What Are The First And Last Signs Of Xanax Addiction?

by | Mar 4, 2022

Addiction can be a challenging and isolating struggle, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you are seeking addiction treatment in Louisville, Kentucky, there is hope.

A drug known as Xanax is used by many to treat anxiety. It takes the edge off without making them feel tired or drowsy like other anxiety medications that are heavy on anti-anxiety effects and light on anti-depression effects. Let’s take a look at the signs of Xanax addiction and when treatment is needed.

Xanax and Signs of a Xanax Addiction

How you feel when you take it and how well it works depends heavily on things like:

  • How quickly it is absorbed into your bloodstream
  • What route of administration do you use (e.g., IV, oral), and how that affects the speed at which it’s absorbed
  • The age and size of your body
  • Your liver function
  • Other medications you take
  • Whether or not you have food in your stomach, having food in your stomach can slow things down.
  • Your height and weight
  • How much you weigh at any given time
  • Whether or not you are taking other anti-anxiety medications simultaneously, which activate the Cytochrome P450 liver enzymes to metabolize drugs. Those are important because Xanax is metabolized by these enzymes.
  • The size of your dose
  • Your age
  • Your current tolerance (because of the above factors, you won’t experience the same effect if you take Xanax after not having had it for several weeks)

Together, these factors can determine whether or not you experience side effects when taking a given dosage.

How Much Time Does It Take To Reach The Bloodstream?

The average onset for Xanax is roughly 15-30 minutes when taken orally, but it can vary widely depending on the factors listed above. If you take a larger dose or split up your dosage into multiple smaller doses, the average time until the drug reaches your bloodstream drops to 10 minutes due to its effects being felt sooner and faster. Suppose you take it through your veins; the time until it reaches your bloodstream averages around 5 minutes.

Note that oral administration is more common because of its convenience and lower cost compared to injection.

However, if you are taking Xanax intravenously – especially with a large dose at one time – there are risks associated with this method of administration. The drug goes straight to your bloodstream, so you can expect effects much more quickly. But this speed also makes it so the drug “hits” you all at once, which can knock you down, potentially causing severe health issues or death if it causes respiratory depression in high enough doses because breathing will slow or stop altogether until the medication wears off.

Thus, this method of administration is highly dangerous and should be avoided if possible.

Signs That You May Need To Be Admitted to a Treatment Center for therapy

The last signs of Xanax addiction include those physical indications that you may have crossed the line from casual use to something more serious. This would lead to needing therapy to address the addiction.

These can include:

  • Being unable to stop using it 
  • Unintentionally taking higher doses than prescribed 
  • Memory loss 
  • Extreme drowsiness 
  • Constipation 
  • Nausea 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Slow heart rate 
  • Anorexia (losing weight) 
  • Denial of the problem

Some signs may be caused by other health conditions or medications, but if you notice several of these signs for an extended period of time, it is important to find help as soon as possible.

In Conclusion

Note that most of these are not reversible, but addiction itself can be reversed because it is a state of being that changes your brain chemistry. Thus, the earlier you seek treatment, the better – even if you have been using Xanax for just a short while.

If other conditions or medications are causing these symptoms, your doctor should be able to help you get to the right treatment.

Download this article

Our Latest Posts

How Can I Get Checked-In Anonymously To An Addiction Treatment Center?

Seeking help for an addiction can be difficult, but admitting you have an addiction in the first place can be even tougher. Everyone who seeks help for their addiction has to go through the process of admitting they need help, which isn’t always easy to do. While...

What to Know Before Asking for Time Off Work for Addiction Treatment

You can get the addiction treatment you need and still keep your job. In fact, your employer may be very supportive of the process.  After all, if you’re a good employee, they’ll want to hold on to you. That said,...

Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

When you need support to overcome drug and alcohol addiction but also want to keep living your normal life without lengthy stays in rehab, intensive outpatient drug treatment in Louisville is the answer. By providing the best of both worlds, our team of friendly and...

Outpatient Drug Treatment In Louisville

Although an inpatient residential treatment program will often be the best course of action when it comes to severe substance addiction, this is not going to be necessary for everyone. Those who have a mild substance abuse problem with alcohol or drugs may well...

Vicodin Addiction: Signs, Overdose, & Treatment

Vicodin, a prescription medication that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is commonly used to manage pain. While it can provide effective relief for those experiencing moderate to severe pain, it also carries a significant risk of addiction and overdose. In this...

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Telehealth Vs. Tradition Addiction Treatment?

The field of addiction treatment has evolved significantly in recent years, thanks to advances in technology and changes in healthcare delivery. One of the most notable changes has been the rise of telehealth, which allows individuals to receive addiction treatment...

Personalized Recovery Plans: Tailoring Opioid Addiction Treatment To Your Needs

Opioid addiction is a complex and challenging condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While the road to recovery is never easy, the good news is that treatment approaches are evolving to provide more personalized and effective care. We will dive into...

The Power Of Saying ‘No’: Setting Boundaries To Stay Sober During The Holidays

The holiday season is often filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. However, for those in recovery from addiction, it can also be a time of heightened stress and temptation. The abundance of social gatherings, family pressures, and the availability of alcohol and...

MAT and Counseling: A Comprehensive Approach to Methamphetamine Addiction Recovery

Methamphetamine addiction is a devastating condition that often claims victims who feel like they have no hope of recovery - until now. MAT (medication-assisted treatment) and counseling have proven to be critical pieces in the puzzle for successful methamphetamine...

Your Guide to Paying for Addiction Rehab: Financing Your Path to Sobriety

If you're considering addiction rehab as a way to break free from the grip of substance abuse, then you might be wondering how to pay for it. It's important to understand that there are multiple options available when it comes to financing your recovery journey – from...

Our Video’s

Call Now Button