What are Xanax bars. How strong are Xanax bars. Who is at risk of Xanax addiction. Where to find treatment for Xanax abuse. How does Xanax affect the brain and body. What are the dangers of combining Xanax with other substances. How prevalent is Xanax use among different demographics.

Understanding Xanax Bars: Dosage and Strength

Xanax bars, colloquially known as “zanies” or “planks,” are rectangular tablets of the prescription medication Alprazolam. These bars are designed to be easily divided into smaller doses, providing flexibility in administration. A standard Xanax bar contains 2 milligrams of the active ingredient, which can be broken down into four equal parts of 0.5 milligrams each.

The various strengths of Xanax include:

• 2 mg (full bar)
• 1 mg (half bar)
• 0.5 mg (quarter bar)
• 0.25 mg (eighth bar, smallest available dose)

As tolerance develops, users may increase their dosage, sometimes taking multiple bars per day. This escalation in use significantly raises the risk of addiction and adverse effects.

The Mechanism of Action: How Xanax Affects the Brain

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. By increasing GABA activity, Xanax produces a calming effect on the central nervous system.

The effects of Xanax typically include:

• Reduced anxiety
• Muscle relaxation
• Sedation
• Relief from panic symptoms

These effects can begin as quickly as 20 minutes after ingestion and may last for 2 to 11 hours, depending on the dosage and individual factors. The drug can remain detectable in the body for up to 3 days after use.

Prevalence and Prescription Patterns of Xanax

Xanax has become one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. Its popularity stems from its effectiveness in treating various conditions, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorders
• Insomnia
• Stress-related muscle tension

While Xanax can be highly effective when used as prescribed, its widespread availability and potential for misuse have contributed to a growing concern about addiction and abuse.

The Dark Side of Xanax: Risks and Dangers of Abuse

Despite its therapeutic benefits, Xanax carries significant risks when misused or abused. The dangers of Xanax abuse include:

Tolerance and Dependence

Regular use of Xanax can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This tolerance can quickly progress to physical dependence, making it difficult to stop using the drug without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Polydrug Use

Combining Xanax with other substances significantly increases the risk of adverse effects and overdose. Common and dangerous combinations include:

• Xanax and alcohol
• Xanax and other benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium)
• Xanax and opioids
• Xanax and cocaine

Counterfeit Xanax

The illicit market for Xanax has led to the production of counterfeit pills, which may contain dangerous substances such as fentanyl. These fake pills have been linked to numerous cases of overdose and death.

Vulnerable Populations: Who’s at Risk?

While Xanax addiction can affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable to misuse and abuse:

Teenagers

Adolescents are increasingly turning to Xanax to cope with stress, anxiety, and social pressures. Early use of Xanax significantly increases the risk of developing long-term dependence. A 2016 report indicated that approximately 70% of teens had experimented with drugs or alcohol before the age of 15, with Xanax becoming increasingly popular among this demographic.

College Students

The pressures of academic performance and social integration make college students particularly susceptible to Xanax abuse. Alarmingly, 31% of drug overdoses in this age group involve Xanax or other benzodiazepines. The prevalence of other substances on campus increases the likelihood of dangerous polydrug use.

Expectant Mothers

Pregnant women prescribed Xanax for anxiety or muscle cramps may be at risk of developing dependence. Xanax abuse during pregnancy can lead to fetal developmental problems, as the drug crosses the placental barrier. Withdrawal symptoms in expectant mothers can include nausea, seizures, and tremors, potentially affecting both the mother and the unborn child.

Recognizing Xanax Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

Identifying Xanax addiction early is crucial for successful intervention and treatment. Common signs of Xanax abuse include:

• Increased tolerance and dosage
• Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
• Mood swings and irritability
• Impaired coordination and slurred speech
• Memory problems and cognitive impairment
• Social withdrawal and neglect of responsibilities
• Continued use despite negative consequences

If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help promptly.

Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction

Overcoming Xanax addiction requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Options may include:

Medical Detoxification

Supervised withdrawal management is crucial due to the potential severity of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Medical professionals can provide medications and support to ease the detox process and manage complications.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Residential treatment programs offer intensive therapy, counseling, and support in a structured environment. This option is particularly beneficial for those with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Outpatient Programs

For individuals with milder addiction or strong support systems, outpatient treatment can provide therapy and counseling while allowing patients to maintain their daily responsibilities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps patients identify and change thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug use, developing healthier coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress.

Support Groups

Twelve-step programs and other support groups offer ongoing peer support and accountability throughout the recovery process.

Prevention and Education: Addressing the Xanax Epidemic

Combating the widespread misuse of Xanax requires a multifaceted approach focusing on prevention and education. Key strategies include:

• Improving prescribing practices and monitoring
• Enhancing public awareness about the risks of benzodiazepine use
• Implementing school-based drug education programs
• Promoting alternative anxiety management techniques
• Increasing access to mental health services

By addressing the root causes of anxiety and stress, we can reduce reliance on potentially addictive medications like Xanax.

The Future of Anxiety Treatment: Beyond Benzodiazepines

As awareness of the risks associated with long-term benzodiazepine use grows, researchers are exploring alternative treatments for anxiety disorders. Promising avenues include:

• Novel pharmacological approaches targeting specific neurotransmitter systems
• Advancements in psychotherapy techniques, such as virtual reality exposure therapy
• Integration of mindfulness and meditation practices into treatment protocols
• Development of non-addictive anxiolytic compounds

These innovations may provide safer and more effective options for managing anxiety in the future, reducing reliance on potentially addictive medications like Xanax.

Navigating Recovery: Building a Xanax-Free Life

Recovering from Xanax addiction is a challenging but achievable journey. Key components of successful long-term recovery include:

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Learning to manage anxiety and stress without relying on medication is crucial. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can be powerful tools in maintaining emotional balance.

Rebuilding Relationships

Addiction often strains personal relationships. Rebuilding trust and fostering healthy connections with family and friends is an essential part of the recovery process.

Addressing Co-occurring Disorders

Many individuals with Xanax addiction also struggle with underlying mental health issues. Comprehensive treatment should address both substance use and any co-occurring disorders to promote lasting recovery.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep can significantly improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.

Ongoing Support

Recovery is a lifelong process. Engaging in continued therapy, support groups, or alumni programs can provide the ongoing support necessary for maintaining sobriety.

By addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction, individuals can build a fulfilling life free from Xanax dependence. With proper treatment and support, recovery is not only possible but can lead to a more balanced and resilient approach to managing life’s challenges.

Xanax Bars – Find Treatment for Addiction Today

Xanax bars, also called “zanies” and “planks,” are small, pill-sized Xanax tablets that can be broken down into quarters and taken individually. Each Xanax bar has 2-milligrams per dose, but when broken in half, becomes 2, 1-milligram pieces of a bar. Smaller doses include 0.5 milligrams and 0.25 milligrams, which is the smallest dose.

People who have developed a tolerance to a quarter of a Xanax bar often double their dosage to 2 small quarter-sized squares. Some take an entire Xanax bar, which can create irritability, aggression, and hyperactive behavior. More symptoms may follow, like chest pain, low blood pressure, drowsiness, and withdrawal symptoms. Many will continue to use Xanax bars and pills in order to escape withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks and shaking.

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What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a Benzodiazepine primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder by enhancing chemicals in the brain known as GABA. Xanax reproduces GABA in the brain which helps to calm the brain and nervous system. The body is also relaxed, and the individual can feel calm in less than half an hour after taking a Xanax bar.  Some users find relaxation in as little as 20 minutes, and remain relaxed for 2 to 11 hours. The Benzodiazepine stays in the body up to 3 days after initial use.

