Category: Drug Detox

Drug detoxification (informally, detox) is variously the intervention in a case of physical dependence to a drug; the process and experience of a withdrawal

Does Smoking Crack Cocaine Make You Paranoid?

Yes, smoking crack cocaine can definitely make you paranoid. Crack cocaine is a stimulant that is made from regular powdered cocaine and is even more powerful. Cocaine is mixed with baking soda or ammonia and cooked down to form a solid substance that is smokable once it has dried. It is a very addictive form of the drug and users will report being addicted after just one use.

Does Smoking Crack Cocaine Make You Paranoid?

Short-Term Effects of Crack Cocaine

Smoking crack gives the user an immediate high because the drug is delivered straight to the lungs and brain once it is inhaled. When crack cocaine reaches the brain excess amounts of dopamine are produced causing intense pleasure. The high only lasts between 5 and 15 minutes leaving users to desire more and more of the drug. This is what leads to a crack addiction. Some of the other short-term effects of the drug include:

  • Hyper-stimulation
  • Dilated pupils
  • Constricted blood vessels
  • Paranoia
  • Intense euphoria
  • Intense cravings
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Aggression

Smoking crack cocaine is a fast way to become easily and seriously addicted to the drug. The NIH produced an article with some statistics on the short-term effects of smoking crack cocaine.

The use of cocaine in the “crack” form is often associated with more frequent and intense symptoms. Paranoia occurs in 68% to 84% of patients using cocaine. Cocaine-related violent behaviors occur in as many as 55% of patients with cocaine-induced psychiatric symptoms. Homicide has also been associated with cocaine use in as many as 31% of homicide victims. In suicide, cocaine is present in as high as 18% to 22% of cases. Many patients with cocaine dependence have also been found to have a comorbid psychiatric disorder. (NIH )

Crack cocaine affects the reward centers in the brain, so as stated above, one can very easily become addicted to the drug after just one use. It’s highly addictive and a crack cocaine rehab is needed to overcome this dependency.

Cocaine Paranoia is a Real Problem

One of the effects of smoking crack or crack cocaine use is paranoia. Paranoia is a feeling of suspiciousness towards other people. Usually, the paranoia comes from hallucinations or a feeling that someone is watching or following them that isn’t there. Paranoia is one of the most common side effects of cocaine use. Some of the signs and symptoms of cocaine paranoia include distrusting strangers, fear of close friends or family for no reason, suspicion of other people’s actions, thinking others are looking at you when they aren’t, feeling everyone is out to get you, and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

Drug-induced paranoia can last anywhere from a few hours to weeks, months, and in severe cases even years if the drug is continued. Even after your body detoxes from the drug, paranoia may still show itself as the brain starts learning to function without substances. The duration depends on the length of time the drug was used and whether it was mixed with any other substances.

Drug-Induced Psychosis

One of the long-term effects of abusing cocaine and chronically smoking crack is drug-induced psychosis. Psychosis is a combination of hallucinations and paranoia and is common in crack cocaine and heavy methamphetamine users. Drug-induced psychosis can occur when using any high dose of mind-altering drugs since everyone reacts differently to each drug.

Treatment for Crack Cocaine Addiction

Crack cocaine addiction and smoking crack will destroy your life and those that love you most. It is one of the most addictive substances and the hardest to recover from. The intense cravings that the drug produces after only one use make it very difficult to stay off of, but it can be done.

Many people think that snorting cocaine is better than smoking crack even though the drugs are chemically identical. Studies do show that smoking crack leads to a greater risk of dependence and more severe consequences, and after entering treatment those that had snorted cocaine had better outcomes than smokers. However, the negative impact the drug has on someone’s life is the same no matter which way it is ingested.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Recreate Life Counseling offers evidence-based addiction treatment to help you with a lasting recovery. Call us today!

Published on: 2020-09-13
Updated on: 2024-09-13

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Detox, which is also known as detoxification, is the process of expelling drugs from your system. This is the first step in the recovery of nearly all drug and alcohol addictions. It is your body’s ways of cleansing itself from the dangerous substances that are polluting it. Withdrawal is the physical and mental effects that happen to a person when they either lower their intake of a substance or stop taking it altogether.

Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal

How Painful is Opiate Withdrawal?

While the experience will vary from person to person, most people will say that the most painful experience is opiate withdrawal, which includes heroin. Heroin withdrawal can begin as early as a few hours from the last dose and will often feel like a very serious case of the flu, peaking during the second or third day. The symptoms can last even up to a couple of weeks. Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Cold sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Crawling skin
  • Body cramping
  • Muscle aches

Even after the initial withdrawal symptoms from detoxing wears off, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is very common with heroin addiction. PAWS can last for up to 24 months after drug use has stopped and includes symptoms like poor sleep and concentration, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood swings, restlessness, and even memory loss.

How Painful is Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?

This does not mean that benzodiazepine withdrawal and detox is less important or painful if the circumstances are different. Benzo withdrawal also comes with a list of symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, muscle discomfort, sweating, cravings, and tremors. In more severe cases, a person can even experience hallucinations and seizures. The big difference between benzos and heroin is that benzos have a shorter half-life. This means the length of time the substance stays in the body after consumption ultimately resulting in a shorter withdrawal timeline.

Withdrawal is Different from Person to Person

While it is said that withdrawal from heroin is more painful than detox from benzodiazepines, all withdrawal and detox from a drug are different from person to person and different factors go into what each person will go through. These factors include:

  • How often you have been using the drug
  • How long you have been using it
  • How much you take at a time
  • If you mix different drugs
  • Any underlying mental health conditions
  • Your personal medical history
  • Your age
  • Your gender

Detoxing from drugs on your own is very risky no matter what the drug is. Medically assisted detox becomes necessary when a person becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon a drug. It involves a supervised detox process where medical professionals and doctors create a personalized detox program specifically for you and monitor you to help ease the side effects to a minimum while your withdrawal from the drugs.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off of your drug of choice is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs.

Treatment for Drug Addiction

Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want the help then we are here to assist you in any way we can.

FAQ

  • Is Benzo Detox More Painful Than Heroin Withdrawal?

Published on: 2020-08-25
Updated on: 2024-12-23

Is Oxymorphone Stronger Than Oxycodone?

Yes, Oxymorphone is stronger than Oxycodone. Oxymorphone or the brand name Opana is a prescription opioid medication used to treat severe pain. Oxymorphone is available in both IR (immediate-release) and ER (extended-release) formulations. When speaking of the strengths of various opioid medications, often Morphine is used as a baseline for comparison. Oral Oxymorphone is 3 to 7 times stronger than Morphine versus oral Oxycodone which is 1.5 times stronger than Morphine. Oxymorphone is 2 times stronger than Oxycodone.

Opioids on the Market for Chronic Pain

Oxycodone and Oxycontin

There are prescription opioid medications available to treat very mild pain to significant or severe pain. Some of the opioid medications are so potent they can cause an almost instantaneous overdose in people who aren’t opioid-tolerant. Here is a list, in order, of some of the strongest opioids on the market. These opioids are considered to be the “stronger than Morphine” opioids.

  • Carfentanil
  • Fentanyl
  • Heroin (an illicit substance)
  • Hydromorphone and Oxymorphone
  • Methadone
  • Oxycodone

Oral Oxymorphone is a new formulation of an existing parenteral opioid that has become available for significant pain. Oxymorphone is a typical mu-opioid agonist that is effective in both immediate- and extended-release (IR and ER) formulations. Oxymorphone is more lipid-soluble than Morphine, resulting in a rapid onset of action when given in tablet formulation, with a duration of action of approximately 4-6 hours in IR and 12 hours in ER preparations. Oxymorphone provides excellent pain relief for significant pain, with typical opioid side effects that are usually mild or moderate in intensity. (NCBI )

Chronic pain management with the use of opioids under the careful supervision of a doctor is possible if you’re not an addict. However, for those that are searching for a high, opioids are extremely dangerous and you can quickly become dependent on them.

What Are Oxymorphone & Oxycodone?

