Xanax Misuse: Effects, Addiction & Rehab

Xanax® is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.2,3,7 While thousands of people safely take Xanax every year to treat their mental disorders, many misuse the drug to experience feelings of relaxation and end up becoming addicted to the medication. 

At Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City, we use evidence-based methods to help patients develop new coping skills and life skills to overcome their Xanax addiction. 

What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?

Xanax® is the brand name for alprazolam, a drug in the class of medications called benzodiazepines.1 Xanax is a prescription medicine prescribed to treat specific mental disorders. 

Alprazolam can come in the form of a tablet, extended-release tablet, disintegrating tablet, or liquid, which are all taken by mouth.2 Some of the street names for the Xanax include Bricks, Blue Footballs, and Z-Bars.3 Xanax is a Schedule 4 drug,4 however, many prescribers believe the medication actually has a high misuse potential.5 

What is Xanax Prescribed For?

Xanax is FDA approved to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Off-label Xanax may also be prescribed for insomnia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or certain symptoms of depression.7 Nearly 30% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives,6 with some people experiencing debilitating anxiety that impacts their relationships, work, and other areas of their life.

Xanax is a popular treatment method for people experiencing anxiety that hinders their ability to function normally and/or is out of proportion to the situation.6 Xanax works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.2 

When used as directed, Xanax can be incredibly effective in helping people manage their anxiety and panic disorders. However, some people misuse their prescription or obtain Xanax in illicit ways without a prescription to experience the desired effects of the drug. 

Effects of Xanax (Alprazolam)

Xanax works by calming your nervous system down.7 This relaxing feeling and the euphoria that accompanies it is what those who abuse Xanax are often hoping to experience.1 

However, like many prescription medications, Xanax can have side effects. These effects fluctuate from person to person, and stronger effects may be experienced when the drug is being abused or not used as directed.

Some common effects of Xanax abuse include:1,2

• Light-headedness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Memory problems
• Slurred speech
• Muscle weakness
• Irritability
• Talkativeness
• Difficulty concentrating

Risks of Mixing Xanax & Other Substances

Mixing Xanax with other substances can lead to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening situations. For example, combining Xanax abuse with other benzodiazepines or opioids can impair cognitive function and cause sedation that leads to suppressed breathing, which can result in an overdose or death.8 

Other Xanax risks come from drinking while taking the medication. Combining alcohol with Xanax misuse can trigger panic attacks, cause unstable mood swings and behaviors, and can also lead to higher risks of respiratory and cardiac failure.9

Risk of Xanax Overdose

Of all the dangers of xanax misuse, overdose is the most serious concern. Misusing Xanax, by taking more than prescribed or mixing it with other substances, creates an increased risk of overdose. Some Xanax overdose symptoms include:2

• Confusion
• Problems with coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing problems

Treatment for a Xanax overdose will depend on several factors. If another substance has been taken along with the Xanax, airway management and mechanical ventilation may be required.10 In extreme cases where the person is not a chronic benzodiazepine user, the drug Flumazenil may be used to reverse the sedative state.10 

Xanax (Alprazolam) Misuse

Xanax has become a target for misuse, particularly among high school and college students. One reason is because Xanax is the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the United States,5 meaning it can be easier to obtain than other illicit substances. For example, students who have a prescription for Xanax may share their pills with friends, or sell them to classmates. 

Students have also been known to buy Xanax from strangers online.11 However, this introduces a new concern: the potential of taking pills that look like Xanax, but are not. As these illegal, counterfeit pills are not regulated in any way, they can contain fentanyl or methamphetamine, which can be lethal in a single dose.

If you’re concerned someone is abusing Xanax, there are some signs to look out for:

• They are taking more Xanax than is prescribed.
• They’re attempting to fill their prescription too early or too often.
• They’re asking for higher doses from their doctor.5

Xanax Addiction & Dependence 

A person can develop a physical dependence on Xanax in a relatively short period of time, even if they are taking it as prescribed. After just three to four weeks, a patient taking a benzodiazepine like Xanax would likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they stopped taking the drug abruptly.12

However, a dependence on a drug doesn’t equal an addiction. An addiction is characterized by a person who is habitually using a substance and continues to use that drug even when doing so has adverse effects on their life. 

A person’s Xanax addiction may develop from a desire to experience more of the relaxing effects of the drug, or because they want to “turn off” any feelings of stress. Someone who has been taking Xanax a long time or has regularly misused their prescription could have a higher risk of becoming addicted.12  

Some common signs of Xanax addiction include:13

• Having intense urges to take Xanax that block out other thoughts
• Not meeting social or work obligations because of your Xanax use
• Continuing to misuse Xanax, even if you know it’s dangerous
• Spending time and money on procuring Xanax outside your prescription
• Doing things you normally wouldn’t do to take Xanax, like stealing pills from someone you know

Xanax Withdrawal & Detox

If you decide that you want to stop taking Xanax completely after taking it for an extended time, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. The intensity of your Xanax withdrawal will depend on several factors, such as how long you’ve been taking Xanax, your dose, and if you’ve been misusing it. 

