When you hear the word “addiction,” what comes to mind? Maybe you think about substances like cocaine or heroin. Maybe you think about someone you know, who drinks often and never seems to be able to stop. Addiction can apply to a lot of things, but did you know that there are some prescription medications that can cause dependence even when being used as prescribed? One of these medications is Xanax, so what are the signs of Xanax addiction?
With over 41% of adults in Arizona reporting symptoms of an anxiety disorder, the chances that you know someone who has been prescribed Xanax before are good. Even though it’s a prescription medication, there are many people who will take Xanax without a prescription. This can greatly increase the chances of developing a Xanax use disorder. Our team here at Pinnacle Peak Recovery is fully equipped to help those with Xanax dependence. This includes the base level of providing informative pieces related specifically to Xanax addiction, which is exactly what we’re doing in today’s blog.
The Side Effects of Xanax Use Disorder
Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a common prescription that can serve a variety of purposes, though they fall under the category of CNS depressants, or “central nervous system” depressants. This means that, when inside your body, they slow down your CNS, which is the messaging system within your brain and body. This can be useful for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, sleep disorders, and seizure disorders.
Side effects can occur with any medication, even when used as directed. What are some of the common side effects of Xanax?
The Physical Side Effects
There are many physical side effects that can occur with Xanax use. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Dizziness
- Difficulty urinating
- Weight changes
- Joint pain
- Exhaustion
- Headaches
- Increased drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
When Xanax is used long-term, or more frequently than prescribed, the chances of experiencing side effects can increase.
The Psychological Side Effects
Benzodiazepines can impact your brain and behaviors alongside other organs. There aren’t as many psychological side effects, but here are some of the most common ones you might experience.
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in your sex drive
- Changes in appetite
Additionally, some side effects are more concerning than others. If you are taking Xanax as medically prescribed, and you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
- Confusion
- Problems with speech
- Problems with coordination and balance
- Shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Severe skin rash
How to Tell if a Pill or Substance Is Xanax
Some medications and substances can look very similar, so how can you tell if what your loved one has is Xanax?
Xanax is a prescription medication that can come in a few forms. It also can go by its generic name - Alprazolam. Most commonly, it's white in color and comes in pill form. These pills can vary in size and dosage. “Xanax Bars” are one such form, normally a rectangular pill with three perforations on it. It will also say “Xanax” on the pill itself.
Another common pill is a slightly ovular pill that will say “APO” on it, which stands for Alprazolam. Some Xanax prescriptions come in a bottle, while others come in a box with a sheet inside where you have to individually punch out each pill as needed. Of course, if your loved one is getting Xanax illegally, the pills could just as easily be in a Ziploc bag or unlabeled pill bottle.
Spotting the Signs of Xanax Addiction
If Xanax is an approved medication, why can it cause withdrawal even for those who take it as prescribed?
Xanax is usually a short-acting benzodiazepine. “Short-acting” refers to how quickly something is both felt within the body and how quickly it then leaves the body. When we put substances into our body that impact its functionality, it can adjust or become used to the help/presence of these substances. If you then suddenly remove these substances, your body can experience withdrawal as it adjusts to the substance no longer being there.
With benzodiazepines like Xanax, the “short-acting” aspect of it is both a help and a hindrance. It’s incredibly helpful for those experiencing seizures and panic attacks, as it quickly acts within the body to help calm and slow it down. It’s also its short-acting nature, though, that can lead to withdrawal and dependence. Most cases of dependence, or “addiction”, stem directly from withdrawal and its side effects.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs of a Xanax Use Disorder as well as what you can look for to better spot Xanax withdrawal.
The Physical and Behavioral Signs of Xanax Addiction
When taking any substance long-term, the chances of experiencing side effects increase. In some cases, certain side effects might not even occur unless long-term use happens.
With Xanax, there are several side effects and signs you might notice in a loved one or experience yourself.
Some of these include:
- Increased drowsiness
- Irritability and aggression
- Paranoia
- Memory loss
- Increased anxiety
- Impaired coordination
- Depression
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Disturbing dreams
In addition, long-term Xanax use can start to impact your liver over time. Your liver is the processing organ within the body that filters out toxins. If you put toxins in your liver too often, you can start to damage it. Many times, liver damage in regards to Xanax comes from the use of Xanax in combination with other substances, like alcohol. If you start to notice things like darker urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, swelling in your joints or abdomen, or easy bruising, you might be experiencing liver damage or failure and you should seek medical help as soon as you can.
Signs of Xanax Withdrawal
Xanax withdrawal can start as little as a few hours after your last dosage. The side effects of Xanax are known to be at their worst during the first 72 hours, but symptoms overall are known to last for up to a few weeks after your last dosage.
Some of the most common side effects of withdrawal are:
- Increased anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Delirium
- Paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty sleeping
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased sensitivity to the world around you
- Loss of appetite
- Tinnitus
- Tingling in your hands and feet
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
- Tremors
What Should You Do if Your Loved One Is Addicted to Xanax?
If you think your loved one is managing a Xanax use disorder, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be judgment-free when talking to them about it. Oftentimes, people managing a substance use disorder are already concerned about what others might think of it, or they may be in a place where they feel just as lost as they’re unable to stop on their own. They need your support, not your berating.
Remind your loved one that you care about and are there for them. Tell them you’re here if they want to talk or if they want help. Offer to help them with research, or drive them to appointments, or even go to some appointments with them. Be supportive and caring, it can go a long way.
Getting Treatment for Xanax Use Disorder
If you’re looking to take back your life from a benzodiazepine or Xanax use disorder, Pinnacle Peak Recovery is here and ready to help. Our team here is licensed and medically trained to ensure you get the programs and support you need during your recovery.
We offer the whole spectrum of care here at Pinnacle Peak. This means everything from detox to inpatient and outpatient services. We even offer mental health services in addition to substance use ones. We believe in treating the whole person and any concerns they may have in order to help ensure they get the best outcome possible from their treatment. Especially in the case of Xanax use, where many take it to self-medicate things like anxiety, or where its withdrawal symptoms can make things like depression and anxiety pop up. Making sure we treat this aspect just as much as the substance use aspect makes for a more well-rounded recovery program.
If you have any questions about the services we offer here at Pinnacle Peak, how our Xanax recovery program works, or how to get started, feel free to give us a call at (866) 377-4761. Our team is here and ready to help whenever you need it.
Call Us Today! Get The Help Your Loved One Needs For Their Sustance Use Disorder.
FAQs
What are the side effects of Xanax?
Some of the common side effects of Xanax include dizziness, nausea, headaches, exhaustion, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and weight, and more.
What are the warnings to look out for when suspecting someone is addicted to Xanax?
Be aware of changes in behavior such as increased irritability and aggression, depression, paranoia, increased anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. All of these are common signs of a Xanax use disorder.