Also called Alprazolam, Xanax works to treat insomnia and panic disorders that affect millions in America. People experiencing muscle twitches and cramps from stress-related conditions also use Xanax for relaxation. There are various colors of Xanax pills, each with a different dosage and different effects on the brain. Xanax is the most prescribed medication in the United States, and it has extremely addictive properties.

In some cases, people combine Xanax bars with other drugs like Cocaine. In other cases, people have been misled into taking counterfeit versions of the drug which have caused sudden death when the counterfeit contains other dangerous substances. The most common and well-known example of polydrug use involving Xanax is alcohol. This combination is especially dangerous and likely to lead to overdose or other disastrous consequences. People also take Valium with Xanax for similar reasons and with similar consequences.

The Dangers Of Xanax Bars

Once someone gets used to the calming effect of Xanax, they can risk developing a tolerance for the drug, and start taking more. Sadly, people taking Xanax bars often quickly shift from taking a prescribed dosage to doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling up on pills. Some even combine Xanax with other Benzodiazepines like Valium, or with Marijuana and alcohol. Once someone develops a tolerance, they can do irreparable damage their bodies.

Teens And Xanax Use

Xanax is popular among teenagers to help them cope with the stressors, depressions, and anxieties of teenage life. This is problematic as early Xanax use among teens increases the likelihood of a life-long dependence. A 2016 report notes “roughly 70% of teens experimented with drugs or alcohol” before 15 years old. Out of these drugs, many young students are hooked on Xanax. It is widely available in schools, and some teens get the drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Since Xanax relaxes the mind and body, teens often find themselves abusing the substance and then want something stronger. Some teenagers up the risk by combining Xanax with alcohol or other drugs and can take multiple Xanax bars a day.

Expectant Mothers And Xanax Bars

Expectant mothers abusing Xanax bars can affect unborn babies with fetal developmental problems. Since anxiety and muscle cramps are common during pregnancy, mothers may be prescribed a Benzodiazepine to relax them. Mothers can experience nausea, seizures, and tremors during Xanax withdrawal. Like other substance abuse disorders, mothers abusing Xanax can impact the baby as the chemicals transfer to the baby through the bloodstream.

Xanax Bars And College Students

Xanax continues to be one of the most popularly-used drugs among college students. 31% of drug overdoses in this age group involve Xanax or other Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepine use is high on campus, due to college students experiencing the pressure exams and fitting in.

The prevalence of other drugs on college campuses can encourage students to combine Xanax with other drugs like alcohol, Marijuana, and Opioids. Combining drugs increases the potential to overdose, especially when the student does not know that they are doing it. Xanax is sometimes laced with other substances, most dangerously powerful Opioids like Fentanyl or Carfentanil. These potent and destructive substances pose extremely dangerous risks for a Xanax user, including fatal overdose.

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Seniors And Xanax Bars

Some studies have found that as many as 1 in 4 seniors abuse Xanax. With the process of aging and being away from loved ones, seniors may feel anxiety. Depending on previous drug use, and the state of the body, they may experience muscle cramps. Once they take Xanax, they will feel the ease in the bodies and can depend on it for this reason alone. Sadly, seniors risk the standard side effects of Xanax, and can also suffer from broken hips, vehicular crashes, falls, Xanax addiction, and fatal overdoses.

Find Help

The key in substance abuse treatment is early detection and taking the steps to get treatment. Despite Xanax’s ability to hook in users, there is help available for you or your loved one. For more information on Xanax addiction and treatment options, contact a treatment provider today.

Xanax Bars | Strengths, Dangers, & Side Effects

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, which is a prescription drug that can treat panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. It’s classified as a benzodiazepine (or “benzo”) and central nervous system depressant.

It’s available as a tablet, extended-release tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and liquid solution. 

Some of the tablets are oval-shaped, while others are rectangular. The rectangular tablets are often called “Xanax bars.” As with all forms of Xanax, Xanax bars pose a high risk of abuse and addiction. 

