Doctors may prescribe Xanax for a number of issues, such as anxiety and panic disorders. Because it’s a prescription medication, some people believe it must be harmless. They may then take more Xanax than they should if they don’t feel their current dose is effective. However, can you overdose on Xanax?
Learn more from our Xanax addiction rehab program. Call 866.262.0531 today.
Xanax and Addiction
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine sedative. The drug affects the central nervous system and makes users feel calmer.
It comes in pill form that users take orally. However, people who abuse Xanax strictly to get high often crush it into a powder and snort it. When taken this way, the drug’s effects are more intense.
People with valid prescriptions may wind up abusing the drug due to increased tolerance levels. To feel the same calming euphoria, they take more Xanax than they should. This may lead to dependency and addiction.
So, can you overdose on Xanax? It’s important to get one thing straight. If you think the drug must be safe since doctors prescribe it, that’s not the case. It’s one of the most abused medications in its class.
Can You Overdose on Xanax?
Yes, you can overdose on Xanax with devastating results. This can happen to recreational users as well as those with prescriptions. When recreational users snort Xanax instead of taking it in pill form, it increases the likelihood of overdose. However, this isn’t the only way people can take too much of the drug.
It can also happen to those who’ve gradually increased their usage because they grew dependent on the effects. The likelihood of overdose goes up when they use other substances with Xanax, such as alcohol.
Once you know the answer to “Can you overdose on Xanax?”, what do you look out for if you suspect someone is overdosing?
Common signs of Xanax overdose include:
- Confusion
- Shallow breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Seizures
If you know someone takes Xanax (or other benzodiazepine medication), these are huge red flags for overdose. You should call emergency services immediately. Otherwise, the consequences could be deadly.
For some people, a serious crisis like this is a wake-up call for addiction treatment. Hopefully, things don’t have to get to this point to convince you or a loved one to enter rehab.
Xanax Addiction Treatment is the Answer
If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax addiction, it’s important to know that there is hope. Treatment for Xanax addiction is available and can help those struggling to get their lives back on track.
The first step in treatment is typically detoxification. This is when the body clears itself of the drug. Detox can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to detox under medical supervision.
After detox, the next step is usually therapy. This can help you understand your addiction and how to cope with triggers and cravings. Therapy can be done in an individual or group setting.
Medication may also be used as part of treatment. This can help reduce cravings and make it easier to stick with treatment.
Treatment for Xanax addiction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The best treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. With the right help, you can overcome your addiction and start living a healthy, happy life.
Starting Over at Crestview Recovery
Crestview Recovery is a rehab facility located in Portland, Oregon, and we serve the entire Pacific Northwest. Our treatment center helps men and women make positive changes that lead to long-term recovery.
The substance use treatment programs we offer include:
- Xanax addiction rehab program
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Meth addiction rehab
- Opioid addiction rehab
- Prescription drug abuse help
Drug and alcohol addiction don’t have to ruin your life. You can overcome substance dependency and get the fresh start you want. Contact us today at 866.262.0531 for more information.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