Oxymorphone (Opana) and Oxycodone (OxyContin ER, Percocet, or Roxicodone) are both opioid medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. They are in a class of drugs called opioid analgesics or narcotics. They work on the opioid receptors of your brain and tell your brain that you are not in pain. Both medications change the way you think about pain, and this helps to dull your feeling of pain. Also, both medications are highly addictive.

Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in the same way, so they both have similar side effects. Here is a list of some of the most common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness

Side Effects from Oxymorphone and Oxycodone

Some of the more serious side effects of the medications include slowed breathing, stopped breathing, cardiac arrest (stopped heart), low blood pressure, or shock. Each medication does have a couple of different notable side effects. Oxymorphone can cause fever and confusion while Oxycodone can cause sleeping trouble and lack of energy. Oxymorphone and Oxycodone are not recommended for long-term use. Both medications are controlled substances, and they are known to cause addiction and can be abused or misused.

Although Oxymorphone and Oxycodone work in similar ways, they do have some notable differences. Both drugs come as tablets, but Oxymorphone also comes as an injection. Oxymorphone is more expensive than Oxycodone, and they have a couple of slight differences in side effects as noted above.

Stopping either drug suddenly can cause some very intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Here is a list of some of the withdrawal symptoms of Oxymorphone and Oxycodone:

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate

We are Here to Help You Stop Taking Deadly Opioids

You should never stop taking any opioid medication on your own. Medical detox is optimal to minimize and control symptoms of withdrawal. Medical professionals within a treatment center can help you by using medical and pharmaceutical tools along with counseling.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to opioids, our admissions counselors here at Recreate Life Counseling are available around the clock to assist you. We offer many different treatment plans to help you continue on your journey to sobriety. Let us help you get on track to getting your life back!

Published on: 2020-07-22
Updated on: 2025-02-15

Mixing Klonopin and Xanax

Xanax, which is the brand name for alprazolam, belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is commonly used to treat panic disorders and anxiety. Klonopin, or the brand name of Clonazepam, is normally used to control seizures as an anticonvulsant and is also used to treat panic attacks and anxiety. This drug also belongs to the same group of drugs, benzodiazepines. Both act as tranquilizers that work on the central nervous system by causing the brain to be less sensitive to outside stimulation, creating a calming effect on the person.

Both of these drugs can be very dangerous on their own as they both have a high likelihood of dependency and also abuse. When mixing Xanax and Klonopin, the dangers of each drug are even greater. Often, people mix substances to enhance the effects of the other drug. These two drugs are often mixed, but this even more so heightens the likelihood of an overdose.

Mixing Klonopin and Xanax

Why Are Xanax and Klonopin Mixed Together?

Since Xanax and Klonopin both cause the same kind of effects, people mix and use the two drugs together simultaneously to enhance the effects of each drug. Xanax has a shorter half-life, which means the effect begins to take place much quicker on the body whereas Klonopin lasts longer than Xanax does. Mixing the two gives long-lasting effects as well as quick-acting results. People who abuse benzodiazepines want the relaxed feeling that they cause. These drugs mixed also cause the following desired symptoms:

  • Sedation
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Reduced worry and anxiety
  • Extreme relaxation
  • Confusion

It is also possible that people mix Xanax and Klonopin because they have already developed a tolerance for one of the drugs, so taking the two together is an attempt to feel the same effects they once felt before they built up a tolerance. They may also just want to extend the time that the high lasts.

Risks of Mixing Xanax and Klonopin

Mixing Xanax and Klonopin on a regular, long term, basis potentially increases the severity of the long term effects of benzodiazepine abuse. Chronis and prolonged abuse of this class of drugs can cause brain deficits. For example, those who abuse these two substances together may have permanent difficulty with focusing and concentration, memory impairment, and difficulty speaking.

When mixed, these drugs also have the potential to cause brain damage to a person. Those who regularly abuse these together can enter states of delirium, develop depression, have psychotic experiences, have aggressive episodes, mood swings, and poor impulse behavior.

Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin will very quickly cause physical dependence. This occurs after a person builds up a tolerance to the substances. This means a person will continually require more and more of the drugs to achieve the same effects. Once a person is physically dependent on benzos, reducing the dosage, or stopping immediately can result in extremely life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. The risks for a dangerous withdrawal process are even higher when you combine the to benzodiazepines. Without the drugs in the person’s body, the brain goes into overdrive to compensate causing convulsions, seizures, and can even lead to death.

Treatment for Benzodiazepine Addiction

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off Benzodiazepines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society.

With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Benzodiazepine treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.

  • Is it safe to alternate between Clonazapam and Xanax?

Published on: 2020-06-30
Updated on: 2024-11-08

Mixing Valium and Vodka

Valium, also known as Diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, as well as sedation before medical procedures. It works by calming the nerves and the brain. Valium belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Benzos are central nervous system depressants, and so is alcohol, such as Vodka.  These two substances work the same on the brain. So when they are mixed and taken at the same time, this can be very dangerous and can lead to overdose and death. According to SAMHSA :

In 2014, approximately 20.2 million adults aged 18 or older had a past year SUD. Of these adults, 16.3 million had an alcohol use disorder and 6.2 million had an illicit drug use disorder (Figure 1). An estimated 2.3 million adults had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder in the past year. Of the adults with a past year SUD, 4 out of 5 had an alcohol use disorder, nearly 3 out of 10 had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1 out of 9 had both an alcohol use disorder and an illicit drug use disorder.

Because both vodka and Valium work on the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, they both stimulate similar effects especially when taken in high doses. Both vodka and Valium increase the bioavailability of the drugs so when they are taken together, it increases the risk of an overdose. When you mix them, it increases the potency of both substances.

Valium and Vodka

Side Effects of Mixing Valium and Alcohol

Separately, both Valium and vodka create alarming side effects. When combined, this synergetic effect can be even more dangerous. Common side effects with Valium abuse include:

  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Hyperactivity
  • Restlessness
  • Vertigo
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Psychosis
  • Panic attacks

Common side effects of alcohol abuse include:

  • Memory loss
  • Impaired muscle coordination
  • High blood pressure
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Unconsciousness/ blackouts
  • Impaired judgment
  • Vomiting

When vodka and Valium are mixed, there can be plenty of dangerous and unpleasant side effects such as:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Disorientation
  • Sedation
  • Stumbling
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Restlessness and/or excitement
  • Memory problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Decreased mental ability
  • Loss of motor function
  • Poor coordination
  • Loss of consciousness

Is Valium Safe? What About Alcohol?

Valium is considered a relatively safe prescription drug when taken as prescribed. Some people mix Valium with vodka to purposely intensify the effects of the calming effects of each substance. It isn’t always easy to tell when someone is abusing these two substances. If you or someone you love are ready to take the steps to get sober, the best way is, to begin with, a medically assisted detox. The withdrawal symptoms from alcohol like vodka and Valium can be extremely dangerous and painful. These symptoms include muscle pain and cramps, seizures, and even coma, just to name a few. Medically assisted detox is very much recommended to safely get the substances from your system.

Once you’ve detoxed from Vodka and Valium, the best way to remain sober and avoid relapse is the use of one of our many treatment programs offered at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs so we can ensure that you will find a program that fits best for you. We combine our treatment programs with therapeutic education and guidance to help each patient safely reintegrate into your life.

Overcome Addiction With Drug Treatment

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let Recreate Life Counseling help you do it.

Published on: 2020-06-23
Updated on: 2024-06-26

Using Opiates While on Subutex

Subutex is a widely used prescription medication utilized in the treatment of individuals who are struggling with severe opiate abuse disorders. Subutex and Suboxone are commonly confused, however, they are different medications – though they do share the same active ingredient. Subutex is most commonly used in inpatient treatment settings and is administered by medical professionals to help combat the severe psychological cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are common in very early recovery. The active ingredient found in Subutex is buprenorphine, a partial opioid antagonist that was initially used as a pain reliever, and is now used in the treatment of opiate addiction.