Xanax Bar Colors & Strengths

Brand name Xanax bars are white. Generic alprazolam bars are green, yellow, or blue, depending on the manufacturer. 

No matter the color, each bar contains 2 milligrams of alprazolam and is scored in three places so you can break it into smaller doses if necessary. 

The bars are the strongest immediate-release form of alprazolam available. The overall strongest form is a green, triangular, extended-release tablet that contains 3 milligrams of alprazolam. 

Dangers Of Xanax Bars

When taken as prescribed, Xanax bars produce a mild calming effect that can help people better manage their anxiety disorders. When misused, however, the bars can lead to addiction and overdose. 

Xanax Bar Addiction

Xanax bars can make you feel euphoric or “high,” especially at high doses. That’s why some people abuse them. Xanax abuse occurs when you take the drug in a manner not prescribed by your doctor. 

For example, someone might take more bars than prescribed or take them without a prescription. 

People who abuse alprazolam often become addicted to it. Frequent Xanax use, even as prescribed by a doctor, can also cause Xanax addiction. Thus, most medical professionals prescribe the drug only for short-term or occasional use to prevent or treat panic attacks. 

The most common symptoms of Xanax bar addiction include:

• tolerance, which means you need increasingly higher doses of the drug to feel the desired effects
• physical dependence, which means you experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use the drug 
• mood swings
• avoiding family and friends
• avoiding work or school
• doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions of Xanax bars)

People who struggle with Xanax abuse or addiction should seek professional help at an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center.  

Medical professionals can help them safely detox from the medication and prevent relapse through therapy, support groups, and other recovery-focused services. 

Xanax Bar Overdose

Xanax is a short-acting drug, which means its effects usually wear off in just a few hours. 

To experience a longer, more intense high, some people take multiple Xanax bars in a short period of time, while other people mix the bars with drugs like alcohol or opioids. These behaviors pose a serious risk of overdose.

Common signs of Xanax bar overdose include:

• confusion
• drowsiness
• unusual talkativeness
• nausea
• impaired coordination
• trouble breathing
• loss of consciousness (coma)

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek emergency health care services immediately. When left untreated, a Xanax bar overdose can be fatal. 

Effects Of Xanax Bars

Along with the risk of addiction and overdose, Xanax bars come with a number of possible side effects. The most common side effects include:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• headache
• dry mouth
• constipation
• trouble urinating
• talkativeness
• trouble concentrating
• altered sex drive or ability 
• changes in weight and/or appetite
• joint pain

The bars can also cause more serious side effects, such as

• depression
• severe rash
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• memory problems
• trouble speaking
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or attempts

Seek medical advice immediately if you or someone you love experiences these or other unusual side effects. 

If you or a loved one misuses Xanax bars, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist to learn about our comprehensive substance abuse and addiction treatment programs.

Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team

©2023 Ark National Holdings, LLC.

| All Rights Reserved.

This page does not provide medical advice.

Sources

Food and Drug Administration – Xanax Label
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus – Alprazolam

Benzodiazepines – Xanax / Xanax / Alprazolam – Telegraph

Pineapples, for a long time we did not have a pharmacy on the channel. But, I think that among you there are those who need benzos, and today we will talk about the most popular benzodiazepine, though they can help. When it comes to waste, releases, or just panic attacks, gasoline pumps are indispensable. Soon on the channel we will fully analyze this huge topic, and now we have left!

I am writing this article to give people advice from both a recreational and medical point of view. I want to highlight the fact that Xanax can act like a miracle drug if used correctly and that you don’t have to be a dumb junkie to have a good time with it.

Doses

Taking 0. 25mg Xanax without tolerance is likely to produce very few recreational effects. This is the lowest dose. Medically, it is used to treat minor panic attacks or moderate insomnia. A dose of 0.25mg of Xanax may not do anything for some people, while for others this dose may make them feel a little more relaxed. At such a low dose, little can happen.

