By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 22, 2023
Can You Snort Xanax? Can You Snort A Xanax? Snorting Xanax
Alprazolam, the generic name for Xanax, is a prescription sedative medicine frequently used to treat anxiety. It belongs to the benzodiazepine pharmacological class.
While a few hazards are associated with using Xanax as directed, abusing it by getting a prescription, taking more than is advised, mixing it with other substances or alcohol, or smashing it up and snorting it can have catastrophic results.
There are numerous ways to take Xanax when prescribed, such as a tablet to be swallowed or broken up in the mouth, a liquid solution to be ingested, or an extended release tablet.
Because the medicine is released gradually rather than all at once into the body, doctors may recommend the extended-release form to patients to lessen the need for frequent administration. How To Snort Xanax? Some drug users crush and snort Xanax to intensify its effects.
Do You Snort Xanax? Why Snort Xanax Is So Dangerous? Snorting A Xanax
Because of how Xanax affects the body, abusing it, such as by snorting it, is risky. Drowsiness, dizziness, memory problems, low blood pressure, and delayed breathing are some short-term consequences of Xanax abuse.
Alcohol and Xanax usage can exacerbate these problems by decreasing the heart rate and affecting respiration, increasing the chance of mortality.
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(844) 597-1011Xanax Abuse Factsheet
Xanax Abuse Overview
A potent benzodiazepine known as Xanax is frequently given to treat sleeplessness, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Long-term use of Xanax causes severe addiction and abuse since it is highly addictive. The most popular psychiatric drug prescribed in the US is Xanax.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Xanax addiction recovery is difficult, yet some succeed every day. While treating a Xanax addiction, medical detoxification and treatment programs can be beneficial. For assistance locating a Xanax addiction treatment center near you, contact a treatment provider immediately.
Xanax Effects And Abuse
Abuse of the medication is defined as exceeding the recommended dosage or using Xanax without a prescription. Even individuals who adhere to a prescription are susceptible to Xanax addiction and abuse.
There are various methods to abuse Xanax, including:
- Taking multiple pills
- Injecting it
- Snorting it
- Taking it via blotter paper
- Taking it with other drugs or alcohol
Because it makes the user feel peaceful and relaxed, Xanax is frequently abused. To get the desired high, some people abuse Xanax by taking it in greater amounts or combining it with other drugs or alcohol.
Xanax Abuse Statistics
Long-term use of Xanax causes severe addiction and abuse since it is highly addictive. The most popular psychiatric drug prescribed in the US is Xanax.
124.9 Thousand
Emergency room visits due to the recreational abuse of Xanax more than doubled, from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 in 2010.
Source: NIAAA
16.7 Million
In 2020, 16.7 million prescriptions were written for Alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax).
Source: NIAAA
9%
Prescription rates for Xanax have been climbing at a 9% rate since 2008.
Source: NIAAA
What Happens If You Snort Xanax? Do People Snort Xanax? Long-Term Effects of Snorting Xanax & Snorting Xanax Effects
What Does Snorting Xanax Do? What Happens When You Snort Xanax? Does Snorting Xanax Get You High?
The enjoyable mental benefits of Xanax could encourage drug misuse. After consumption, it quickly increases the actions of GABA—an inhibitory neurotransmitter that, when active, can fight overexcitation and reduce anxiety—by acting on specific brain receptors.
Drug tolerance, or the requirement for consistently higher drug doses to get the intended benefits, can develop quickly, even after only a brief period of misuse.
The risk of developing a physiological dependence dramatically rises as doses are raised to overcome increasing tolerance. Your body feels as though it needs Xanax to function appropriately.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms, such as the following, can occur if use is abruptly stopped or reduced once the body has grown accustomed to the drug:
- Trouble sleeping.
- Rebound anxiety.
- Agitation.
- Aggression.
- Depression.
- Headaches.
- Blurry vision.
- Decreased appetite/weight loss.
- Impaired sense of smell.
- Increased perspiration.
- Problems with concentration.
- Stomach problems.
- Tingling or numbness in the extremities.
- Uncontrollable shaking.
- Seizures.
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Hotline(844) 597-1011Does Snorting Xanax Do Anything? Does Snorting Xanax Work? Why Do People Snort Xanax? Sniffing Xanax
Contrary to popular belief, benzodiazepines like Xanax may not truly provide a better high when crushed and snorted. No direct nose-to-brain transport was observed in animal research on the effects of diazepam (another benzodiazepine), indicating that nasal administration did not hasten the drug’s entry into the brain.
This means that those who snort Xanax may not experience any different effects from those who take it orally and instead face the numerous risks associated with drug-sniffing, such as:
- Nasal damage.
- Increased risk of infections.
- Irritation of the nasal cavity.
- Increased risk of nasal infections.
- Loss of sense of smell.
Can U Snort Xanax? Can I Snort Xanax? Side Effects Of Snorting Xanax
Various Xanax side effects may impact a person’s physical and mental health. Xanax side effects could include the following:
- Drowsiness.
- Disorientation.
- Poor concentration.
- Delayed reaction time.
- Memory impairments.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Increased or decreased salivation.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Changes in appetite and weight.
- Urination problems.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Changes in sexual interest and performance.
- Depression.
- Suicidal thoughts.
Users also experience the numerous negative effects of nasal insufflation outlined above. Drowsiness, confusion, and lack of concentration are a few Xanax side effects that can make it difficult for someone to drive safely and raise their risk of an accident. Those who are intoxicated should refrain from these actions for their own safety.
Can Xanax Be Snorted? Can You Sniff Xanax? Can Snorting Xanax Cause an Overdose? Xanax Snorting
It’s doubtful that taking Xanax as a doctor directs will have a negative impact. Alprazolam can have hazardous side effects if misused, including taking more than the recommended amount, combining it with other medicines and alcohol, and snorting it. Snorting Xanax carries several risks, including the potential for dosage error and accidental overdose. This makes Xanax overdoses more likely.
Frequent indications of an overdose on alprazolam include:
- Profound drowsiness.
- Confusion
- Poor coordination.
- Loss of consciousness.
A Xanax overdose may be lethal in some circumstances. It may even be more deadly than other benzodiazepines, according to some data. Call 911 right away if you think someone may be overdosing on Xanax. When a person takes a hazardous amount of Xanax, an overdose develops. The quantity of Xanax that will result in an overdose varies from person to person and is based on several variables, including a person’s weight and general health.
Even after just one use, a person could overdose. A deadly overdose is substantially more likely when Xanax is taken with alcohol or other prescription medicines, such as opioids or opiates. Other elements that could raise the danger of an overdose include:
- Taking Xanax without a prescription.
- Using more Xanax than prescribed.
- Using Xanax in ways other than prescribed.
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Xanax Addiction Treatment
Although addiction is a complicated disorder, it is manageable. You are not alone if you or a loved one has problems with Xanax use, and assistance is available.
Addiction to Xanax is treated on a continuum and may entail a variety of interventions that range in intensity.
Xanax addiction treatment must be personalized for each patient to address the full person’s needs, including psychological, physical, social, and occupational demands.
Xanax Detoxification
A crucial initial stage in the rehabilitation process is detoxification. It can occur in inpatient and outpatient settings and must incorporate these 3 crucial elements:
- Evaluation and assessment.
- Stabilization.
- Promotion of patient readiness for treatment.
Those detoxing from CNS depressants should do it under medical supervision so they can gently go off the medication. Currently, no drugs are FDA-approved to treat sedative (like Xanax) addiction.
Inpatient Treatment
An institution that offers round-the-clock care and a secure atmosphere for treatment or inpatient therapy. Depending on the demands of each patient, inpatient treatment may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. A few examples of inpatient treatment are:
- Residential inpatient services, with 24-hour care by trained counselors and medical providers.
- Medically managed intensive inpatient services, with 24-hour nursing care, daily physician care, and counseling, are available 16 hours a day.
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Can You Snort Xanax? We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment
The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.
Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success. A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment. Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care.
We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction. That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.
Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions. If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.
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Sources
[1] National Institute of Mental Health – ‘Depression’ (www.nimh.nih.gov)
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (www.fda.gov/)
[3] Depression Treatment » Drug Alcohol Addiction Rehab
[5] NIMH – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness
[6] Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
[7] ‘Anxiety Disorders’ – National Institute Of Mental Health (Nimh.nih.gov)
[8] Psychopharmacology of anxiety disorders – National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
[9] Products – Data Briefs – Number 379 – September 2020 (cdc.gov) Depression – National Institute of Mental Health
[10] Coping with Stress – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention