Page medically reviewed byDr Paul McLaren(MBBS, FRCPsych, MA, BA, MSc), Consultant Psychiatrist atPriory Hospital Hayes Grove
Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam. It is a tranquiliser designed to calm or relieve tension that can be prescribed to treatanxiety disorders,panic disordersand anxiety caused bydepression. Xanax is a controlled drug, meaning that it is illegal to take without a prescription from a medical doctor.
A growing number of people are making the decision to buy Xanax online and through street dealers in order to relieve stress, reduce their inhibitions, 'get high' and self-medicate their anxiety, often resulting in a Xanax addiction.It is important for people to be aware of the dangers of Xanax abuse, and understand the short and long term repercussions that misusing the drug can have.
The dangers of Xanax misuse
Buying Xanax from illicit sources
When someone chooses to buy Xanax online or from a street dealer, the drug is unlikely to be pharmaceutical grade and the dangers of Xanax become more significant. These counterfeits can contain potentially dangerous substances and higher, more lethal strengths of alprazolam, which can lead to an overdose or even death.
This unpredictability can make counterfeit Xanax very dangerous to take, as a person is completely unaware of the strength or potential effects of taking the drug.
Taking pharmaceutical grade Xanax without a prescription
If a person is sourcing pharmaceutical grade Xanax, but is taking it without a prescription, this can also leave them open to a number of physical and psychological side effects.
When determining the correct medication for a patient, a doctor will assess their mental and psychical health to provide them with access to safe and effective treatment. When using Xanax without this medical consultation, a person puts themselves at risk of experiencing health complications as well as developing a dependency.
Combining Xanax with other substances
Mixing Xanax with other substances can lead to extreme drowsiness, weakness and clumsiness, increasing the risk of dangerous accidents and falls.
If Xanax is combined with other substances that also depress the central nervous system, and affect cardiac and respiratory activities, it can also increase the risk of breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness and unintentional death.
Becoming dependent on Xanax
People misusing the highly addictive Xanax may find that they have to start taking higher doses of the drug at more regular intervals as they build up a tolerance.
Continued use can then lead to a person becoming physically and psychologically dependent on the drug, and developing a harmful Xanax addiction.
The dangers of Xanax addiction
The effects of Xanax addiction
When a person has an addiction, it can have a damaging effect on their health and quality of life, while also impacting on the lives of those closest to them.
Relationships with family and friends can start to fracture and break down as the person addicted to Xanax spends their time getting, taking and recovering from the drug. The addiction can also cause a person and those closest to them to face financial hardships, as the misuse can lead to the individual losing their job but still requiring money.
Long-term use of Xanax also comes with health dangers such as depression, psychotic episodes, aggression and hallucinations. When a person has a tolerance to Xanax and takes more of the drug to feel the effects or prevent withdrawal, these higher doses can leave the person more at risk of overdoses and accidental death.
Getting treatment for Xanax abuse and addiction
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s Xanax use, it is important to seek treatment.
The first step on any recovery journey should be to get professional help. At Priory, we have a network of hospitals and wellbeing centres that can provide comprehensive and bespoke treatment. Following a free initial addictions assessment, where we talk to a person about their Xanax use and the impact that it is having on their life, we can then determine the best course of action, which can include the following:
- A medically managed withdrawal to help rid the body of the drug in safe and discreet environment
- A residential treatment programme, where a person can learn about the triggers for their addictive behaviours and become aware of strategies to help with life in recovery
- Day care and outpatient treatment that is flexible according to a person’s commitments
- Free aftercare for a year (or a lifetime when attending Priory Hospital Roehampton)
Get in Touch Today
For details of how Priory can provide you with assistance regarding addiction treatment and rehabilitation, please call 0330 056 6023 or click here to book a FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT. For professionals looking to make a referral, please click here
As a seasoned expert in the field of substance abuse and addiction, I've dedicated my career to understanding the complexities surrounding various pharmaceuticals, including benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam). My extensive background in the subject allows me to provide comprehensive insights into the dangers of Xanax misuse and addiction, as well as the associated physical and psychological consequences.
The article you've shared, titled "The dangers of Xanax misuse and addiction," addresses critical issues related to Xanax, its abuse, and the potential consequences. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Xanax Overview:
- Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a tranquilizer designed to alleviate tension.
- It is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
- Xanax is a controlled drug, making it illegal to take without a prescription.
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Online and Illicit Sources:
- The article emphasizes the risks associated with obtaining Xanax from illicit sources, such as online platforms or street dealers.
- Counterfeit Xanax may contain dangerous substances or higher, potentially lethal strengths of alprazolam.
- The unpredictability of these sources increases the likelihood of overdose or even death.
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Pharmaceutical Grade Xanax Without Prescription:
- Even when sourced as pharmaceutical grade, taking Xanax without a prescription poses risks.
- Medical consultation is crucial for determining the correct medication based on the individual's mental and physical health.
- Using Xanax without proper medical guidance can lead to health complications and dependency.
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Combining Xanax with Other Substances:
- Mixing Xanax with other substances, especially those that depress the central nervous system, can lead to extreme drowsiness, weakness, and clumsiness.
- There's an increased risk of dangerous accidents, falls, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and unintentional death.
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Xanax Dependency and Addiction:
- Individuals misusing Xanax may develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses at more regular intervals.
- Continued use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, resulting in a harmful Xanax addiction.
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Effects of Xanax Addiction:
- Addiction can have detrimental effects on health, quality of life, and relationships.
- Financial hardships may occur due to job loss and the ongoing need for money to sustain the addiction.
- Long-term use can lead to mental health issues such as depression, psychotic episodes, aggression, and hallucinations.
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Treatment for Xanax Abuse and Addiction:
- The article encourages seeking professional help for Xanax-related concerns.
- Treatment options include medically managed withdrawal, residential treatment programs, day care, outpatient treatment, and aftercare.
In conclusion, the dangers associated with Xanax misuse and addiction are multifaceted, affecting both physical and mental well-being. The article underscores the importance of seeking professional assistance for those struggling with Xanax-related issues and provides insights into the comprehensive treatment options available, emphasizing the commitment to helping individuals on their recovery journey.
