Besides alcohol and marijuana, prescription drugs are the most misused and abused drug in the world.
In a recent study, 15 million people over the age of 12 admitted to abusing prescription drugs within the last year. And 6.5 million people admitted to abusing these drugs within the last month.
With easier access to prescription drugs and their growing popularity, odds are you know someone misusing or abusing a prescription drug.
And Xanax bars are one of the most popular recreational psychoactive drugs.
What are Xanax Bars?
Xanax is a prescription drug that falls into the category benzodiazepine. This category of drugs produces calming effects on your brain and nervous system. This drug is most commonly used to treat panic and anxiety disorders but has addictive qualities.
Since Xanax offers a tranquil, calming state, it’s a popular recreational drug. When used recreationally, this drug is often called Xanax bars, alluding to the shape of the pill. Another street names for the drug include green Xanax referring to the green color of the highest dosage pill.
Even if prescribed by a doctor, people still find themselves addicted to Xanax. This addiction can lead to abuse of the drug.
Are you concerned someone you care about might be abusing Xanax bars? Here are seven of the most common warning signs.
1. Drowsiness and Increased Sleep
Wondering how to tell if someone is on Xanax? Look at their sleeping habits.
Someone that is abusing Xanax will seem drowsy at all times of the day. It will appear that they are in a constant state of exhaustion.
In addition, the time they spend sleeping will increase. They will sleep for longer periods at night and possibly take naps during the day.
This combination of increased sleeping times yet a constant state of exhaustion is a sign that something is wrong. While Xanax addiction isn’t the only cause for this symptom, when combined with any of the other symptoms listed below it can be a red flag.
2. Memory Problems
Benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax produce calming effects on your brain. But these calming effects can become severe and lead to memory problems. When someone starts to abuse Xanax bars, they will become forgetful.
Look for the following signs:
- Forgetting about routine appointments or tasks.
- Often misplacing items.
- Asking others to repeat information.
Memory problems in a Xanax user appear during the withdrawal and extreme abuse phases.
3. Irritability
Does your loved one seem more on edge than usual? Irritability is a common sign of Xanax abuse.
Does your loved one become upset and frustrated more easily and quickly than usual? Do normal, everyday annoyances turn into large problems? Irritability is a state of constant agitation.
This is a psychological symptom so it may look and feel different for every person.
4. Sudden Mood Swings
If someone you know is using Xanax, they will often display extreme mood swings. Their mood can change from a deep depression to a manic-like high in a matter of minutes.
During the low side of their mood swings, Xanax abusers will present depression or a constant state of hopelessness. They will seem disconnected from the world and won’t want to participate in normal activities.
In severe cases, Xanax abuse can lead to suicidal urges. If someone you know is displaying signs of suicide, seek help immediately.
On the flip side, their mood can turn to a manic-high within minutes. During a manic episode, someone will want to complete multiple tasks at once. They become easily distracted and make rapid, risky decisions.
5. Lack of Coordination
Notice a lack of coordination in your loved one? They could be misusing Xanax bars.
Watch your loved one closely as they attempt to pick up items. Do they lack the hand-eye coordination they normally would have? Try to see if they walk in a straight line or seem to struggle on their feet.
If they are abusing Xanax they won’t be aware of their lack of coordination. Add this to your list of symptoms to present as proof of their addiction.
6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Dizziness or lightheadedness is often seen in Xanax abusers. This is also described as a vertigo feeling.
While this is an internal feeling, if you see your loved one stumble or sway, they may be dizzy. Also, they may express feeling like they may faint out loud, which is a common sign of dizziness.
This symptom is often paired with a lack of coordination. Dizziness and lightheadedness can cause someone to be unsteady on their feet.
7. Swollen Hands and Feet
One of the most common symptoms of severe Xanax addiction is swollen hands and feet.
With many prescription drugs, your body will start to retain water in certain areas. Xanax users tend to see this issue in mainly their hands and feet. This is a side effect that happens over time and shows constant, long-term use of the drug.
This is one of the easier symptoms to notice because it is physical and not just mental. When you notice swelling, take inventory of the person’s mood and overall demeanor.
Get Treatment Now
Does your loved one show signs of more than one of these symptoms? Do you suspect they may be addicted to or abusing Xanax bars? If so, help them get treatment now.
The longer you wait, the worse the addiction becomes. There is no time like the present when it comes to treating addiction. What may start as a recreational use of Xanax can lead to a much larger problem.
Find a treatment center and plan that fits your loved one’s specific addiction. Gather all of the information you can on Xanax addiction and be ready to help your loved one through addiction recovery.
Need help navigating this hard journey? Contact the team at Recovery Resource Center for help today.
