Xanax is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world. It is a powerful, fast-acting benzodiazepine that is typically prescribed for panic disorders and insomnia. Unfortunately, Xanax is also extremely addictive. You can develop a physical dependence in two weeks of daily use. People often find they soon have to take a higher dose to get the same anxiety relief. It’s dangerous to quit Xanax abruptly after forming a physical dependence. Since dependence on Xanax reduces the amount of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in your brain, quitting suddenly can cause fatal seizures. It’s best to taper down slowly, ideally under medical supervision. Here are some indications that Xanax has become a problem and it’s time to quit.
Poor concentration.
Xanax makes it difficult to focus. You might zone out easily while someone is talking, or you might find yourself reading the same sentence over and over. The part of your nervous system that makes you anxious is also the part that lets you focus. If you artificially inhibit the anxiety, you also inhibit the ability to focus.
Dowsiness.
Someone taking too much Xanax might appear extremely relaxed, or even drowsy, to the point of nodding off. Everyone is short of sleep occasionally, but drowsing frequently and at inappropriate times might indicate a problem.
Poor motor coordination.
Xanax enhances the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which, as the name suggests, prevents neurons from firing. As a result, your body doesn’t move in quite the way you expect. It might affect your gait or make ordinary tasks more difficult. Any lack of motor coordination might signal a problem with Xanax. Scrapes or bruises from falling or other accidents might be a physical sign of Xanax abuse.
Slurred speech.
Speech requires a lot of motor coordination too. Slow speech and poor articulation may indicate a benzodiazepine problem.
Impotence.
Long term use of benzodiazepines can lead to decreased sex drive and impotence.
Memory problems.
Benzodiazepines impair memory formation in much the same way that alcohol does and they may cause blackouts. The impaired concentration probably compounds this effect. Visual-spatial memory is especially impaired and may lead to confusion or getting lost.
Existing problems get worse.
Most people take Xanax for anxiety or insomnia, but it may end up making these problems worse and add depression into the bargain.
Signs of addictive behavior.
Aside from the signs specific to benzodiazepines, look for addictive behavior in general. This includes preoccupation with using the drug, buying it on the street or spending way too much money on the drug, lying about how much you use, borrowing or stealing to buy the drug, secretive behavior, and sacrificing more important things like work, school, or family to use.
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