Understanding Xanax Addiction

Learn about Xanax addiction and abuse

Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders are often prescribed the anti-anxiety medication known as Xanax. This medication, when taken appropriately, can alleviate the symptoms of many anxiety disorders and offer sufferers the relief they need in order to live a healthy, well-functioning life. There are individuals, however, who take this medication and do not have an anxiety disorder, but rather consume it for the mind-altering effects it can produce.

The abuse of Xanax occurs when a person takes this medication for any reason other than alleviating anxiety symptoms. Additionally, abusing Xanax happens when an individual consumes it without a prescription and supervision from a medical professional. Prolonged abuse of Xanax can cause a great deal of devastation in a person’s life if treatment is not sought and received. Occupational functioning can decline, conflict can increase with loved ones, and those who abuse this prescription medication are likely to engage in risky behaviors to obtain more of this drug in order to feed their addiction. What is important to know, however, is that there are treatment options available that can help people overcome a Xanax abuse problem.

If you or someone you care about is caught in the grips of a Xanax addiction, rest assured that there is help out there that can assist in achieving a healthy and sober life.

Statistics

Xanax abuse statistics

Xanax abuse is steadily increasing in the United States. It is estimated that 27 percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 25 and 21 percent of individuals over the age of 26 have abused Xanax at least once in the past year. Furthermore, it is speculated that up to 5 percent of adult men and women have taken Xanax for mind-altering purposes, rather than for legitimate reasons. Because of these estimates, further awareness is needed to bring attention to dangers associated with Xanax abuse.

Causes and Risks

Causes and risk factors for Xanax abuse

Research cites genetics and environmental influences as the main contributing factors for a substance abuse problem. The following expands upon these factors and lists risk factors that can explain why and how a person comes to abuse drugs, such as Xanax:

Genetic: If a person has a first-degree relative with a history of substance abuse or addiction, it is likely that that individual will also abuse substances at some point in life. This correlation was made after researchers realized that addiction is prevalent among individuals who share genes. Therefore, it can be said that genetics can play a role in the development of an addiction to substances, such as Xanax.

Environmental: Many addiction specialists and mental health professionals agree that certain environmental stressors or circumstances can lead a person to abuse Xanax. If a person experiences a great deal of stress, lacks the necessary coping skills, possesses an inept support network, and has easy access to Xanax, the risk for abusing this medication increases exponentially. Lastly, if a person is prescribed this medication and is not monitored closely by a doctor, there is also an increased chance for abuse.

Risk Factors:

Lack of coping skills
Family history of substance abuse or addiction
Personal history of mental condition or conditions
Lack of support system
Easy access to Xanax
Lacking regular supervision from a doctor when Xanax is prescribed
Experiencing ongoing stress

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Xanax abuse

The abuse of Xanax may or may not be apparent to others in the abuser’s life. The listed behavioral, physical, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms are those that suggest an individual is abusing Xanax and infer that treatment is needed in order to overcome an addiction of this kind:

Behavioral symptoms:

Declined occupational performance
Over-consuming Xanax
Visiting a number of doctors to obtain more prescriptions for Xanax
Stealing or borrowing Xanax
Forging prescriptions
Risky behaviors
Decreased inhibitions
Chewing pills to make them work faster
Crushing and snorting pills to increase effects
Hostility and/or violence towards others
Neglecting responsibilities

Physical symptoms:

Headaches
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fluctuations in weight
Changes in appetite
Seizures
Decreased urination
Drowsiness
Heart palpitations
Jaundice
Tachycardia
Tremors
Swelling in hands and feet
Coordination difficulties
Dry mouth
Stuffy nose
Sweating
Dizziness
Blurred or double vision
Slurred speech

Cognitive symptoms:

Hallucinations
Poor concentration
Disorganized thoughts
Impaired memory
Disorientation
Confusion

Psychosocial symptoms:

Drastic shifts in mood
Depressed mood
Increased agitation
Irritability

Effects

Effects of Xanax abuse

Should an individual abuse Xanax, it is possible that a number of adverse consequences will happen if a person does not seek treatment for this type of chemical dependency concern. The following effects are examples of such consequences:

Muscle spasms
Seizures
Suicidal ideation
Inability to function at work
Short-term memory loss
Social isolation
Relationship conflicts
Divorce
Legal problems
Financial problems
Incarceration
Hospitalization
Migraines
Muscle pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Chest pain

Co-Occurring Disorders

Xanax abuse & co-occurring disorders

Since Xanax is often prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, it is possible that an abuser of this medication is suffering from this type of mental health condition. Additionally, and for those who are not grappling with the symptoms of anxiety, it is possible that other mental illnesses could be present when a person is abusing Xanax. The listed mental health disorders are those that are often diagnosed when a person seeks treatment to combat an addiction to Xanax: