Xanax: Methods of Abuse
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of prescription drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by depressing the central nervous system.
There are several ways to take Xanax, including oral tablets, capsules, and liquid form.
You may wonder if it’s possible to snort, smoke, or inject Xanax. This article will discuss the potential risks associated with ingesting Xanax in these ways.
If you believe you suffer from Xanax addiction and need help, consider contacting Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439. Our team of trained professionals can assess your situation and direct you towards the best treatment program available.
Is It Possible To Snort, Smoke, or Inject Xanax?
Xanax is typically taken orally and is not meant to be snorted, smoked, or injected. Xanax should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Some people may abuse the medication by crushing the tablets and snorting them. Others may dissolve the pills in water and then inject them.
These methods of Xanax abuse can be extremely dangerous and lead to several serious side effects.
1. The Dangers of Smoking Xanax
Smoking anything carries with it certain health risks. When you smoke Xanax, you are inhaling the drug into your lungs. This can lead to several serious health problems, including:
- Aspiration pneumonia: When you inhale Xanax smoke, you also inhale other chemicals and toxins. This can irritate your lungs and lead to an infection called aspiration pneumonia.
- Respiratory problems: Smoke from any substance can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
- Heart problems: Smoking Xanax can also strain your heart and blood vessels. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes which need to be attended to immediately at the nearest emergency department.
2. The Dangers of Injecting Xanax
Injecting Xanax involves dissolving the pills in water and injecting the solution into your veins. This is an unsafe practice that can lead to several serious health problems, including:
- Infections: Whenever you inject a substance into your skin, you risk developing an infection. This is because needles can introduce bacteria into the body.
- Blood clots: Injecting Xanax can also lead to the formation of blood clots. These clots can block blood vessels and lead to strokes or heart attacks.
- Overdose: Injecting can also increase the risk of a Xanax overdose. This is because the drug enters the bloodstream more quickly than when it is taken orally.
- HIV/AIDS: If you share needles when injecting Xanax, you are also at risk of contracting HIV or AIDS.
3. The Dangers of Snorting Xanax
Snorting Xanax would involve crushing the Xanax pills into a powder and then inhaling it through the nose. This can lead to several serious health problems, including:
- Nosebleeds: Snorting Xanax can damage the nose’s delicate tissues and mucous membranes, leading to nosebleeds.
- Damage to the nasal passages: Snorting Xanax can also cause damage to the nasal passages. This can lead to inflammation and scarring.
- Lung problems: When you snort Xanax, you also inhale other chemicals and toxins. This can irritate your lungs and lead to respiratory problems.
What Are the Short-term and Long-term Effects of Xanax Use?
Xanax has many short-term and long-term effects. Some of the short-term effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Slow reflexes
- Slowed heart rate
Long-term effects of Xanax use can include:
- Addiction
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Organ damage
Addiction is a mental health disease that worsens over time, and even though the long-term effects of Xanax may not be noticeable immediately, it’s crucial to get help as soon as possible.
Zinnia Healthoffers accredited evidence-based treatment for Xanax addiction and other substance use disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please do not hesitate to call us at (855) 430-9439 so we can discuss our program and how it may benefit you.
What Is Xanax, and What Are Its Effects on the Body?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication for treating anxiety and panic disorders and occasionally relieving insomnia. It is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the brain’s activity, and this is done by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
When taken as prescribed, Xanax is a safe and effective medication. However, it can be addictive and should not be taken without a doctor’s supervision.
Xanax can have dangerous side effects when abused, leading to addiction and other health problems. Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a moderate potential for abuse and can lead to dependence.
How Addictive Is Xanax, and What Are the Signs of Addiction?
Xanax is a schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a low potential for drug abuse and dependence. Despite this classification, many people seek the drug for its sedative and euphoric effects.
Due to its relative ease of obtainability, people may not think twice about taking more than is prescribed or taking it more often than they should.
As tolerance to the drug builds, people may take larger doses to achieve the same effects.
The signs of addiction can vary from person to person, but some common warning signs indicate a problem:
- Taking more of the drug than is prescribed
- Paraphernalia such as pipes, tin foil, and needles from smoking, snorting, or injecting Xanax
- Taking the drug more often than is prescribed
- Continuing to use the drug despite the negative consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities in favor of using the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
Can You Overdose on Xanax, and What Are the Symptoms?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Xanax. An overdose has an increased risk of happening when a person takes more of the drug than their body can handle. Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Slow reflexes
- Coma
- Death
How To Get Help for Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction is a significant problem that requires professional treatment. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available that can help people struggling with addiction to Xanax.
Some of the treatment programs that may be used include:
- Detox
- Behavioral therapy
- Inpatient therapy
- Outpatient therapy
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Medication-assisted treatment
Here at Zinnia Health, we work with you directly to create a personalized addiction treatment plan. If you want to learn more about what we can do for Xanax addiction or any other disorder, please pick up the phone and call us today at our phone number (855) 430-9439 or visit our website.
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