What Makes Xanax So Dangerous to Take Recreationally?

What Makes Xanax So Dangerous to Take Recreationally?

The medical community first made Xanax, an anti-anxiety medication, available as a prescription in 1981. Today, drug dealers produce fake Xanax at alarming rates. The problem is that these pills are often pressed with other substances, including the lethal opioid fentanyl. As a result, overdose cases are increasingly common. In the rest of this article, we’re going to discuss the addictive properties of Xanax and why it’s so deadly when combined with fentanyl.

Xanax Drug Facts

Xanax, whose chemical name is alprazolam, has been heavily popularized by contemporary rap music. Its recreational use has skyrocketed over the last few years, and the prevalence of fake Xanax has gone up with it. A drug dealer can easily buy a pill press for $20 on the internet, crush up whatever substances they like, and sell it as prescription-grade alprazolam.

Mechanism of Action

Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act on the brain by binding to specific GABA receptors. GABA is one of the primary neurotransmitters that impact anxiety. It’s inhibitory, meaning that GABA tells other neurotransmitters to calm down when they’re overactive. In the case of GABA, it communicates with the neurotransmitter glutamate. When you’re having anxiety, the over-expression of glutamate can be part of the cause. In cases such as these, a benzodiazepine like Xanax can suppress the expression of glutamate, resulting in decreased feelings of anxiety.

About Legal Xanax

Today, Xanax is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States and is the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine. Other benzodiazepines include diazepam, estazolam, quazepam, and clonazepam, among others. For most people, their first experience with Xanax is a legal prescription from their doctor. The most classic indication for Xanax is persistent anxiety accompanied by depression. Xanax is also prescribed for panic attacks, but since the development of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), benzodiazepines have become a secondary line of defense in such cases.

Xanax is Highly Addictive

Even with the blessing of your doctor, you should exercise extreme caution when taking Xanax. The tendency for Xanax addiction is high with benzodiazepines compared to other prescription drugs, and the withdrawals can be severe. In fact, benzodiazepines are the only class of drugs besides alcohol that can cause seizures upon withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax

Users who are trying to quit after a long period of use are most at risk for seizures. Other symptoms of withdrawal from long-term Xanax use include psychotic episodes, hallucinations, and suicide. Long-term use is described as daily Xanax use for three months or longer.

Those who take Xanax less frequently are still susceptible to a long list of side effects when they try to stop. These can include headache, nausea, palpitations, sleep disturbance, panic attacks, irritability, anxiety, poor memory, muscular pain and stiffness, hand tremors, and increased tension.

Gradually reducing your dosage over time can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms. It is not safe to abruptly discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use.

What Law Enforcement Has To Say About Fentanyl Use

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) website, fentanyl is a banned opioid substance and is largely responsible for the recent nationwide spike in drug overdoses. Fentanyl, initially synthesized over 50 years ago, has enmeshed itself into the international drug supply. One of the most common final destinations for illicit fentanyl is the inside of an illegally pressed Xanax pill.

Why It’s So Easy to Overdose On Xanax That’s Laced With Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a cheap, synthetic opioid that’s far too potent for recreational use. Ironically, this is precisely why its use is so widespread. By sprinkling just a little bit of fentanyl into their Xanax concoction, dealers can significantly amplify the high. The danger is that adding even slightly too much fentanyl can result in a drug overdose. The likelihood of overdose increases when combined with a high Xanax dosage, other drugs, or alcohol.

Symptoms of Overdose From Xanax/Fentanyl

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine. Drug dealers can press the pills so that they look indistinguishable from the real deal. The user has no idea that their pills are laced with fentanyl until they start to take effect.

If you’re suspicious that you or someone you know has possibly taken Xanax that’s been laced with fentanyl, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

Symptoms of Fentanyl Overdose

  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Confusion
  • Pale face
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Low blood pressure
  • Limp body
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Frequently losing consciousness

Symptoms of Xanax Overdose

  • Repeated loss of consciousness (including fainting)
  • Poor balance and coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Confusion

Notice that vomiting, pinpoint pupils and seizures are overdose symptoms of fentanyl but not of Xanax. Be on high alert for these signs when taking Xanax recreationally.

The Current Drug Overdose Epidemic

Over the last three years, deaths from drug overdoses have exploded in number, thanks largely to the massive influx of fentanyl into the drug supply. When officials released the figures from 2016, the statistics were staggering. Nationwide, statisticians estimate that 64,000 deaths were caused by drug overdoses in the year 2016 alone. That’s a 22% increase from 2015. Over this same time, drug overdoses involving fentanyl had more than doubled.

Xanax and Fentanyl Awareness Is On The Rise

On November 15th of 2017, the 23-year-old rapper, Lil Peep, died of a lethal drug overdose just hours before he was scheduled to perform in Tuscon, AZ. The young star was found unconscious and unresponsive on his tour bus after taking Xanax he had gotten from a fan. According to the coroner, no alcohol was found in Lil Peep’s system, and the official cause of death was a lethal overdose of Xanax and fentanyl.

