There were nearly 125,000 hospital visits in 2011 from people abusing Xanax. People will do a lot of things to get their high, this includes snorting Xanax.
The truth of the matter is, the people who do this aren’t any closer to getting high then if they just took the pill form. This means they get the same effects but with added nasal damage. So, why do they do it?
Here is everything you need to know about what the drug is, why snorting it doesn’t work, and all the dangers that surround those who abuse Xanax.
1. What Is Xanax
To sum it up in a few short words, Xanax is a sedative. It’s often prescribed to patients with high anxiety to give them a quick solution to their issue and calm them down. The way it does this is by slowing down your brain activity so the rapid thoughts that come with anxiety are a little less chaotic.
This isn’t the only thing that Xanax can do though. If taken past the recommended dosage, it can cause intense euphoric effects. It’s for this reason that some people may choose to abuse it. Their chosen source of abusing the drug is snorting it.
2. Why Are People Snorting Xanax?
What got people started with snorting Xanax is their belief that snorting it can give you a more intense and faster high than taking the pills. This is actually very false. It takes about the same amount of time to go through your bloodstream that the pills do.
Not every substance is made the same way. Xanax is very different from drugs such as cocaine that can enter the bloodstream through the nose and create a quick high. Xanax won’t go straight to your brain like cocaine.
3. What Are the Risks?
Snorting anything that was originally intended to be taken orally can quickly lead to a substance abuse issue. Xanax is notorious for this because whether you snort it or take it orally, the euphoric effects don’t last too long. This leaves people coming back for more when they shouldn’t.
By snorting the drug, you may catch the brunt of most of its worst symptoms. These include:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- A large gathering of fatty tissue
- Impaired judgment
- Memory gaps
- Disorientation
- Vertigo and other vision issues
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination problems
Those who take it regularly for anxiety may experience some of these symptoms, but the effects won’t be as intense as those who abuse it.
4. Nasal Issues
On top of these common symptoms of abusing Xanax, you may also experience horrible nasal problems. This isn’t an uncommon issue for those who snort substances regularly.
Some of the chemicals found in Xanax can cause inflammation in the nose because it’s not meant to come into contact with the softer tissues that are found there. It can also cause nasal blockages, damage the sensitive lining of your nose, and if you use it long enough, it can cause your lungs to become infected.
5. What Are the Withdrawl Symptoms?
Just like any other drug, if you take it long enough and quit it, or just not get it for a while, it can cause nasty withdrawal symptoms. You may have basic symptoms like agitation, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, depression, and rapid heart rate. If you take it long enough, you can experience symptoms that are more intense and life-threatening.
The worst symptom that you may experience is seizures that will put you in the hospital. Other than the seizures, you may also go through hypothermia and psychosis, both of which can also put you in the emergency room.
6. Is It Possible to Overdose?
You can overdose on any medication, this includes Xanax. It can be fatal. If you begin to feel or notice a friend displaying the following symptoms, you need to get to a hospital right away: confusion, coordination problems, drowsiness, or unconsciousness.
There is a medication that can reverse these effects and save your life. This is why 9-1-1 must be contacted right away. The effects of Xanax don’t last long, so someone may take more and more to try and increase the high.
This is the main cause of overdose and is what makes Xanax so dangerous.
7. Can You Grow Dependent on It
Despite the fact that Xanax can help those experiencing intense anxiety problems, it is habit forming, so your body can grow dependent on it if you abuse it.
Not only do the effects of Xanax not last long, but your body also tends to build up a tolerance to it the more you use it. This means that you’ll have to take more every single time you snort it to get the high you want.
Before you know it, your body will become dependent on the drug. And just like with any other substance abuse, you’ll need to go through a detox program to recover.
The Dangers of Snorting Xanax
There are some that report that snorting Xanax can give them a more intense high then just taking the pills. There are many risks that can come from this method of consumption.
You could grow dependent on it, and it could even cause you to have a deadly seizure. Weigh the risks before you begin.
It’s never easy to take the first step to get help for your addiction. Contact us to find out how we can make it easier.
