The Risks of Abusing Xanax and Weed and Recovery Options
Using prescription drugs and consuming weed have become growing trends. One of the most popular combinations is Xanax and weed, especially among the younger people.
So why do users love taking Xanax and weed? Taken individually, Xanax (alprazolam) is good for panic and anxiety disorders. And for some people, weed can be anxiety producing, but not with Xanax to smooth the feelings of uneasiness.
Taken together these two drugs can be powerfully relaxing, but also quite habit forming.
Do you know someone who’s suffering from overuse of weed and Xanax? Maybe you’re struggling with this combo yourself and don’t know how to get off this powerful pairing.
Regardless of the situation, our team at Ingrained Recovery is here to help you create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your recovery needs.
This article will explore the effects of taking Xanax and weed, and what to do if you or someone you love needs help quitting.
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What Kind of Drugs Are Xanax and Weed?
Xanax is a prescription medicine that belongs to the benzodiazepine family. This class of drugs work by amplifying the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
When GABA is amplified, a calming feeling takes over the user that has an almost immediate effect on panic and anxiety disorders.
But Xanax is also notorious for having a high potential for abuse, as it is easy to take too much Xanax, and rely on it too often. Taking this powerful drug in higher doses delivers a relaxation effect that brings a high level of euphoria with it.
It’s this euphoria that leads to abuse and ultimately physical dependence that brings withdrawal symptoms and even mental health complications during withdrawal.
Weed and How It Works
Weed is a drug grown from the cannabis plant and contains a substance called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound that causes the high.
Weed is used for recreational and medical purposes and has a calming effect. But you’re taking a chance to get to those euphoric feelings.
You might also become anxious or paranoid over distorted perceptions of reality and panic. These match symptoms of multiple panic disorders. Those with specific mental health disorders have the side effects intensified.
Central Nervous System Depressants
Xanax and weed are both central nervous system depressants. CNS depressants slow down brain activity, slow down racing thoughts tied to anxiety and bring strong relaxation effects. Combining Xanax and cannabis products can lead to depressed respiration and even lack of consciousness.
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How Xanax and Weed Interact
When you mix Xanax and weed, the effects of each are magnified. This creates a combination that has a big impact on the central nervous system (CNS).
How does this form of polysubstance abuse affect the mind and body?
Find out more below about the dangers of taking marijuana and alprazolam.
Severe Drowsiness
Xanax induces a sedating effect that causes severe drowsiness by slowing down overactive brain activity. Weed can enhance or counteract this sedation, making it hard to stay alert while driving or doing tasks that require a certain level of awareness.
Cognitive Impairment
Polysubstance abuse has amplified effects regardless of the two substances used. But when the addiction involves marijuana and Xanax, users experience memory impairment, reduced concentration, delayed decision-making and other cognitive impairment.
Many chronic users report feeling highly confused and unable to function normally, with big gaps in recent memory from using Xanax and weed.
Paranoia and Anxiety
Xanax is designed to treat anxiety, decreases the side effects of panic disorder. But weed has a notorious reputation for causing panic and anxiety, especially if the strain is a Sativa and consumed in large amounts. This dual effect can have a profound impact and cause severe mental health problems.
The combination of Xanax and weed leads to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes especially when doses aren’t controlled or monitored.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse and Why Is It Dangerous?
Polysubstance abuse is the act of using multiple drugs at the same time in a short period. This
Involves any combination of drugs, like opioids and methamphetamine, alcohol and crack cocaine, and weed and Xanax.
Polysubstance abuse usually increases or changes the effects of one or more of the drugs, leading to a new kind of high. The street slang for this is referred to as being “cross-faded.”
Some people also take alcohol and benzodiazepines and even mix in more dangerous drugs like Clonodine, Promathezine and methadone to “nod out.”
It’s also possible to abuse multiple substances without even realizing it. People with prescription medications may not know that it interacts negatively with another substance.
Additionally, people may consume a drug that’s been mixed with other substances without their knowledge. This is typical of the fentanyl epidemic where the nation has seen a surge of random drugs being laced with this synthetic opioid.
Regardless of the reasons, polysubstance abuse is dangerous and life-threatening. Combining drugs can increase the risk of overdose, organ damage and other serious health problems. This includes people taking Xanax and weed together. Those combining these two have:
Increased Risk of Accidents
Increased sedation and impaired cognitive function from two substances that slow down the CNS is a clear danger for anyone taking Xanax and weed. Reaction times are delayed significantly, leading to car accidents and risk of danger when operating heavy machinery at work.
Respiratory Depression
Both of these drugs cause respiratory depression, slowing down breathing to a dangerous level. In extreme cases, this can lead to complete respiratory failure and even death.
Dependency and Addiction
Combining these substance use disorders increases the risk of developing dependency on one or both substances. Xanax is already highly addictive. Combining it with weed can compound the negative effects especially during withdrawal.
Mental Health Deterioration
Over time, use of prescription drugs like Xanax and consumption of marijuana can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions. Disorders like anxiety and depression are magnified, leading to more side effects of these conditions. Smoking weed and taking Xanax can also trigger new psychological issues.
Neurological Damage
Chronic use of CNS depressants can lead to long-term cognitive decline, including memory issues and reduction in problem-solving abilities.
Signs of Overdose or Adverse Reactions
Users of cannabis and alprazolam have an increased risk of experiencing signs of overdose.
For some users, even minimal consumption can have adverse effects. Knowing these potential side effects can help prevent severe mental and physical health complications:
- Extreme drowsiness and inability to stay awake
- Confusion and disorientation
- Slowed or shallow breathing* Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek medical attention immediately. Quick action can mean life-saving results.
Treatment and Recovery Options
For those struggling with weed and Xanax use, professional treatment is necessary for recovery.
Detox
Medical detox programs provide a safe environment when dealing with withdrawal symptoms from Xanax and weed. These addiction treatment programs include around-the-clock monitoring with physical and mental health support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Clients receive medication to alleviate the discomfort of the detox period of polysubstance abuse.
Inpatient Program
Ingrained Recovery offers an inpatient program that provides a structured treatment plan tailored to individual substance abuse situations. Our program combines medical care, one-on-one therapy and peer support groups to promote long-term recovery.
We accept most major insurance providers that cover treatment options like dual diagnosis treatment for marijuana and Xanax.
Outpatient Options
Some rehab facilities offer outpatient options to treat anxiety disorders in those who self-medicate with benzos and weed. These programs are for individuals who cannot commit to our inpatient program at Ingrained Recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify negative behaviors and thought patterns and replace them with positive responses to avoid substance use. This is an effective treatment for those who suffer from drug addiction that includes marijuana and Xanax or other benzodiazepines.
Peer Support Groups
Ingrained Recovery offers both effective Xanax treatment programs, as well as marijuana rehab services, but our commitment to our clients does not end with when their time on our campus concludes. This is where aftercare begins.
Aftercare is a crucial part of treatment, as recovery is a lifelong commitment rather than a finish line. Committing to a treatment center is the first step in recovery, but lasting sobriety requires a conscious effort to keep the addiction at bay.
Peer support groups provide an atmosphere of accountability, as participants rely on each other for strength and support in return.
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Get Treatment for Xanax and Weed at Ingrained Recovery
Xanax abuse and weed abuse are two challenges that require one-on-one and group therapy.
When combining drugs, Ingrained Recovery offers the confidential help you need to overcome both Xanax and marijuana dependence.
Mixing drugs and co-occurring disorders makes any addiction more complex and we offer dual diagnosis programs for those who need treatment to help address anxiety concerns.
Please call our admissions team confidentially today and get proven recovery support options now.