Are you feeling stressed?
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the U.S., with over 60% of Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) reporting significant stress and anxiety. As a result, they have been dubbed “the anxious generation” or “the loneliest generation.”
Like physical health, mental health remains a key factor in our lives. It continuously affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as plays a role in our physical and social well-being. Unfortunately, poor mental health is a growing problem among Arizonans. According to a 2021 Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 36% of 9th-12th graders felt their mental health was poor. Nearly 7 out of 10 had at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) as well, contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Even though Xanax is not recommended for kids under 18, there are times when it is prescribed. This can be a problem, as teens may view Xanax as a safer alternative to opioids. However, the calming and relaxing effects of Xanax encourage repeated use, which can create a cycle of tolerance and dependence. Any time a person misuses Xanax, they are at risk of overdose.
A Xanax overdose is a medical emergency that involves potentially life-threatening effects. If you or a loved one is misusing Xanax, there is a risk of overdose. The best approach is to seek help from a professional treatment center like Wolf Creek Recovery that will address the benzodiazepine misuse and teach safer ways to manage anxiety.
What Is a Xanax Overdose?
A Xanax overdose occurs when a person takes a toxic amount of the medication, which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Overdose can occur in several different ways. A person might take Xanax in larger doses than prescribed, combine the medication with other substances, or misuse Xanax recreationally. The amount of Xanax needed to cause an overdose varies from person to person. However, once levels rise in the brain and bloodstream, the person’s breathing and heart rate can become increasingly slow and shallow until they stop.
Early Warning Signs of a Potential Xanax Overdose
Recognizing the early warning signs of a potential Xanax overdose can help prevent severe complications and save lives. The signs of a Xanax overdose can manifest as physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes. If these symptoms worsen or progress, it could signal an impending severe overdose.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Overdose
- Severe drowsiness or sedation
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Loss of balance or frequent stumbling
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Weakness or lethargy
- Pale or bluish skin (cyanosis)
- Confusion or disorientation
- Extreme calm or apathy
- Loss of consciousness
- Hallucinations or delirium
Dangers of an Overdose
If an overdose does not receive medical attention, the symptoms can progress and worsen, causing life-threatening complications. The main danger of a Xanax overdose is respiratory depression, which is where breathing becomes extremely slow or stops altogether. The person may also lose consciousness or be unable to respond to stimuli. When the body and brain don’t get enough oxygen, systems can shut down, leading to organ damage, coma, and death. It’s also important to know that benzodiazepine overdose can cause sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain (seizures), though this is more common during withdrawal.
In the Event of an Overdose
If you suspect that someone has overdosed on Xanax, how should you handle the situation? Start by calling emergency services right away. Xanax overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If the individual is conscious, keep them calm and still. If they are unconscious, place them on their side to prevent choking. Avoid giving the person food or drinks, as this can cause them to choke or aspirate. Once help arrives, they will assess the situation and take over.
Risk Factors for Xanax Overdose
Several factors can increase the risk of a Xanax overdose. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for preventing misuse, toxicity, and potentially life-threatening situations.
- Taking high doses. Using more Xanax than prescribed significantly increases overdose risk. Over time, individuals may require higher doses to achieve the same effects, leading to dangerous levels.
- Mixing Xanax with other substances. Xanax depresses the central nervous system (CNS), similar to other CNS depressants like opioids and alcohol. Combining these substances can lead to respiratory depression, unconsciousness, overdose, and death.
- History of substance use. Individuals with a history of substance use are more likely to misuse Xanax, either recreationally or in combination with other substances.
- Underlying health problems. Liver or kidney problems can contribute to Xanax overdose, as these organs are responsible for metabolizing the medication. If they’re not working efficiently, Xanax can accumulate in the body.
- Lack of medical supervision. Using Xanax without a prescription often involves higher doses or counterfeit pills that may contain dangerous substances like fentanyl. Additionally, some people engage in “doctor shopping,” which involves visiting multiple doctors to obtain extra Xanax.
- Age-related risks. Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of benzos due to their slower metabolism and higher susceptibility to sedation and falls. On the other hand, teens and young adults are more likely to use Xanax recreationally.
- Poor mental health. People with depression or anxiety may use Xanax as a coping mechanism, causing them to take higher doses or mix the medication with other CNS depressants.
Treatment Options for Xanax Misuse in Prescott, AZ
Treatment for Xanax misuse focuses on managing withdrawal symptoms, addressing psychological dependency, and equipping individuals with tools for long-term recovery. Detox is often the first step to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Withdrawal from Xanax can be severe and should always be monitored by medical professionals. Doctors gradually reduce the dose to minimize symptoms like anxiety, seizures, or rebound insomnia. They may also prescribe various medications to manage symptoms, such as longer-acting benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and beta-blockers.
Once your body is stable, you can start working on the psychological and social aspects of your Xanax use. A comprehensive Xanax rehab program offers various therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), as well as holistic therapies like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and exercise. As you progress in recovery, your treatment will include continued individual and group therapy and relapse prevention plans to identify triggers and avoid high-risk situations.
If you or a loved one is experiencing Xanax dependence, Wolf Creek Recovery is here to support you. With an uplifting, motivating community and staff in recovery, we provide the ideal setting for personal growth and healing. Our team will create a personalized recovery plan based on your needs, goals, and challenges, while making sure that you get plenty of time to develop healthy hobbies and skills. Outdoor therapy is perfect for this—our clients get to spend time outdoors, engaging in the activities they love, such as basketball, disc golf, and pickleball. To start your journey to recovery, contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Xanax Overdose
What is a Xanax overdose?
A Xanax overdose happens when a person takes too much Xanax and their body is unable to process it safely and efficiently. Xanax accumulates in the body and causes a wide range of effects, some of which can be severe.
Is a Xanax overdose life-threatening?
Yes, a Xanax overdose can be life-threatening. When this medication is taken in higher doses or combined with other central nervous system depressants, breathing can slow, blood pressure and heart rate can slow, and other complications like loss of consciousness and seizures can occur.
What should I do if I think someone is having an overdose?
If you suspect that someone is having an overdose, contact 911 right away. Keep the person conscious if you can, or place them in the recovery position if they are not awake. Do not try to feed them anything, as this can cause choking. When help arrives, they will take over.
What are the risk factors for Xanax overdose?
Anyone who takes Xanax outside of the recommended guidelines is at risk for overdose. This includes taking the medication more frequently or in higher doses, mixing Xanax with other substances, or misusing the medication, such as by crushing and snorting it.
