Addicted to Xanax Bars

Learn About the Dangers of Xanax

Someone who struggles with anxiety or panic attacks may find relief with the aid of a drug like Xanax. Xanax is a sedative in the benzo class of drugs that quickly calms your system. Xanax is also a drug with high abuse potential. Because the body will quickly build up a tolerance to the effects of Xanax, it can often lead to addiction. Xanax bars are the more potent version of the drug.

Once someone has formed a Xanax bar addiction they may decide to stop taking it or stop ‘cold turkey.’ This is a mistake that can swiftly lead to a health emergency. As the body reacts to the sudden absence of the drug severe symptoms will arise. Instead, it is always advised that Xanax detox involves a medically managed tapering schedule. After detox is done, an addiction treatment program is a next step in recovery.

About Xanax Bars

Of all the versions of Xanax (alprazolam) available, Xanax bars provide the highest strength. The bars are scored so the patient can break them into .5 mg doses. This allows them to adjust the dosing to the present symptoms being experienced.

Xanax bars are often abused, with the drug being purchased on the street or online. Street names for Xanax bars include “planks,” “zanies,” “z-bars,” and “bars.”

People who abuse the drug will ingest the large 2mg pills under the tongue. This allows them to dissolve for the most powerful effect. Also, the substance might be crushed and inhaled or injected in liquid form.

What Side Effects Do Xanax Bars Have?

When someone ingests a full 2mg Xanax bar they will begin to feel an intense euphoric effect. Xanax, like other benzos, impacts the central nervous system by slowing down breathing and heart rate functions. The effects of Xanax bars might include:

• Feeling deeply relaxed.
• Euphoria.
• Feeling drowsy.
• Lack of coordination.
• Trouble speaking.
• Memory problems.

Xanax is a quick-acting drug that can be felt in as soon as 10-15 minutes. Xanax also has a very short half-life of only 30 minutes. This means that the effects are swift and powerful, but then wear off quickly. This is one of the reasons Xanax is so addictive. The drug can lead the person to keep dosing in search of the desired effects, and that can cause an overdose.

Dangers of Xanax Bars Abuse

Any substance that alters a person’s perceptions is prone to abuse, and Xanax bars are no in that camp. It doesn’t matter what dosage of Xanax is consumed, as benzos present unique dangers. Xanax should be approached with caution, as tolerance will swiftly increase. Increased tolerance leads to higher dosing and addiction.

Recent data from the SAMHSA report that Xanax is related to more emergency room visits for drug misuse than other benzos. Also, the authors cite CDC data, which state that Xanax had the highest death rate increase of all benzos. Xanax also had the second-highest death rate at 234%, compared with 168% for benzos as a class.

Not only do the Xanax bars lend themselves to abuse, but Xanax causes an increase in dopamine unique among benzos. This only adds support to the belief that, among benzos, Xanax is preferred among those who abuse it.

As a class, benzos are not meant for long-term use, due to their highly addictive nature of these drugs. Over time, there can be adverse long-term effects. These include cognitive problems, constant sedation, fatigue, depression, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, sleepwalking, and seizures.

Xanax Medically Managed Detox

Benzos work by spurring GABA levels, which is an important neurotransmitter. When GABA is released through drugs, versus in a natural way, the brain will produce less GABA. This means that when someone abruptly stops taking the Xanax their body and brain become unstable.

The proper course of breaking free of a Xanax problem is through a medical detox program. The detox team will plan a taper of the drug so less and less of it is consumed over a period. Although withdrawal symptoms will still be felt, they are controlled as the body slowly adjusts to less Xanax. A Xanax detox can take from 7-14 days based on the length of time the person was using the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Stomach cramps.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever.
• Headaches.
• Muscle cramps.
• Hallucinations.
• Increased anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Heart palpitations.
• Raised heart rate.
• Raised breathing rate.
• Raised blood pressure.
• Shaking hands.
• Sweating.
• Jerky movements.
• Trouble thinking straight.
• Insomnia.
• Grand mal seizures.

During the Xanax detox process, the person will be closely watched. The symptoms will depend on the success of the tapering program, and the history of the Xanax addiction.

Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction

According to a 2011 study, up to 44% of those who take Xanax often will develop chemical dependence or addiction. In fact, in 2012 there were more than 17,000 admissions to treatment for benzo addiction.

Treatment for Xanax addiction is available in either outpatient or residential settings. Which format is chosen is based on how serious the Xanax problem is. Both program formats may last months.

Recovery from Xanax addiction is possible when the person makes basic changes in how they cope with stress. Also important is when an anxiety disorder is better managed and unhealthy thought patterns are replaced with healthy ones. In order to do this, CBT plus education and 12-step programs offer a roadmap to recovery.

When Xanax has taken over and harmed your daily life, it is time to take the steps to get needed help. With patience and desire, a Xanax bars addiction is highly treatable.

LifeSync Malibu Provides Customized Treatment for Xanax Bars Addiction

LifeeSync Malibu is a leading addiction and dual diagnosis addiction treatment program in the L.A. region. LifeSync Malibu sets itself apart by having a doctor-led treatment team. With the pretty Malibu setting aiding the healing process, people in recovery from Xanax bars will enjoy the luxury rehab. To learn more about our program, please contact the team today at (866) 491-4426.