Many people use prescription medications to treat or manage the symptoms of different conditions. People may take prescription drugs to treat medical conditions or to reduce symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
Some of the medications people take to manage health conditions have the potential for abuse and addiction. Xanax is an addictive drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. People may abuse Xanax by taking it differently than prescribed. Some may take it recreationally.
Xanax abuse can have serious, negative consequences for a person’s mental health and physical well-being. Prolonged Xanax abuse can develop into physical dependence. It can be very challenging to overcome physical dependence on Xanax.
Recognizing Xanax abuse is the first step in getting help. There are many forms of Xanax, and knowing what the drug looks like can help you identify it accurately.
This article will explore what a round blue 031 pill is. You will learn:
What you will learn:
- What a blue pill marked “031” contains
- The side effects and risks of Xanax
- How Xanax abuse and addiction develop
- How to recognize and treat Xanax addiction
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with blue Xanax addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and recovery support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact the treatment center’s intake team to learn more about our programs or to schedule your first appointment.
What is a Round Blue 031 Pill?
A round blue pill marked “031” contains 1mg of Xanax. Xanax is the brand name for a drug called alprazolam. It comes in several forms, including round, blue Xanax pills, blue Xanax bars, white tablets, white bar-shaped pills, and others.
Doctors commonly prescribe Xanax to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug that reduces central nervous system (CNS) activity. This prescription drug changes how the body produces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a chemical that calms the nervous system.
When users take Xanax, they experience short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. They may feel a sense of calm and relaxation.
Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a risk of abuse and addiction. It is important to take Xanax exactly as prescribed. Seek treatment if you recognize signs of abuse or addiction.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health team to learn more about round blue 031 pills or Xanax abuse.
The Effects and Risks of Blue Xanax
Doctors sometimes prescribe Xanax to help patients manage symptoms of anxiety or panic. Like all medications, blue Xanax has the potential to cause unwanted side effects. Some potential side effects of Xanax include:
- Droswiness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sleepiness
- Euphoria
- Difficulty with concentration and focus
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
Some people may experience severe, adverse effects when taking blue 031 pills, including:
- Double vision
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Jaundice
- Hallucinations
- Racing thoughts
- Fainting
People who abuse Xanax may be more likely to experience adverse effects or dangerous complications. Taking high doses of Xanax puts people at risk of:
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Respiratory depression (shallow or slow breathing)
- Loss of consciousness
These may be signs of an overdose. Call 911 if you or someone near you exhibits symptoms of a Xanax overdose.
Thousands of people seek emergency medical treatment for overdoses involving benzodiazepines each year. It is critical to be aware of the risk of blue 031 pill abuse and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Understanding Blue Xanax Abuse and Addiction
People may like the way they feel when taking blue Xanax. They may experience euphoria, relaxation, or other pleasurable side effects. These side effects may make people want to use this drug differently than prescribed, such as:
- Taking a higher dose
- Taking it more often
- Taking it for longer periods
- Ingesting it differently, such as crushing and snorting it
Some people may also use it recreationally (without a prescription). Long-term Xanax abuse may lead to tolerance (needing higher doses to get the desired effects) and physical dependence or addiction.
Xanax addiction can change how a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Some signs of Xanax addiction include:
- Finishing a prescription for Xanax early
- Doctor-shopping for Xanax (having more than one prescription from multiple doctors)
- Experiencing cravings for Xanax
- Having legal, financial, or social problems related to Xanax use
- Having withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it
- Doing risky things while using Xanax, such as operating machinery, having unsafe sex, or driving
- Combining Xanax and other addictive substances
- Finding blue pills marked 031 or other forms of Xanax in their home or belongings
- Being unable to reduce or stop Xanax use when they choose
It can be very challenging to overcome Xanax addiction. Many people require intensive treatment and ongoing support. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore your Xanax addiction treatment program options.
Treating Blue Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction treatment may happen in stages. People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on their needs during each stage of recovery.
A Xanax addiction treatment plan might include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical detox programs
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention education, coping skills, and other psychoeducation
- Holistic therapies, such as exercise, mindfulness, nutrition support, and yoga
- Aftercare planning
Blue Xanax addiction can harm your health, relationships, mental well-being, and more. Seek the treatment you need to overcome it. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about Xanax addiction treatment or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Xanax alprazolam tablets
- MDPI: Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations