Illegal drug use in the US is rising and we all know about the raging opioid crisis. But it’s not just illegal drugs and opioids that are dangerous. Prescription drugs are can be just as addictive and deadly when abused.
We see?Xanax abuse?glorified in rap songs, but?those abusing it?could be risking their lives. If you suspect that your partner might be abusing Xanax, you may become very concerned.
If you’re not sure whether they’re suffering from an addiction, there are a few tell-tale signs to look for. Here are a few of them that you might notice in your partner and it might be time for them to seek help.
How Dangerous Is a Xanax Addiction?
If your partner has been abusing Xanax, they could be putting themselves into a lot of danger. Doctors prescribe Xanax to people who suffer from anxiety, and when used as prescribed, it’s very effective.
But when abused and used alongside alcohol, Xanax can be deadly. It can cause users to stop breathing and even put them into a coma in some cases.
If your partner drives after abusing Xanax, their reactions will slow down. This means they could injure themselves or others as a result. When taken in high enough doses, it will have a sedative effect that can last for days.
Now you know about the dangers of Xanax. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your partner might be struggling with Xanax abuse.
1. Their Behavior Has Changed
One of the signs of any kind of addiction to drugs is when the user’s behavior changes. You might notice that your partner acts differently around you and could be a lot more irritable.
They might also start to engage in risky behavior more often. This includes driving while clearly under the influence, getting into physical altercations, or even stealing from you or other people.
You might notice that their work performance suffers and they may fail to show up to work some days. This can quickly lead to some financial stress which can put a huge strain on your relationship.
2. Their Body Has Changed
As well as their behavior changing, you might also notice some changes in their body too. There are a number of physical symptoms that go with a long-term Xanax addiction that you should look out for.
You might notice that they’re more drowsy than usual and move around slowly. Their speech might be slurred and you might struggle to understand their speech more often.
Another common sign of a Xanax addiction is a dip in their sex drive, and combined with these other signs can also put a strain on your relationship.
There are a could of serious physical changes you need to watch out for too. These include your partner having breathing difficulties and their vision becoming blurry. If these things happen, make sure to visit the hospital as soon as possible.
3. They Experience Psychological Issues
As well as behavioral and physical changes in your partner, they may also experience some psychological issues. Because Xanax is a benzodiazepine, that means it affects the mind more intensely when it is abused.
Your partner may become much more annoyed and irritable, and you might feel like you’re sometimes walking on eggshells around them. They might also lose focus easily and forget the details of the conversations you’ve had together.
They might become manic or feel confused a lot more too. They could also experience issues falling asleep even when they complain about being tired. These are common psychological signs and if your partner suffers from these, it might be time to seek help.
4. They Lie About Drug Use
Addicts like to keep their drug abuse secret, so if your partner starts to lie about their drug use, that’s a big sign.
They might also become very defensive when you ask them about Xanax abuse and could become angry with you.
They might also lie to their doctor in order to get access to more Xanax.
5. They Push You and Family Away
Addiction is destructive and it could cause your partner to push away family and friends. They may do so in order to put their habit first, which is a common trait among people who struggle with addiction.
It might start slowly and be tough to notice. They might miss out on family events and gatherings. They might spend money you were saving in order to fund their habit.
These little things add up and can lead to a very stressful relationship with them. If this does happen in conjunction with these other symptoms of Xanax abuse, it’s time to seek treatment.
It’s Time to Help Your Partner Struggling With Xanax Abuse
As with every other addiction, you can’t force an addict to get clean if they don’t want to. They have to want to kick the habit for themselves, otherwise, they are bound to fail.
There are lots of great ways to get help for your partner though. You can stage an intervention to show them how much they are hurting themselves and their family. Then, you can find a treatment program that can help them get and stay clean from their Xanax abuse problem.
Looking for rehab programs to help your loved one with their Xanax addiction? Check out our range of treatment programs to see which ones could help your family heal from addiction.