Some of the most widely used prescription medications in the U.S. are sedatives classified as benzodiazepines, i.e., benzos. These medications are also widely misused or abused. Year to year, one of the most common targets of benzo abuse is Xanax (alprazolam). Many people across the country need help from a Xanax addiction treatment program. Is this true for you or your loved one? It could be if you notice some of the frequent signs of Xanax abuse.
What Is a Sign of Substance Abuse – Defining the Term
What do we mean when we talk about signs of substance abuse? The term refers to things you can detect in someone else from an outside perspective. Some signs are psychological in nature. Others are behavioral. In addition, there are physical signs of substance abuse. The specific things you notice in any given person depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Which type of substance they’re using
- How long they’ve been using that substance
- The amount of it they typically take
- Personal influences unique to the individual
Signs are important to look for, but they’re not definitive. The things you pick up on may point to substance abuse or even clinical addiction. However, they may also have other causes. Only a doctor can say for sure if your loved one needs to enter a treatment program.
Symptoms of Xanax Addiction or Abuse
Your loved one may also experience symptoms of Xanax addiction or Xanax abuse. How does a symptom differ from a sign? Symptoms of Xanax addiction are not directly visible to you as a third-party observer. Instead, they only have an internal impact on the affected person. But, in practical terms, it can be hard to distinguish signs from symptoms. This helps explain why even addiction specialists sometimes group the two categories together.
Common Signs of Xanax Abuse
What signs should you look for in someone who may be abusing Xanax? The most common clues include such things as:
- Obvious confusion or disorientation
- Slurring of words
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Eyes that look glazed over
- Unexplained memory problems
- An inability to focus or maintain attention
- Unusually slow reflexes
- Daytime drowsiness
All of these signs are related to Xanax’s ability to slow down your central nervous system.
Xanax Addiction Signs – What Are the Potential Indicators?
Your loved one may be clinically addicted to Xanax. Addiction is defined by a range of issues, including certain observable signs. Perhaps the most significant potential sign is loss of control over Xanax use. You may notice your loved one taking the medication more often than intended. You may also see them taking it in larger amounts than intended.
People affected by Xanax addiction often disregard or ignore what’s happening to them. Physical or mental changes that seem obvious to you from the outside may simply not register. Your loved one may also stop participating in activities they once enjoyed. In addition, they may spend much of their time obtaining more Xanax, using it, or recovering from its effects.
Get More Information on the Potential Signs of Xanax Abuse at Northpoint Colorado
Want to know more about the signs that someone you know is abusing Xanax? Consult the specialists at Northpoint Colorado. We’ll be happy to review the possible indicators of abuse of this sedative medication. We can also help you get more familiar with potential Xanax addiction signs.
Xanax treatment is one of the many recovery options offered at Northpoint. We’re dedicated to helping you or your loved one break the cycle of abuse and addiction. Contact us today at 888.231.1281 for details on how to enroll. You can also reach us via our online form.