A Xanax overdose can leave an individual distressed in more ways than one. Seeking Xanax overdose treatment in a professional men’s or women’s rehab program should be on the top of an individual’s list in order to avoid further problems with addiction and potential overdose death.
How You Know Someone is Experiencing a Xanax Overdose
If you’ve ever witnessed a friend or loved one experience a Xanax overdose, you know how scary the situation can be. For those who know individuals that abuse Xanax, it’s important to understand what to look for in case of an overdose. This will allow you to act quickly and give emergency medical personnel the information needed to save the individual’s life. Keep a look out for the following signs of a Xanax overdose:
- Shallow breathing
- Lack of responsiveness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
If someone you know is experiencing any of these issues, and you know that they use or abuse Xanax, be sure to call 911 right away. Report how much of the drug that they’ve taken, if they’ve taken any other drugs or alcohol in combination, and any other relevant health information. This information will give medical personnel a head start on helping your friend or loved one.
Short-Term Xanax Overdose Treatment
When medical personnel reach your friend or loved one, they’ll immediately begin working to reverse the overdose. Most importantly, they’ll ensure that the individual is receiving enough oxygen and that his or her heart rate is stable.
Once the individual gets to the hospital, a doctor may administer a drug called Flumazenil. While not every physician or hospital uses this drug, some believe that its positive effects outweigh the negatives.
Doctors may also pump the individual’s stomach to remove any of the Xanax still remaining in the system. If a doctor deems it necessary, the individual may also receive a psychiatric evaluation to decide whether the overdose was a suicide attempt or an accident. At this point, the individual should be mostly in recovery from the overdose and ready to seek long-term treatment.
Long-Term Xanax Overdose Treatment
Once the immediate threat is over, it’s time to start thinking about long-term treatment for Xanax overdose and addiction. Those who are lucky enough to survive a Xanax overdose can go on to a medically managed detox program. Here, they’ll be able to get any residual Xanax out of their system safely and comfortably.
After detox, it’s crucial for individuals to find a qualified Xanax treatment center. During rehab, they’ll learn important coping skills and new behaviors to help them avoid triggers that could cause them to relapse. Ideally, rehab helps individuals to break their active Xanax addiction and go on to live a healthy, productive life.
If you’re addicted to Xanax or know someone who is, don’t let it control the day to day anymore. Help is available.