Xanax is a common narcotic medication better known for its tranquilizing properties. However, some people abuse it for recreational purposes or form a dependence as a result of underlying mental health disorders.
Transcend Recovery Community is here to share with you ways to identify signs and symptoms, as well as provide you with the right information on how Xanax addiction can be treated. Continue reading to find out more.
What Are Blue Xanax Bars?
Blue Xanax bars are prescription narcotic drugs commonly used to calm patients' nerves. Alprazolam is one of its generic forms. It's more commonly available in pharmacy medicine cabinets as most specialists include this as part of their patient's medication.
The blue Xanax variant is characterized by its rectangular shape with 4 lines. It's classified under benzodiazepines with a size of 15 mm and a strength of 2 mg. Alprazolam, particularly the Xanax variant, is believed to be more potent than other benzodiazepines.
As it is used to curb panic attacks and other anxiety-related issues among people with these mental health issues, it may otherwise bring a different effect than it is intended. Some people report that Xanax is giving mood swings than other colored Xanax pills.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand your body and its response to Xanax or its other variants.
Side Effects of Blue Xanax?
Just like other drugs in circulation, Blue Xanax can also bring out moderate to severe side effects depending on one's genetics, age, and response to the medication.
While it is used to improve one's mood, it may bring the opposite effect to someone who is taking it. Therefore, it's necessary to only take these colored Xanax tablets with proper medical supervision as it is sometimes more potent than other benzodiazepines.
Here are some of the perceived side effects that a user may encounter when using the drug:
- increased saliva production
- changes in libido or sex drive
- drowsiness
- restlessness
- irritability
- constipation or diarrhea
- heart palpitations (tachycardia)
- chest pain (angina)
- nervousness
- abnormal involuntary movement (uncontrollable muscle spasm/knee jerk)
- memory impairment
- nasal congestion
- hypotension
- weight gain/loss
- tremor
- changes in appetite
It can also manifest severe side effects that someone must take note of and might need immediate medical attention. These may include:
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- infrequent urination
- jaundice
- seizures
- confusion
- agitation
- severe panic attacks
- uncontrollable mood swings
- hostility
- delirium
- suicidal thoughts
It's also essential that you inform your consulting physician before taking Xanax as it may interfere with birth control, antibiotics, antidepressants, cold medicine, and other medications.
Signs That Someone is Using Xanax?
As Xanax relaxes an individual and helps treat anxiety disorders, you can notice changes in the person, albeit small, attributing to their use of the drug. People who continuously use this may develop an addiction without them knowing it.
As this happens, they can swiftly gain tolerance which will contribute to them sinking deeper and deeper into drug dependence and abuse. That's why it's always necessary to check whether you or someone you know display these telling signs.
Some of the signs of Blue Xanax abuse include the following:
- avoiding tasks that demand sustained attention
- dry mouth
- slurred speech
- vertigo
- poor motor skills
- general lethargy
- sluggishness
- cognitive impairment
- changes in performance at school or work
- isolation
- detachment to social activities
- increased anxiety disorders
If you notice these telling signs to someone you know, don't hesitate to contact a medical professional or center to help them on how they can better work on their addiction or abuse of drugs.
Blue Xanax Bar Addiction
As one of the most abused prescription drugs on the market, it doesn't come as a surprise if people develop an addiction to this blue pill. This usually starts when someone forms a dependence due to their anxiety disorders.
Some individuals may tend to increase the strength of the dosage they are taking to prolong the calming effects that the drug may give them. When this happens, Xanax dependency will come into play.
Other people abuse Xanax pills for their recreational gain. Taking Xanax gives a general euphoric feeling or state to the one taking it. Others would take this alongside other mixes of substances (such as alcohol) to extend their "high."
There is a huge risk for people when they form an unhealthy dependence with the drug as it may manifest life-threatening effects on their body long term, or may trigger the development of other co-occurring disorders.
Withdrawal Symptoms from Blue Xanax?
Blue Xanax often shares the same withdrawal symptoms as Yellow Xanax or even Green Xanax. The key point to note is that no matter what these withdrawal symptoms may be, it is imperative for the patient and their loved ones to address these before it worsens.
Some of the most common manifestations of withdrawal syndrome when going cold turkey are aggression, blurry vision, dizziness, headaches, hypersensitivity, sensitivity to light, insomnia, irritability, slurred speech, shortness of breath; poor coordination tremors, paranoia, suicidal thoughts, and memory problems.
People in rehabilitation who are having withdrawal symptoms should have a mental health companion with them always to check on their progress and be with them during these crucial times. Enrolling in a relapse prevention program, especially post-treatment will also ensure that they will not resort back to drug use.
Treatment for Blue Xanax (aka Blue Football Xanax)
As struggling individuals decide to close blue Xanax addiction for good, they must first exhibit a firm resolve before taking on this huge decision. Sometimes, rehabilitation may take a while depending on the severity of the drug addiction issue, but recovery is still on the horizon.
Part of their detoxification process includes various Xanax addiction recovery programs prescribed by their attending specialist. Most often, a holistic approach is employed to ensure that all facets of recovery will be tackled. Apart from cognitive-behavior therapy, some alternative therapy forms such as art or music therapy will also be included along the way.
To ease the transition for the individual, supportive living could also be introduced to help an individual prepare themselves well as they go back to leading normal, productive, and fulfilling lives.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Xanax addiction, know that there is still a chance. Transcend Recovery Community is with you in every step to get you to a meaningful and sober life.