When used in a medically monitored setting, this specific medication is extremely beneficial. Unfortunately, when it is used in combination with opiates like prescription painkillers or heroin and can pose several significant issues. Take a look at the dangers involved in using opiates while you are on Subutex, and please feel free to reach out to Recreate Life Counseling with any additional questions you may have.

Using Opiates While You’re on Subutex

More on Subutex

Some of the benefits of taking Subutex in a treatment setting include:

  • Aiding in medical detox. Subutex will help alleviate physical symptoms of withdrawal while minimizing cravings that often lead to relapse when left untreated.
  • Working to prevent relapse in early sobriety – cravings have been known to last long after medical detox and can lead to relapse within the first three to six months of sobriety when not properly treated. Eliminating cravings is essential in preventing relapse.
  • Allowing the individual, the opportunity to focus on his or her treatment goals without struggling through uncomfortable symptoms of post-acute withdrawal.

This is a short-term solution, but one that has been proven effective time and time again.

More on Opiates 

Over the past two decades, opiate addiction throughout the United States has spiked significantly. Currently, prescription painkiller addiction and heroin addiction remain leading causes of accidental death. Not only are these drugs extremely lethal, but they are extremely hard to quit without professional assistance. Recreate Life Counseling specializes in the treatment of individuals who are struggling with opiate addiction of all types and severities. We understand how impossible quitting may seem, and how devastating the effects of long-term addiction can be.

We also specialize in the treatment of individuals who struggle with polydrug abuse (meaning using more than one drug at a time to feel the effects more intensely). If you or someone you love has been combining Subutex and opiates professional help must be sought immediately, both long and short-term effects of polydrug abuse can lead to lasting – sometimes permanent – health-related issues.

Combining Subutex and Opiates

At Recreate Life Counseling, we provide medication-assisted treatment to those who require it, though we always ensure that prescription medication ingestion is closely monitored, and if we believe that any of our clients are attempting to abuse a medication we prescribe we will immediately switch to a more holistic method of recovery. When used correctly, Subutex can be extremely effective in the treatment of opiate addiction. However, we do understand that this drug can be a predominant source of abuse, thus we also treat individuals who may be struggling exclusively with Subutex addiction.

Our comprehensive program of recovery caters to men and women who are struggling with addictive disorders of all kinds, and our team of dedicated medical professionals thoroughly understands that while prescribing an opioid antagonist to one client might work, prescribing the same medication to another client might backfire. Our program is highly personalized, and each client will undergo an intensive assessment upon admission, which will help us determine which course of treatment will be the most appropriate and effective. To learn more, please give us a call today.

FAQ

  • What will happen if I take Heroin AFTER I have taken SUBATEX?

Published on: 2020-06-10
Updated on: 2024-07-08

What Does Ativan Feel Like?

Ativan is a benzodiazepine that relieves feelings of anxiety but also can lead to addiction and dependence. Getting off Ativan safely after abusing it for a long period is not recommended and requires a medical detox.

The National Institute of Health, NIH , describes Ativan also known as Lorazepam as an anxiolytic. It has a chemical formula of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one. It is a practical water-soluble and virtually white powder. These orally ingested tablets have 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polacrilin potassium are the dormant elements present.

With no significant impact on the respiratory or cardiovascular systems, solo elevated quantities of Ativan have a tranquilizing action on the central nervous system. With an indisputable bioavailability of 90 percent, Ativan is instantly absorbed.

Within 2 hours of being consumed the highest amounts of intensity take place in the plasma. That high amount of intensity from a 2mg dose of Ativan in plasma is about 20 ng/mL. 12 hours is the average half-life of unconjugated Ativan in plasma and is 18 hours approximately for its foremost metabolite, lorazepam glucuronide. Studies show that its effects can last about 20% longer if injected with no regard to the age of the subject.

Ativan

How Does it Feel to Use Ativan?