By taking 0.5mg Xanax, a person without tolerance will experience subtle recreational effects. For medical purposes, this dose is prescribed for moderate panic attacks and from moderate to severe insomnia. A dose of 0.5mg Xanax will produce a more marked feeling of relaxation, slight lethargy and moderate feelings of drowsiness/lethargy.

Taking 1mg Xanax without tolerance, a person will get noticeably more powerful recreational effects. In medical settings, this dose is prescribed for severe panic attacks and to combat severe insomnia. 1.0mg will give a significantly stronger feeling of relaxation, more lethargy and a moderate feeling of drowsiness/lethargy.

Taking 1.5mg Xanax without tolerance, a person will get even more powerful recreational effects. This dose is rarely given in medical settings because it involves taking two 1.0mg tablets and breaking one of them in half. A dose in of 1.5mg of will give even stronger feelings of relaxation, even more lethargy, and still relatively moderate feelings of drowsiness and lethargy.

A person who has taken 2.0mg Xanax without tolerance is likely to experience very strong feelings of relaxation, but will now be accompanied by a complete loss of the ability to move and a very strong feeling of drowsiness/lethargy.

Taking 3.0mg Xanax without tolerance, the dose will make a person feel so relaxed that he will completely lose the ability to move and will not pay attention to all possible consequences. Some people experience euphoria at this dose, but black out . (We’ll tell you what it is below)

Taking 4.0mg+ Xanax, a person with no tolerance is guaranteed to get a storm of shit. Don’t take the whole Hulk Bar (that’s what the street calls 4mg Xanax bar) if you don’t have a tolerance. You will always get black out.

A regular Xanax bar contains 2mg and looks like this:

I’m on 1.5mg right now and I have a slight tolerance. I am functional enough to type this article, quite relaxed, not too sleepy, but I am not motivated enough to work on an essay that I have to take tomorrow.

Xanax is too good to be true. You quickly develop tolerance and, unlike other drugs, can actually kill you if you stop too soon.

It’s hard to hear, but based on what I know, I wouldn’t recommend taking it unless you can afford to be addicted to it. You say that you already have some kind of addiction and are depressed and can’t sleep, etc. You start taking a highly addictive drug in the mix with your whole bunch, and congratulations, you are now addicted to it as well.

So either you get a prescription from a doctor or you buy 30 tablets from someone else to last a month . As long as you keep an even, steady dosage, you’ll be fine. Once per night is not a problem.

The problem occurs when one becomes two during the night of or one during the day of . Don’t take this as an opinion from a pro or anything, this is an opinion from someone who has “fucked” with Xanax for 9 years.0012 6 years.

I knew what I was dealing with when I started. I played doctor at age 16 and started with small pink 0.5mg Xanax, then blue 1mg and white/green/any color bars for three or four .

I once calculated that I reached 124 bars per month. Legal, free, through my doctor and insurance.

This is 8mg Xanax per day, 2mg every 4 hours. It’s a crazy dose in a way, but they let me take it. Of course, I did not take the pills as prescribed by the doctor.

This recipe burned out in four days or so. It was the same with pink, blue pills and bars. Scenario: Take a little, take a little more, wait a few days (all the time, the method worked great, according to people around me) and wait for gas station. You repeat.

Oh, and of course, nightmares. When you get out of petrols, you always have these terrible nightmares (as I had), but here’s the interesting thing: they don’t start until your body notices that something is wrong.

So even if you take 30-50 bars per day, you will hit your limit one day, once your system realizes this, the nightmare effects will start. This means that when I have a prescription, I fill it out, take everything I can and eat for a week, going through hell and nightmares for the next week, and repeating this every month. Just for the love of Xanax.

I will definitely do it all again. Now I’m waiting for registration to open in November so I can get insurance sometime in January to get legal, free Xanax.

Just be careful. Xanax tastes like shit on the back of your tongue, but it’s so sweet.

