Millions of people in the United States take prescription medications to manage health conditions. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Xanax is a common prescription drug used to treat addiction and other conditions. People may abuse it and develop physical dependence on it.
All forms of Xanax abuse can have dangerous effects, but snorting Xanax has unique risks. This article will explore the dangers of snorting Xanax. You will learn:
- The side effects and risks of Xanax abuse
- The dangers of snorting Xanax
- How to recognize Xanax abuse
- What to expect during Xanax addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or a loved one struggles with Xanax abuse or substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find compassionate, comprehensive treatment at The Living Room. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine drug called alprazolam. Doctors may prescribe Xanax to help patients manage symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder.
Xanax works by suppressing central nervous system (CNS) activity. It does this by increasing the amount of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). People who take Xanax may experience reduced physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety.
The Side Effects and Risks of Xanax Abuse
Xanax is a prescription drug with the potential for abuse and addiction. People must only take Xanax under careful medical supervision.
People may like the way they feel when they take Xanax. Some people abuse Xanax by:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Taking doses more often than prescribed
- Taking Xanax longer than prescribed
- Taking Xanax recreationally (without a prescription)
Some people may also ingest Xanax differently than prescribed by crushing Xanax and snorting it.
Abusing Xanax can cause unwanted or dangerous side effects. Some of the most common effects of Xanax abuse include:
- Difficulty with concentration and focus
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Slurred speech
- Lightheadedness
Some people may experience more severe side effects, including:
- Double vision
- Jaundice
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Fainting
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Seizures
- Excessive talkativeness
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
Xanax abuse also has an increased risk for physical dependency and addiction. It can be very challenging for people to stop taking Xanax once they develop dependence. Many people require comprehensive inpatient treatment and ongoing support to stop.
The Dangers of Snorting Xanax
While all Xanax abuse has the potential for health risks, snorting it can have additional risks. Some of the risks of crushing and snorting Xanax pills include:
- Irritability
- Excessive drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Fatigue
- Damage to the sinuses and nasal passages
- Blocked airways
- Lung infections
- Life-threatening respiratory inflammation
Crushing and snorting Xanax also significantly increases the risk of overdose. A Xanax overdose can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a Xanax overdose include:
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
If you or someone near you exhibits symptoms of a Xanax overdose, seek treatment right away. Call 911 and wait with the person until EMS arrives.
Snorting Xanax is a form of substance abuse. Without treatment, Xanax abuse can quickly develop into a physical dependence and addiction. Seek addiction treatment at the first signs of abuse or addiction.
Recognizing Xanax Abuse
Snorting Xanax is just one of the signs someone is abusing this prescription drug. Recognizing the signs of Xanax abuse can help you identify a problem and seek life-saving treatment.
Some signs of Xanax abuse include:
- Running out of prescription Xanax early
- Making up symptoms or “doctor shopping” to get more Xanax
- Using Xanax recreationally (without a prescription)
- Spending a lot of time, money, and energy to get more Xanax
- Isolating more often
- Neglecting relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities because of Xanax use
- Doing dangerous or illegal things while using Xanax, such as driving “high” or stealing to get more
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it
- Needing to use higher doses of Xanax to get the desired effects
- Not being able to stop using Xanax, even when it causes significant trouble
Xanax abuse and addiction are complex conditions requiring comprehensive treatment. Treatment centers typically offer different levels of care to help people detox, stabilize, and maintain their recoveries for life.
Treating Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction treatment may occur in stages. In most cases, people begin their recovery journeys with a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation. This evaluation will provide valuable information that allows treatment specialists to create effective recovery plans.
Then, people may participate in a medically-supported detox program. Detox programs may include:
- Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health care
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Emotional support
After detox, people engage in comprehensive treatment programs that include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Medical care and medications
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Holistic therapies, including yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support
- Aftercare planning
People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. Most people require continuing support and treatment to maintain their recoveries.
Find Treatment Now
Overcoming Xanax addiction can be challenging, but comprehensive treatment and recovery support can help. If you or a loved one snorts Xanax or abuses other substances, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, supportive treatment at The Living Room. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
The American Journal of Psychiatry: Benzodiazepines: A Perspective