The indicated use of Ativan is meant to combat anxiety disorders that stem from depression and short-term relief from the symptoms of anxiety associated symptoms. The stress or anxiety from a regular daily routine is not to be treated with an anxiolytic such as Ativan. Short-term relief is under 4 months of use. When a patient using Ativan consumes it as prescribed under the close supervision of a physician, they will not be feeling high as the drug directly serves one purpose and that is to balance out the previously unbalanced nervous system.

When comparing the high of Ativan, it can be directly correlated to that of Xanax as they are both used to treat anxiety, though Ativan leaves the central nervous system more quickly. If a person takes a high dose and is not suffering from some form of anxiety or depression stemming from anxiety this subject can get the euphoric sensations to peak within 30-60 minutes of using. That high can last between 5-8 hours where the subject will experience feelings of an amplified sedation effect.

Is Ativan Addictive?

Though Ativan is not a narcotic it can have the same adverse effects which can cause addiction and chemical dependency. When taken over long periods it can cause mental health troubles and cognitive issues. When abused the person will begin to risk issues of memory the ability to speak properly. It has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason its maximum prescription term is 4 months is due to its extremely addictive properties.

Someone that has used Ativan longer than the 4 months it’s supposed to be used can expect liver damage. The enzymes in the liver will increase causing it to inflame and in turn damage the tissue of the liver. Once jaundice begins the eyes and skin frequently begin to turn a yellowish color. When you stop using Ativan after a long period, painful withdrawal symptoms can develop that often last weeks.

How Can Recreate Life Counseling Help You?

Recreate Life Counseling is a drug and alcohol rehab center that is prepared to help with Ativan addiction. We take delight in our personalized treatment programs that are tailored to meet the needs of men, women, and families affected by addiction. Our Delray Beach or Boynton Beach, Florida locations, offer partial hospitalization which is a day and night treatment with community housing and we also offer intensive outpatient therapy. It is our purpose to bind the client’s support to rebuild their natural life.

We are dedicated to assisting the habituated individual start off and continue in the recovery route. We will construct a treatment schedule in a way that is beneficial to the vision you or your loved one has for a dependency-free life. Neither you nor a loved one must be addicted to Ativan. Call now to speak with one of our experts or come in for a tour.

Published on: 2020-05-13
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Can You Potentiate Xanax?

Xanax, or alprazolam, is a very powerful benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders and can even be used as a muscle relaxant during medical procedures. It was created to take the place of barbiturates believing benzos would be less addictive. However, this is far from the truth. It is extremely addictive when used long term. Xanax is the most commonly prescribed Benzodiazepine in the United States. According to the NIH :

Between 1996 and 2013, the number of adults who filled a benzodiazepine prescription increased by 67%, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million. In 2015, 23 percent of people who died of an opioid overdose also tested positive for benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax are not typically primary drugs that are abused. This means they are commonly used in combination with other drugs. They are commonly mixed with narcotic pain medications, alcohol, stimulants, and illegal opiates such as heroin.

Can You Potentiate Xanax?

Potentiation of Xanax

When a user mixes two or more different drugs at the same time, they heighten the risk of experiencing effects that are different than what they would feel taking a drug individually. There are different kinds of reactions a person will have depending on what is mixed together. The four major groups are:

  • Antagonism: This happens when one drug reduces the effect of another drug. For example, taking Xanax while taking cocaine at the same time will reduce the effects of both the cocaine and the Xanax taken.
  • Synergism: This happens when two or more drugs work jointly to produce a therapeutic effect.
  • Interactions: With a person, metabolism will occur in multiple places in the body and can either facilitate or slow down the elimination of the drug from one’s system.
  • Potentiation: Happens when the effects of one drug strengthen the effects of another drug. For instance, taking Xanax with alcohol will produce and enhancement of the depressant effects in both things that are taken.

The potentiation of Xanax occurs when a person abuses Xanax with other central nervous system depressants mixed in for a synergetic effect. This can include drugs like narcotic pain medications, alcohol, sedatives, cannabis, and other benzo products. When taken on their own, central nervous system depressants result in reduced blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and reaction time that will result in effects such as poor coordination, poor balance, impaired reflexes, and impaired judgment. When taking central nervous system depressants with other depressants, you will potentiate these effects. Different potentiating effects are depending on the doses of each drug. It is important to know that the amount of a drug that can produce an overdose is decreased when combined with other central nervous system depressants.