What is Blackout?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines blackout as “a period of amnesia during which a person is conscious but does not create memories of these events as they occur.”

There are two types of blackouts, but both are classified by the amount of amnesia. Blackout types are classified as:

• Fragmentary blackouts:

The most common form is the fragmentary blackout, where you can remember parts and pieces of the night, but not all of the events that happened. Also known as a “glitch” in memory, which can be recalled if someone else reminds you of the events of the night.

• Blocking blackouts:

These blackouts are much more serious and dangerous. They occur when the memory is completely disabled, which means that large chunks of time are simply erased. They are often referred to as “time travel” because no matter how hard you try, you will never be able to remember those time periods.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol can shut down the glutamate receptors in your hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for consolidating memories from everyday life. When this “recording system” of the psyche is broken, new information, such as memories, simply falls into the void and is never processed. Simply put: it’s not about forgetting what happened. The fact is that these short-term memories were never stored in your memory. Pretty scary, right?

For this article, gave me material THANK YOU to the person who wrote:
“Thank you for the informative article about Xanax! Once again I am convinced that it is better not to try it !!”

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addiction, harm, treatment at the Rehab Family clinic

Xanax is an effective drug from the benzodiazepine group. The drug is used to treat a variety of conditions in the clinical picture of which anxiety is present.

When properly used and taken in prescribed dosages, a tranquilizer has a good therapeutic effect.

The increased interest of drug addicts is associated with the ability of Xanax to induce a state of mild euphoria, reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the level of anxiety.

Uncontrolled use of Xanax is a problem that is known to specialists in various fields of medicine.

Xanax – description, composition, effect, properties

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic with a medium duration of action.

The drug first appeared on the pharmaceutical market in the early 80s of the last century and has found wide application in medicine.

The active substance is alprazolam. The preparation also contains auxiliary components: potato starch, lactose, magnesium stearate, etc.

Available in tablet form of 0.25, 0.5 and 2 mg and retard tablets of 0.5 mg.

Officially, Xanax can only be purchased with a prescription from the attending physician, written out on special forms.

Alprazolam to varying degrees has all the properties of classical benzodiazepines.

It has a pronounced anti-anxiety, soothing, muscle-relaxing, anticonvulsant effect, improves sleep quality. A characteristic feature is an anti-panic effect, in connection with which the drug is prescribed for panic disorders. According to some reports, it has some antidepressant effect.

Most effective in the treatment of disorders with a pronounced anxiety component.

The spectrum of activity of Xanax determines the main indications for its use. These include:

• panic attacks;
• anxiety states, mixed anxiety-depressive disorder;
• neuroses;
• increased irritability, internal tension;
• depressive states;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• psychomotor agitation;
• simple and social phobias;
• sleep problems, appetite disorders;
• withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism and drug addiction;
• a feeling of anxiety and anxiety in a number of somatic diseases;
• tremor of the limbs.

To prevent undesirable consequences of use, it is important to consider contraindications to the use of an anxiolytic:

• individual intolerance;
• angle-closure glaucoma;
• severe damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, liver, kidneys;
• myasthenia gravis;
• poisoning with alcohol and psychoactive substances;
• depression with suicidal tendencies;
• the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• age up to 18 years.

With prolonged use and excess dosages, Xanax is addictive and highly addictive.

The effect of the drug on the human body

The active substance of the drug has a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

The mechanism of action of Xanax on the body is based on an increase in the inhibitory effect in the brain and a decrease in the excitability of subcortical structures: the limbic system, hypothalamus, and thalamus.

The drug is an agonist (stimulator) of specific benzodiazepine receptors. By binding to the GABA-A receptor complex, the affinity and sensitivity to the mediator increases. The GABA-ergic system is activated, the frequency of opening of chloride channels and the flow of chlorine into the neuron increase. This leads to suppression of neuronal activity and inhibition of the transmission of nerve impulses.

One of the differences between Xanax and other tranquilizers is less pronounced sedation and behavioral toxicity, which is manifested by daytime sleepiness, a decrease in the severity of reactions and cognitive functions.

The main effects of Xanax:

1. Pronounced anxiolytic (anti-anxiety): reduces the feeling of fear, anxiety, emotional stress.
2. Moderate sedation.
3. Increases the duration of sleep, promotes rapid falling asleep.
4. Central muscle relaxant, which occurs as a result of inhibition of the spinal reflexes of the brain stem.
5. Anticonvulsant.

With an increase in the dose of the drug, there is a slight euphoria, a feeling of comfort, calmness, peace, relaxation. To obtain such sensations, the drug is often used by drug addicts.

Drug dependence

When using alprazolam for medical purposes, as prescribed by a doctor, addiction develops slowly. Gradually, adaptation to the action of the drug occurs, and it loses its medicinal properties. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the dose or change the drug. A safe treatment regimen in these cases is selected by a specialist.

With prolonged use of a tranquilizer to achieve a narcotic effect, addiction occurs within 2-3 months. A decrease in the intensity of the body’s reaction to repeated administration of a substance leads to the need to increase the dose to obtain the same effect.

As a result of abuse, dependence on Xanax develops, which is manifested by a strong and uncontrollable desire to use the drug. The likelihood of dependence is especially high in people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction, personality disorder.

Against the background of taking an anxiolytic, there is a feeling of physical and mental comfort, well-being, self-confidence. The concentration of attention decreases, the sense of danger, the surrounding reality can be perceived in a distorted form.

Signs of Xanax use:

• a feeling of a surge of strength and energy;
• increased mood, mild euphoria;
• drops in blood pressure;
• tachycardia;
• pallor of the skin;
• trembling of the limbs;
• loss of appetite.

Outside the state of intoxication, irritability, dissatisfaction, discomfort, internal tension appear. If symptoms suggestive of drug abuse appear, it is recommended to contact a specialist in a mental health clinic.

How long does Xanax stay in the body and how is it excreted?

Xanax is a medium-acting benzodiazepine with an average half-life of 12-15 hours.

After oral administration, it is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability is high (about 90%).

The maximum content in the blood plasma is reached after 1-2 hours. Plasma protein binding is 70-80%.

The drug is metabolized in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 with the formation of two metabolites.

Alprazolam and its metabolites are excreted mainly unchanged in the urine, a small part through the intestines.

Stages and types of drug dependence

Long-term use of large doses of the substance leads to an increase in tolerance and the development of psychological dependence. The timing of its formation depends on a number of factors: experience of use, dosage, susceptibility of the organism, state of health.

By reducing the dose of the drug, a person experiences discomfort, feels depressed and tense. To get rid of negative symptoms, the addict returns to taking the substance.

With continued use of alprazolam as a narcotic drug, physical dependence occurs, a characteristic manifestation of which is withdrawal syndrome (abstinence).

Withdrawal symptoms:

• anxiety, fussiness, irritability;
• depression, apathy;
• deterioration in general well-being;
• excessive sweating;
• malaise, weakness;
• heart palpitations, high blood pressure;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• lack of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, dizziness;
• insomnia;
• involuntary muscle twitches, spasms.

In severe cases, at the peak of abstinence, hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, and suicidal intentions are possible.

Side effects of this drug

Excessive passion for Xanax leads to chronic intoxication and serious health consequences. These include:

• violation of the functions of internal organs;
• deterioration of mental abilities, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, decreased memory and attention;
• behavioral disorders: impulsiveness, irascibility, aggressiveness;
• depression, suicidal behavior;
• neurotic states.

Among the main side effects are the following:

• slowness of motor and mental reactions;
• headache, dizziness;
• dry mouth, increased salivation;
• loss of appetite;
• dyspeptic symptoms;
• unsteady gait;
• deterioration of liver and kidney function;
• urination disorders: urinary incontinence or retention;
• skin rashes.

