Xanax is the most widely prescribed drug in the United States. One of the most common varieties of Xanax is blue Xanax – typically little blue “bars” or tabs. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about blue Xanax, as well as any other types. We’ll also go over Xanax and other anxiety drug addiction problems and how treatment can help.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for “alprazolam,” a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It’s commonly used to manage anxiety disorders due to its sedative properties, which include reducing levels of excitement (“arousal”) in the brain.
It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits or reduces the activity of neurons. By influencing GABA receptors, Xanax helps to slow down heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and calm emotional disturbances by inducing relaxation.
Xanax comes as both a tablet and a liquid, though tablets are more common. Tablets come in both immediate and standard release formulations.
These tablets, or, “bars,” come in a variety of colors. One of the most common is blue Xanax. Blue Xanax bars typically have 2mg of alprazolam.
In the United States, Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has a medical use but also a real potential for abuse and addiction. As a result, it’s illegal to use or possess Xanax without a prescription from a medical doctor.
Blue Xanax: Is It the Real Thing?
Blue Xanax is a type of Xanax. Specifically, it’s one of the colors Xanax bars can come in.
- White Xanax bars — Some dealers refer to these bars as “sticks.” They contain 2mg of active alprazolam. They are a common color of Xanax bars.
- Yellow Xanax bars — Yellow Xanax bars also deliver 2mg of alprazolam. A yellow Xanax bar is sometimes known as a “yellow school bus.”
- Blue Xanax bars — Blue Xanax pills typically have 2mg of alprazolam. They are scored “B707.” Blue Xanax bars
- Green Xanax bars — In most cases, green Xanax bars have a dosage of around 2mg, similar to blue or yellow Xanax bars. Despite this, people who abuse Xanax sometimes report green Xanax bars as being the most powerful.
When dealing with medications, especially those with potential for abuse like Xanax, it’s crucial to obtain them through a prescription and use them under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It’s also important to ensure that the drugs are procured from reputable pharmacies to avoid counterfeit medications, which are dangerous and illegal. Counterfeit Xanax, often manufactured to mimic the appearance of authentic pills, can contain harmful substances or varying dosages, leading to unintended side effects or overdose.
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Call 866-881-1184Facts About Anxiety
Here are some facts about anxiety:
- Clinical anxiety is the most widely diagnosed mental health issue in the United States.
- Other common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, specific phobias, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and selective mutism.
- Anxiety affects 6.8 million adults in the United States, and women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
- Anxiety disorders can be caused by a number of factors, including trauma, stress buildup or stress due to an illness, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, or family history of mental health issues.
- An estimated 284 million people worldwide experienced an anxiety disorder last year, making it the most prevalent mental health disorder around the globe.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Abuse
Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, has a high potential for abuse, particularly when used without a doctor’s supervision, in higher dosages, or for extended periods. Recognizing the signs of Xanax abuse is crucial for getting timely help. If you stop taking Xanax, withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Below are some of the signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction.
Physical signs of Xanax abuse:
- Excessive sleepiness and difficulty staying awake
- Difficulty with speaking clearly (similar to being alcohol intoxication)
- Difficulty with motor skills, leading to clumsiness or being unsteady on one’s feet
- Feeling faint
- Slowed or difficulty breathing (especially when Xanax is combined with alcohol or other depressants)
Mental signs of Xanax abuse:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
- Not knowing where one is, why, or what is happening around oneself
- Experiencing lapses in memory, particularly short-term memory
- Feeling extremely happy and excited without a real reason
Behavioral signs of Xanax abuse:
- “Doctor shopping” — Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more Xanax prescriptions
- Losing interest in social or recreational activities that were once enjoyed
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Engaging in dangerous activities, like driving while under the influence of Xanax
- Becoming overly defensive or denying any problem exists when confronted about drug use
If you or a loved one are suffering from Xanax addiction, it’s time to seek professional help.
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Check Your CoverageXanax Addiction Treatment at South Coast Behavioral Health
Xanax bars are highly addictive. Multiple studies have found Xanax has the highest potential for misuse out of all the benzodiazepine medications.
Moreover, it’s easy to overdose on Xanax. This is especially the case when taking Xanax with alcohol or opiates (as they often are).
If you or a loved one are looking for help treating addiction to Xanax bars, South Coast Behavioral Health is here to help. The first step in treating Xanax addiction is a medical detox. This means using drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Our medical detox program in California is staffed by caring and compassionate professionals who can provide you with medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms. This may include things like anti-seizure medication and antidepressants.
After detoxing, treatment should involve therapy to treat the drivers of addiction.
Treatment for substance abuse takes place along an entire spectrum of care. Along that entire spectrum are various behavioral therapies, support groups, and the use of medically-assisted treatment (MAT).
These levels of treatment are, in order, as follows:
Residential Treatment in California
After completing medical detox, you’ll move to receive inpatient treatment in Orange County California. There, you’ll receive medically-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to deal with any cravings or co-occurring mental health issues you may be battling.
We also offer residential treatment facilities in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Huntington Beach for those who desire gender-specific treatment. There, patients get round-the-clock medical attention and monitoring while living at the institution full-time.
In addition to individual and group counseling and medication management, you’ll also have access to leisure activities and family support services.
Partial Hospitalization in California
Most clients start substance abuse treatment with South Coast in our residential treatment program. After completing that, many desire something that still provides structure and support, but with extra space and time to oneself. For that, we offer Partial Hospitalization in Newport Beach.
A step down from inpatient care but with more structure than conventional outpatient programs, partial hospitalization offers a good balance for those looking to ease back into normal life. Clients can receive care five to seven days a week for several hours each day, returning to their homes in the evening.
This way, they can recover without putting their daily lives completely on hold, receiving intense therapeutic interventions like group and individual therapy, skill development, and medication management as necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment in California
For those leaving inpatient residential treatment or partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are yet another gradual step forward on the road to recovery from Xanax tablets.
With a focus on group therapy, individual counseling, and education, clients undergoing Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Newport Beach can meet three to five days a week. Each session lasts three hours.
This level of care requires the least amount of time at a facility.
Start Today
Alprazolam pills carry the potential for abuse but can be overcome with proper treatment. We can help you find a treatment program that includes aftercare and sober living options. If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction but wonder how long addiction treatment takes or have other questions, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here to verify insurance options. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, help verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have about our addiction treatment program.
Reach out today to speak with a representative who can help you determine your treatment options and get you started on the road to recovery.
