Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, among others, is a short-acting benzodiazepine. It is most commonly used in the short-term management of anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Non-medical use of Xanax is a rampant problem globally. This is even more distressing when you consider the suffering and adverse health effects that result from such abuse. One report, released by the Drug Abuse Warning Network, indicates that approximately one million visits to emergency departments could be attributed directly to prescription drug abuse.
The various harmful effects upon the body that result from drug abuse can be further aggravated by the method used to ingest the substance. Many people who abuse drugs prefer to take prescription pain pills by crushing them into powder and then inhaling them through the nose.
Why Do People Snort Pills like Xanax?
Xanax is taken by mouth and absorbed quickly by the bloodstream. Some people may first begin experiencing the effects of Xanax within 5 to 10 minutes of taking the pill. Almost everyone will feel the effects of the drug within an hour. One of the reasons why Xanax is so effective for treating panic is that the peak impact from the dose comes quickly. Most people will experience it between one and two hours after taking their dose.
The desire to achieve a quick and powerful high can lead to a preference to snort drugs, known medically as nasal insufflation. This usually results in a rapid onset of euphoria. When taken orally, the effects of most prescription medications take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes or longer. The body’s digestive processes must break down the medication before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
The powdered form is typically absorbed much more quickly into the bloodstream through the soft tissues in the nasal cavity. With some opioids, the “high” effect can be nearly instantaneous when absorbed through the mucosal lining of the nose.
Five Harmful Effects of Snorting Xanax
Taking any medication Xanax inclusive in a manner not intended or prescribed is a form of drug abuse. Any drug abuse involves potential risks to your health and can lead to multiple complications.
In particular, there are serious concerns related to snorting pills that compound the dangers normally associated with abusing prescription drugs. These side effects involve a variety of unpleasant and damaging possibilities, such as:
Throat irritation and infections: When forcefully inhaled, powder or particulates can be inadvertently swallowed or may drip down the throat in nasal mucus.
Sinus irritation and infections: This occurs due to unnaturally forcing dangerous substances through the nasal and sinus lining. Problems can occur suddenly and do not require long-term abuse, as is often assumed.
Damage to nasal membranes: Initially, the production of mucus is boosted to protect the nasal membranes as a natural defense against foreign bodies entering the nasal passages. Repeated administration by this method becomes less effective. Extended use can cause severe damage, resulting in permanent destruction of the nasal tissues.
Overdose: Risks of toxicity increase due to rapidly reached serum concentration levels in the blood. Street Xanax most of which contain fentanyl could kill you instantly. SEE: B707 Blue Pill Bar Fake
Transmission of disease: Sharing a straw or dollar bill to suck the powder up into the nose adds significant risk of contracting Hepatitis C or other blood-borne diseases.
Recognizing a Xanax Addiction
Xanax can be habit-forming, especially when someone believes they cannot manage the stress in their life without it. Even those who take Xanax as prescribed can develop an addiction. Tolerance to Xanax builds quickly, leading to more frequent and larger dosing.
A person addicted to Xanax will exhibit certain physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms, including:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Slurred speech
- Requiring more of the drug to feel its effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Manic type moods
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of interest in normal daily activities
- Strong cravings for the drug
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Financial problems due to excessive spending on the drug
There is a distinct difference between Xanax abuse and Xanax addiction. With recreational use of Xanax, the drug is typically abused for a particular event, like a party. The individual may combine Xanax with alcohol or other drugs to achieve the desired buzz. Generally, these people can quit taking the drug without severe side effects. People who abuse Xanax recreationally still have some control over their lives and their drug use.
When chronic use of Xanax leads to both a physical and psychological dependence on the drug, that individual has an addiction. Someone with an addiction to Xanax will need it to function normally. They are no longer in control of their drug use, and that can be seen in nearly all aspects of their life.
Intervention and Next Steps
Many people who develop an addiction to Xanax are unaware they have a problem. Others may suspect they are becoming dependent on the drug, but are in denial about the severity of their dependence.
It is important to approach someone about their Xanax addiction carefully, so they will be responsive to your concerns and not become defensive. Xanax can cause aggression, rage, and agitation in the user, making it very important that you do not confront them out of anger or while alone. A successful intervention relies on a calm, professional approach and results in the Xanax user agreeing to get help for their addiction.
It may be best to enlist the services of a professional interventionist who can guide you in the process of confronting a loved one about their drug problem. Interventionists are trained in dealing with the addicted mind. They know the typical responses of addicts, so they can prepare family members for various outcomes. An intervention should be well planned in advance, with the interventionist doing research into the family dynamics to help determine the best course of action.
Rehab for Xanax Addiction
Once someone has a Xanax addiction, they shouldn’t stop taking the drug “cold turkey.” Addiction experts recommend the user be placed on a medically supervised tapering program to slowly wean them off the drug. Quitting the drug abruptly can lead to serious health effects, including seizures. As such, it is always recommended for those overcoming a Xanax addiction to start with medical detox.
Those with moderate to severe Xanax addiction will benefit from the high level of care provided in inpatient treatment centers. An outpatient program may be a suitable option for those with mild Xanax addictions. Also Read: Can You Shoot Up Or Inject Xanax