To enhance the effect, the dependent person constantly increases the dose or mixes the drug with other substances. This is fraught with an overdose – a dangerous condition that requires emergency medical attention.

Signs of a Xanax overdose are:

• lethargy, drowsiness;

• disorientation in the environment;
• inhibited state;
• slow heart rate;
• weakness, chills;
• shortness of breath, oppressed breathing;
• nausea, vomiting;
• tremor;
• impaired coordination of movements.

The severity of symptoms can vary from mild poisoning to severe intoxication. Severe cases lead to impaired consciousness and coma.

Overdose often occurs in addicts who take Xanax with alcohol or other CNS depressants.

Combination of the drug with other substances

The combination of alprazolam with other drugs can lead to irreversible consequences.

The joint use of Xanax and alcohol is unacceptable, since the anxiolytic enhances the effect of ethanol and increases the likelihood of acute intoxication. This is dangerous by inhibition of cardiac and respiratory activity up to the complete cessation of breathing and cardiac arrest.

Other tranquilizers, sleeping pills, opioid analgesics should not be used simultaneously with alprazolam.

Drug dependence affects the quality of life, performance and social activity of the patient. Not only the addict himself suffers from its consequences, but also his relatives.

Relationships in the family worsen, conflicts arise at work, former interests and contacts are lost.

Don’t neglect the health of your loved one. Timely assistance of specialists and constant support of relatives at all stages of treatment will help to cope with the problem and get rid of addiction.

You should not, also, self-medicate, use traditional medicine, turn to “healers” without a medical education. This can lead to dire consequences.

You need to contact only specialized medical centers, where highly qualified specialists with relevant experience work.

Diagnosis and treatment

An accurate diagnosis is established only by a specialist after diagnosing dependence on Xanax. An important role is played by the data of anamnesis, conversation, general examination and assessment of the mental status of the patient.

It is necessary to pay attention to changes in the character, habits, appearance, behavior of an addicted person, which may indicate the presence of a disease.

To completely get rid of addiction, complex therapy and the help of a team of specialists are needed.

It is important to understand that it is impossible to cope with the problem on your own.

Treatment is carried out in stationary conditions under the supervision of doctors and medical personnel. Therapeutic measures are aimed at stopping the intake of the substance, preventing relapses, resolving intra-family and social conflicts, controlling behavior and emotional state, and returning to a full life.

The first stage of treatment is detoxification, which is carried out to completely cleanse the body, remove toxic products, and stop the withdrawal syndrome.

Symptomatic drug therapy is necessary to relieve somatic and neurological disorders, normalize impaired functions, correct behavioral disorders, and eliminate the negative consequences of taking the drug. For this purpose, painkillers, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, vitamins, nootropics and other drugs are prescribed.

Important stages of the treatment program are the course of psychotherapy and rehabilitation. Psychotherapeutic sessions help to realize the presence of an addiction, create motivation to eliminate it, overcome psychological dependence and stop using an anxiolytic.

Rehabilitation helps to fully adapt to life in society. The former addict returns to society, can work, independently solve problems and build full-fledged relationships in the family.

After the end of therapy, in order to prevent relapses, it is desirable to create an optimal microclimate and a friendly environment. In addition to special psychotherapeutic techniques, you should observe the daily routine, eat right, and exercise.

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Prevention or advice

Xanax, which is addictive due to abuse, requires special care when used as a drug. The drug is prescribed in short courses and canceled, gradually reducing the dosage.

The main condition for safe treatment and the absence of abstinence is gradual withdrawal.

When treating with alprazolam, it is important to follow some recommendations:

• apply a tranquilizer strictly according to indications, under the supervision of a specialist;
• before starting to take into account contraindications, possible risks and adverse reactions;
• if you experience unpleasant symptoms, contact your doctor immediately;
• it is forbidden to independently adjust and increase the dose of the drug;
• remember about compatibility and interaction with other substances.