Xanax is a popular prescription medication used to treat anxiety in the United States. Its sedative effects can effectively reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and treat other conditions affecting the central nervous system. Despite its medical utility, it is also a popular drug of abuse, exacerbating its adverse effects and potentially leading to addiction.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine that has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. This means that the drug slows the transmission of messages throughout the nervous system, reducing the activity of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and inducing feelings of calmness and relaxation.
This mechanism is why it is useful in treating anxiety and panic disorders, which produce excessive nervous system activity. In addition to these mental health issues, Xanax can also treat sleep disorders, seizures or muscle spasms, and mania. It may also be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Compared to other anti-anxiety medications, Xanax is fast-acting, which makes it effective at immediately treating sudden bouts of anxiety or panic. This feature also makes it attractive as a drug of abuse. Users seek out the mild recreational high and feeling of deep relaxation the drug instantly produces.
Signs of Xanax abuse and addiction
Xanax along with other benzodiazepines are quite addictive even when prescribed to treat a medical condition. Behavioral signs that Xanax use has become problematic may be noticeable to the individual or those around them. Clinicians use these signs to diagnose substance use disorder. These signs include:
- Repeated use of Xanax despite attempts to quit
- Intense cravings to use Xanax
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Increased time and effort spent obtaining, using, or recovering from Xanax use
- Neglecting professional and personal responsibilities due to Xanax use
- Continued Xanax use despite the detrimental side effects it has on health
- Neglecting other hobbies and activities in favor of Xanax use
- Tolerance, which occurs when the same dosage no longer has the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms if Xanax use is discontinued
Side effects of Xanax abuse
In addition to its primary effects, Xanax has a host of potential side effects. These effects may be more severe if Xanax is taken in excess of prescribed doses. Xanax side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Depressed respiration
- Confusion or stupor
- Memory impairment
- Constipation
- Impaired balance
- Impaired coordination
- Blurry vision
- Sexual dysfunction
Though most side effects of Xanax only occur while under the effect of the drug, chronic misuse can lead to lasting impairments in cognition including effects on memory, coordination, and other cognitive functions. Since Xanax depresses the activity of the nervous system, it may dangerously reduce the amount of oxygen available in the brain, creating long-term neurological problems that may be irreversible.
Long-term use also increases the likelihood of physical dependence and addiction. That’s because ongoing use can create an intense physical dependence, leading to more severe withdrawal which is more difficult to overcome. The potential for Xanax overdose is also higher with long-term use.
Xanax withdrawal
Withdrawal is a biological process that occurs when the body becomes dependent on a substance and that substance is taken away. Xanax dependence fundamentally changes the chemicals in the brain and nervous system. Over time, the body can no longer function without the effects of Xanax. This is why you may experience cravings to continue using. If you suddenly stop using Xanax, your body needs to go through the process of adjusting to not having that substance anymore. This can lead to distressing withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Muscle cramps
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors or convulsions
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Racing heart rate
- Irritability
Xanax overdose
It is possible to overdose on Xanax when taken outside of medical guidelines. Overdose is most likely when Xanax is taken in conjunction with other substances. That’s because the effects of each substance are amplified when they are taken together. This can lead to severe nervous system depression, which lowers heart rate and breathing to the point that it may cause a lack of oxygen in the brain.
Signs of Xanax overdose include:
- Impaired motor coordination
- Stupor
- Extreme sedation
- Reduced heart rate
- Depressed breathing
- Weak pulse
- Cold and clammy skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
Overdose can be deadly and suspected overdose should be treated as a medical emergency.
The dangers of mixing Xanax and alcohol
Xanax abuse doesn’t typically occur alone. Individuals who misuse Xanax may also combine it with other substances, like alcohol. Alcohol and Xanax are dangerous because they both have the same depressant effect on the body. When combined, the effects are amplified and may be unexpectedly powerful. This makes it hard to know where the safe limit is and can lead to accidental overdose. Co-occurring substance use is also more difficult to treat because of the substances’ combined effects.
Xanax addiction treatment
Xanax withdrawal may be difficult to overcome without help, requiring medical detox. During this phase of Xanax addiction treatment, individuals are slowly weaned off Xanax while under medical supervision. By monitoring vitals, doctors can ensure that the person is safe and that their symptoms are treated to make detox more comfortable. Detox is only the beginning of addiction treatment.
Once a person has safely eliminated any substances from the body, they can fully engage in psychotherapy that usually includes both peer and individual sessions. During therapy, individuals are able to explore their emotional or behavioral reasons for substance abuse. Therapy may also be used to treat co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or PTSD.
The goal of Xanax addiction treatment is to help individuals learn better coping mechanisms, life skills, and relapse prevention strategies. Treatment also focuses on holistic well-being, promoting healthier habits such as exercise and better nutrition which can also reduce stress and take the place of Xanax in one’s life.
Xanax FAQs
How long do the effects of Xanax last?
The effects of Xanax begin quickly after a dose and can last 4-6 hours. However, even if the effects are no longer noticeable, the drug remains in your system much longer and can interact with other substances even after its initial effects have worn off.
How addictive is Xanax?
Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV drug by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is one of the most addictive benzodiazepines due in part to its fast-acting nature that offers short-term relief.
Is it possible to become addicted to Xanax if I use it as prescribed?
Even when used as prescribed, Xanax addiction is possible, and it could occur in as little as three to four weeks. If you are experiencing symptoms of abuse and addiction, you should talk to your doctor to change your prescription.
Is it safe to take Xanax while pregnant?
Xanax is not safe to take during pregnancy because it can harm you and the baby through all trimesters. It can lead to birth defects, including impaired motor and cognitive function.