Get Help Now With Xanax Addiction

If you or someone you love are ready to take the necessary steps to get sober, the best way to start is with a medically assisted detox process. Due to the brains rewiring after prolonged use, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense and even deadly when you abruptly stop. These symptoms include seizures, coma, hallucinations, muscle pain, and cramping, and even suicidal thoughts, to name a few. Medical detox is always recommended and your doctors will come up with the best plan for you to safely detox the benzos from your system.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off Benzodiazepines is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Benzodiazepine treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.

Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

FAQ

  • What potentiate’s Xanax?
  • What chemicals potentiate benzodiazepines, antagonize them or have an adverse reaction when mixed?
  • What can cause a Xanax overdose?

Published on: 2020-04-25
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Can You Get High on DXM Cough Syrup?

Dextromethorphan, also known as DXM, is an active ingredient cough suppressant in cough medicines. Dextromethorphan (DXM) on its own can cause a high, however, it is most often found in cold and flu medicines that can enhance the effects of DXM when taken synergically. Other ingredients found are things like acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. When this is taken as directed, the drug is very safe and effective. However, when it is taken in large doses, it can cause a psychedelic effect. The effects can range from similarity to marijuana to ecstasy to PCP. The high will generally begin to start within 15-30 minutes after consumption and last anywhere from 3- 6 hours. According to an article written by the DEA :

There were 12,077 case mentions, 9,223 single exposures, and one death related to dextromethorphan preparations (not otherwise classified or in combination with other substances) for 2016.

Recreation use of DXM cough syrup is extremely dangerous and also has a high likelihood of being abused. If you or a loved one abuse DXM recreationally, getting help for your addiction is very important if you want to be healthy.

Can You Get High on DXM Cough Syrup?

What Does A DXM Cough Syrup High Look Like?

DXM has been known to become habit-forming and has an intoxicating effect when taken in high doses. Repeated use of high doses can do serious damage to a person’s body. Not only is the risk for overdose very likely, but it also impairs a person’s cognitive function and memory. It is very possible to abuse this drug and it can even cause a life-threatening overdose. When a person is high on DXM, the symptoms will include:

  • Numbness
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Audio hallucinations
  • Visual hallucinations
  • Dissociative experiences
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • An agitated state
  • An elevated body temperature

Signs and symptoms of a dextromethorphan overdose include:

  • Breathing problems such as irregular or shallow breathing
  • Bluish colored lips and fingernails (due to lack of oxygen)
  • Blurred vision
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach or intestinal pain
  • Blacking out
  • Restlessness
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Changes to blood pressure
  • Heart palpitations
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Muscle twitching

If someone is overdosing on DXM cough syrup, they will require immediate medical help. There are no drugs that can counteract an overdose on this drug so the only way to survive is with the help of medical professionals. This is so the patient can be stabilized and monitored until they are no longer in a life-threatening situation.

How Can I get Sober from DMX Abuse?

If you or someone you love are ready to take the necessary steps to get sober, the best way to start is with a medically assisted detox process. Withdrawal symptoms are very likely with a person who is abusing or addicted to DXM cough syrup. They will experience things like insomnia, cold flashes, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and bone aches, weight loss, as well as strong cravings for the drug which makes it that much harder to get off of them on your own. Medical detox is always recommended and your doctors will come up with the best plan for you to safely detox the DXM cough syrup from your system.

Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off this drug is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. We offer many different treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Treatment for this drug requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.

Addiction and abuse aren’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

Published on: 2020-04-17
Updated on: 2024-04-18

Find Out How We Can Help You

At Recreate Life Counseling, we understand that the journey to recovery can be daunting without the proper support. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and offer personalized guidance as you consider a life free from the grips of addiction and/or mental health conditions. Our admissions team is ready to assist you, whether you're looking for treatment, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to!

(844) 282-0889
Contact Us Online
footer logo