To ensure you safely detox from Xanax, it’s often recommended to detox in a medically supervised setting. During your medical Xanax detox, medical professionals will monitor your health to ensure you are safe and as comfortable as possible, potentially prescribing medications to relieve your withdrawal symptoms and/or treat your mental health conditions. 

Some common Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:14

• Sweating
• Sleep disturbance
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hand tremors
• Dry retching and nausea 
• Headache
• Muscular pain and stiffness

You may also experience a common withdrawal symptom known as “rebound” anxiety or insomnia.14 To address these issues, it’s best to seek help after your detox at a treatment program, where you can address the deeper issues that led to your addiction. 

Treating Xanax Addiction 

After completing your medical detox, you have several options for continuing your recovery journey. You can choose to be admitted to an inpatient Xanax rehab, where you live on-site at the facility; or you can elect to undergo treatment at an outpatient program, where you will live at home and can continue to meet any household or work obligations while you seek Xanax addiction treatment. 

If you opt for an outpatient program, there are three levels of care to choose from: partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and standard outpatient. A PHP may be a better fit for someone coming from detox or for a person with a severe addiction, while an IOP or standard outpatient could be a good option for someone stepping down in care or for someone who can handle more flexibility but still needs the structured support of a clinical team. 

Regardless of which program you choose, you can trust that your treatment will be filled with complementary methods of therapy, dual diagnosis care to address any anxiety or depression you may be experiencing, as well as trauma-informed sessions. 

If you’re not sure which program is right for you — an experienced addiction professional can help you make the decision after getting to know you. 

Xanax Addiction Treatment in Kansas City

If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction, getting treatment at an accredited rehab facility can help you get your life back. At Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City, we help our patients do just that.

Our skilled and thoughtful team will design a Xanax treatment protocol that provides a safe detox from Xanax while setting you up with a variety of skills that you can use to cope with any underlying mental health conditions. Our medical team can also work with you to determine if there’s a suitable alternative to Xanax to treat any severe anxiety or panic disorders. 

Our admissions team is happy to guide you through the process of being admitted to one of our outpatient programs, including verifying your insurance benefits and explaining our different payment options. 

Don’t let your Xanax addiction control you any longer. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to see how you can take the first step toward sobriety today. 

References 

1. George, T. T., & Tripp, J. (2023, April 24). Alprazolam. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.  Retrieved May 6, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
2. Alprazolam: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
3. Alprazolam. (n.d.). CT.gov. Retrieved May 6, from https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/drug-control-division/drug-control/alprazolam?language=en_US
4. Drug scheduling. (n.d.-b). DEA. Retrieved May 6, from  https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
5. Ait-Daoud, N., Hamby, A. S., Sharma, S., & Blevins, D. (2017). A review of alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal. Journal of Addiction Medicine. Retrieved May 6, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5846112/
6. What are Anxiety Disorders? (n.d.). American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved May 7, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
7. Alprazolam tablets. (2024, December 20). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 6, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19498-alprazolam-tablets
8. Benzodiazepines and opioids. (2024, May 17). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 6, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids
9. Reyes, L., LISAC, Salafsky, D., Hamilton, L. A., CHES, Gorin, S., & Health Promotion and Preventive Services (HPPS) department of the UA Campus Health Service. (n.d.). The Red Cup Q&A. Health Promotion and Preventive Services (HPPS) Department of the UA Campus Health Service. Retrieved May 6, from https://www.health.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/How%20Dangerous%20is%20the%20Combination%20of%20Alcohol%20and%20Xanax.pdf
10. Kang, M., Galuska, M. A., & Ghassemzadeh, S. (2023, June 26). Benzodiazepine toxicity. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Retrieved May 7, from  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/
11. Moyle, L., Childs, A., Coomber, R., & Barratt, M. J. (2018). #Drugsforsale: An exploration of the use of social media and encrypted messaging apps to supply and access drugs. International Journal of Drug Policy. Retrieved May 7, from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-05/Counterfeit%20Pills%20fact%20SHEET-5-13-21-FINAL.pdf
12. Brett, J., & Murnion, B. (2015). Management of benzodiazepine misuse and dependence. Australian Prescriber. Retrieved May 6, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4657308/
13. Drug addiction (substance use disorder) – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 7, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
14. Pétursson, H. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved May 7, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7841856/