The death of Lil Peep has sent shockwaves through the rap community. Several rappers who knew or were inspired by Lil Peep are now speaking out against Xanax use, including Lil Xan. Formerly a benzodiazepine addict himself, Lil Xan is now the leader of Xanarchy, a movement that’s dedicated to discouraging the use of Xanax.

On their own, Xanax and other benzodiazepines are dangerously addictive medications that have the potential for severe side effects and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. When combined with the opioid fentanyl, the potential for overdose is high. More people are dying every year form fentanyl-related drug overdoses, and the numbers are staggering. When you choose to take Xanax other than what you’re doctor prescribes, you’re not just running the risk of becoming addicted to benzodiazepines. You also have an excellent chance of your pills being laced with a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.


If you or anyone you love is suffering from benzodiazepine addiction, or would like more information on the topics discussed above, please, give Stonewall Institute Treatment Center a call today at (602) 535-6468 or email us at info@stonewallinstitute.com.

What Causes Drug Abuse?

Everyone grows up in this world differently. Therefore, not everyone’s drug abuse is triggered by the same causes. In fact, the causes for drug abuse can be so versatile, it’d be impossible to pinpoint every single source. Yet, there are common cases we have noticed amongst a good sum of addicted individuals. Likewise, these individuals also hold common aspects that sustain and fuel their addiction.

 

Genetic Susceptibility

It’s been scientifically stated that a person’s genetic makeup is accountable for half of their exposure to addiction. If your mother or father has suffered from addiction, there’s the tendency for the children to, likewise, experience similar sufferings.

This explains the commonality of families facing addiction together. Though it’s usually not the only probable cause for drug abuse, it remains a key factor in an individual’s decisions and behavior.

 

Personality Traits

Going off genetic susceptibility, there are certain personality traits people are born with that makes them more vulnerable to drug addiction. For example, if an individual feels experimental in terms of socializing, they may end up experimenting with drugs in a social regard.

It should be noted that though these personality traits come from one’s DNA, it’s not to say that the DNA held the trait of addiction. Rather, the DNA held traits that can lead to addiction if not disciplined properly.

 

Mental Health

In recent years, one of the biggest contributors to drug addiction has been mental health disorders. There are two reasons for this:

1. People suffering from mental health issues usually end up receiving prescription they become dependent on.

2. People suffering from mental health may seek out substances as a way of relief.

Another probability we’ve been noticing is there are occasions where non-mental health individuals develop mental health problems after addiction.

 

The Age When You Begin

Due to the fact that a teenager’s brain is still developing, if they take drugs at a young age, they are more likely to be dependent on them.

When an adult intakes drugs for the first time, after their brain has developed, they are less likely to be addicted. Reason being they didn’t allow their brains to grow while under the influence.

 

Environment

If you find yourself surrounded by other addicts on a daily basis, it’s going to be hard to avoid addiction within yourself. As the saying goes, we are a product of our environments. These surroundings are that of the following:

● Poor relations with family

● Lack of parent supervision

● Easily accessible drugs within community

● Being close with other addictions

 

Conclusion

Stonewall Institute Treatment Center is here to answer any questions you have on drug abuse. If you or a loved one is abusing drugs and are seeking out treatment, give us a call for more information on our facility at 602 535 6468 or email us at info@stonewallinstitute.com.

Alcohol Screening Phoenix

Alcohol abuse vs alcoholism

Alcohol abuser
Drinks to get drunk. Drinks in social situations, often to excess; externally driven by peer pressure or circumstance; usually has periods of sobriety between binges or parties.
Alcoholic
Drinks to prevent withdrawal, to become ‘normal,’ and then gets drunk; drinks whether or not the situation calls for it and may seek out permissible circumstances, but will drink in any case; may have some sobriety but at great difficulty.

In the state of Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) automatically suspends a person’s driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of DUI. A person can however, obtain a restricted driver’s license to legally drive to and from work, school, or treatment provided that the person obtain an alcohol screening by a licensed agency prior to the initial hearing.

Stonewall Institute is a state licensed agency qualified to perform MVD Alcohol Screenings. Once a client completes the MVD Screening with Stonewall Institute, our agency immediately submits electronic documentation to MVD verifying that the screening was completed. We also provide each client with important documentation necessary to bring to the courts.

To schedule an Alcohol Screening Phoenix contact us at 602-535-6468.

Alcohol Screening Phoenix

In the state of Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) automatically suspends a person’s driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of DUI. A person can however, obtain a restricted driver’s license to legally drive to and from work, school, or treatment provided that the person obtain an alcohol screening by a licensed agency prior to the initial hearing.

Stonewall Institute is a state licensed agency located in Phoenix, Arizona. We are qualified to perform MVD Alcohol Screenings. Once a client completes the MVD Screening with Stonewall Institute, our agency immediately submits electronic documentation to MVD verifying that the screening was completed. We also provide each client with important documentation necessary to bring to the courts.

