes in a pill form, and users typically ingest it. Some people crush and inhale or snort it to increase the drug’s potency. Xanax causes your heart rate and breathing to slow down. The effects of Xanax are felt within an hour of ingestion and typically last between six (6) and eight (8) hours.
Common signs and symptoms of a Xanax overdose and abuse include but are not limited to:
- Experiencing memory loss or blackouts when taking Xanax
- Needing to increase the amount of Xanax to feel the same pleasurable effects
- Acquiring Xanax illegally
- Taking more Xanax than prescribed
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax
- Using Xanax with other substances, like drugs and alcohol
- Xanax overdose symptoms
Xanax Dependence And Addiction
Physiological dependence on Xanax means an individual is susceptible to withdrawal symptoms whenever Xanax consumption ends. It typically takes a prolonged period of daily use or much higher doses than prescribed to become physically dependent on Xanax. Dependence usually occurs following prolonged treatment with higher doses.
There is no definitive time frame that psychological dependence is reached. This factor is defined by how long a person has been using Xanax and how often the drug is taken. Also, depending on the individual, mixing Xanax with other substances like alcohol or other drugs or prescriptions will significantly increase the risk of addiction and the need for treatment.
Overdose Symptoms From Xanax Abuse or Addiction
Taking too much Xanax at once can lead to a potentially fatal overdose. The most common symptoms include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Drowsiness and nodding
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness and coma
If someone is not treated for Xanax overdose symptoms immediately, a fatal overdose is a possible outcome. Since a Xanax overdose can cause you to stop breathing, you can suffer brain damage and neurological impairments if you delay medical treatment.
Xanax overdose symptoms are highly treatable, and you can treat Xanax addiction with an individualized addiction treatment program. In a hospital setting, doctors administer medications like Romazicon and intravenous fluids to reverse Xanax overdose symptoms. If you or someone else is experiencing Xanax overdose symptoms, emergency medical help can prevent serious consequences. Kidney failure, coma, and significant respiratory problems can occur with Xanax abuse and overdose.
Abusing Xanax increases your risk of experiencing a severe or fatal Xanax overdose. Benzo addiction treatment centers in California offers can help you recover from a Xanax addiction and achieve long-lasting abstinence and sobriety.
Drug Detox Center For Xanax Addiction or Overdose
Addiction to Xanax (benzos) often requires medical detoxification (detox) to break the physical dependence and addiction, so there is minimal discomfort to the individual during their withdrawal. The reason why a benzo detox center is the first step is that Xanax withdrawal is potentially harmful and can include many dangerous and even lethal symptoms. Xanax withdrawal is defined as a group of symptoms that occur once an individual immediately discontinues the use of Xanax. The presence of these signs is known as physical dependence.
Xanax withdrawal signs may include but are not limited to:
- Sleep issues
- Increased irritability
- Unreasonably tense
- Increased anxiety – even intense panic attacks
- Tremors
- Profuse sweating and the “chills.”
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and pains
- Inability to concentrate
- Weight loss
- Heart palpitations
- Upset stomach
- The “Shakes,” also known as tremors.
In more severe cases of a Xanax addiction, it has even been reported that individuals will have seizures when they stop using Xanax. These seizures can be extremely dangerous, leading to further physical harm because often, the individual will violently shake and often hit their heads, giving way to dangerous concussions. Some have even experienced bone and muscle damage as well as broken teeth. Xanax withdrawal is severe and should be supervised by a medical professional to minimize the discomfort and prevent the symptoms of an overdose.
After detox, you can begin an inpatient addiction treatment program or intensive outpatient program (IOP) that provides full support through early recovery.
Inpatient Treatment For Xanax Addiction or Overdose
Inpatient treatment for a Xanax addiction or overdose is a reasonable step for people suffering from the habit. Treatment provides an opportunity to leave potentially harmful influences or environments while seeking professional medical and mental health assistance.
Many benzo rehab centers offer inpatient care. Every individual’s needs are different depending on the specific amount of addiction treatment needed. An inpatient approach might be the solution for the more severe Xanax addiction cases, with the withdrawal medications and professionally trained medical staff within the facility. However, for the individuals in which cases aren’t as sharp, you might not need the inpatient treatment services.
An inpatient addiction treatment has a typical stay from 28-90 days, depending on the needs and progress of the individual. The more severe cases of Xanax addiction could require a 6 to 12-month stay to complete. The patient may require therapy to be continued for more extended periods to ascertain the individual in applying the skills learned during rehab and counseling.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) For Xanax Addiction or Overdose
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) for a Xanax addiction or overdose typically requires 2 to 3 hours a session, 2 to 3 days a week participating in counseling, and relapse prevention education. Many of these also include 12 step recovery support groups.
IOPs are suited for individuals who require a higher level of care upon the completion of inpatient rehabilitation to carry on daily responsibilities or jobs. IOPs Will establish a treatment plan with progression goals. As goals are met, the number of sessions required for the patient each week will decrease.
IOPs are typically 6 to 12 months, with the number of days per week decreasing as time goes by, and progress is made in the program.
Outpatient Treatment Program For Xanax Addiction or Overdose
Outpatient addiction treatment programs offer much of the same treatment services as traditional inpatient programs, but patients are not required to live at the facility full time. They are permitted to return home at night, allowing them to fulfill daily obligations such as work, school, family, and finances. The downside to an outpatient treatment program for Xanax addiction or overdose is the exposure to real-world situations, such as triggers for drugs, alcohol, and other unhealthy behaviors. For this reason, outpatient treatment programs are often recommended for those who have already completed an inpatient or residential program for Xanax addiction or overdose.
While participating in an outpatient treatment program, many people choose to live in a transitional living house. These houses provide a haven for newly recovering Xanax addicts to return to at night. They provide a healthy support group, drug testing, and firm structure and guidance.
Need Treatment For A Xanax Addiction or Overdose? Reach Out To Us Today!
Is someone you know in need of treatment for a Xanax addiction or overdose? If so, our medical professionals at LA Detox, located in beautiful Los Angeles, California, are here to help.
We know that an addiction to Xanax is different for every individual. Many may not recognize yet that they need professional help. We tailor our detox and addiction treatment programs to the needs of individuals. Therefore, we can provide strategies and proper resources that are required to get and stay sober.
Anyone can overcome their dependency issues with substance abuse or an addiction to Xanax and get their life back! Visit us online today. It is time to take the first step towards lasting recovery.