To schedule an Alcohol Screening Phoenix contact us at 602-535-6468.

alcohol screening phoenix

Stonewall Institute is licensed by The State of Arizona, Department of Behavioral Health Services as an approved DUI service agency under ARS 28-692 and a behavioral health service agency, outpatient clinic.

Stonewall Institute provides complete drug and alcohol screenings to court ordered DUI individuals, and any other person in need of a substance abuse evaluation.

Once the screening is complete, recommendations are made for DUI Education Phoenix and/or Treatment dependent upon the results of the screening. DUI Screenings Phoenix are conducted by appointment Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The screenings are approximately 1 hour in length.  To schedule an appointment call us today at 602-535-6468.

Alcohol screening Phoenix

Stonewall Institute provides complete drug and alcohol screenings to court ordered DUI Phoenix individuals, and any other person in need of a substance abuse evaluation.
The goal of the alcohol screening is to assess the extent of a client’s current and past alcohol abuse and/or dependence. Individuals are screened through an in-depth personal interview by a qualified professional which includes, but is not limited to, an assessment of:

1) Client psychosocial history
2) Physical health problems related to alcohol and/or drug use
3) Previous history of arrests related to alcohol and/or drug use
4) Decrease in attendance/productivity at work or school due to alcohol and/or drug use
5) Prior history of drug or alcohol treatment

To schedule an alcohol screening phoenix, contact the Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468.

Alcohol Screening Phoenix

Stonewall Institute is licensed by The State of Arizona, Department of Behavioral Health Services as an approved DUI service agency under ARS 28-692 and a behavioral health service agency outpatient clinic.

Stonewall Institute provides complete drug and alcohol screenings to court ordered DUI Phoenix individuals, and any other person in need of a substance abuse evaluation.  If you are in need of a DUI counselor phoenix, look no further than the Stonewall Institute.  DUI Screening phoenix, alcohol abuse phoenix, alcohol counselor phoenix, we can meet your needs.

To schedule an alcohol screening phoenix, contact the Stonewall Institute at 602-535-6468.

Alcohol Screening Phoenix

Some people have an alcohol or drug problem and a mental health problem. Doctors call this a dual diagnosis. You need to treat both problems to fully recover. Mental health problems that can happen with alcohol or drug abuse include depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia.

Either problem may come first. If you have a mental health problem, you may use alcohol or drugs to try to feel better. Or a substance abuse problem may lead to mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or rage.

People with mental health problems may use drugs and alcohol:

* To feel normal. You may use drugs or alcohol because it helps you feel normal and accepted. It may make you feel like you don’t have a mental health problem or are not different from others.
* To self-medicate. You may use drugs or alcohol to reduce anxiety, depression, sleep problems, tension, hallucinations (like hearing voices), and the side effects of medicines.

Using drugs or alcohol when you have a mental health problem harms your health and your relationships. You may have more mental health symptoms, think about suicide, or need to stay in a hospital or other facility.

Stonewall Institute is licensed by The State of Arizona, Department of Behavioral Health Services as an approved DUI service agency under ARS 28-692 and a behavioral health service agency, outpatient clinic.

Stonewall Institute provides complete drug and alcohol screenings to court ordered DUI individuals, and any other person in need of a substance abuse evaluation.

To schedule an Alcohol Screening Phoenix contact us at 602-535-6468.

Alcohol Screening Phoenix

Alcohol abuse vs alcoholism

Alcohol abuser
Drinks to get drunk. Drinks in social situations, often to excess; externally driven by peer pressure or circumstance; usually has periods of sobriety between binges or parties.
Alcoholic
Drinks to prevent withdrawal, to become ‘normal,’ and then gets drunk; drinks whether or not the situation calls for it and may seek out permissible circumstances, but will drink in any case; may have some sobriety but at great difficulty.

In the state of Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) automatically suspends a person’s driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of DUI. A person can however, obtain a restricted driver’s license to legally drive to and from work, school, or treatment provided that the person obtain an alcohol screening by a licensed agency prior to the initial hearing.

Stonewall Institute is a state licensed agency qualified to perform MVD Alcohol Screenings. Once a client completes the MVD Screening with Stonewall Institute, our agency immediately submits electronic documentation to MVD verifying that the screening was completed. We also provide each client with important documentation necessary to bring to the courts.

To schedule an Alcohol Screening Phoenix contact us at 602-535-6468.

alcohol screening phoenix

In the state of Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) automatically suspends a person’s driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of DUI. A person can however, obtain a restricted driver’s license to legally drive to and from work, school, or treatment provided that the person obtain an alcohol screening by a licensed agency prior to the initial hearing.

Stonewall Institute is a state licensed agency located in Phoenix, Arizona. We are qualified to perform MVD Alcohol Screenings. Once a client completes the MVD Screening with Stonewall Institute, our agency immediately submits electronic documentation to MVD verifying that the screening was completed. We also provide each client with important documentation necessary to bring to the courts.

To schedule an Alcohol Screening Phoenix contact us at 602-535-6468.