Xanax Addiction: Signs, Effects and Help

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine prescribed for anxiety and panic disorder. It can cause physical dependence, and suddenly stopping or reducing it can trigger dangerous withdrawal. Taking more than prescribed or continuing despite harm also warrants an assessment for addiction. Ask a clinician about changes to alprazolam use and tell them about alcohol or other sedating substances you take.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine, a type of medication that interacts with GABA receptors in the brain. These receptors induce a sensation of relaxation, playing a crucial role in calming the body. Xanax is often prescribed to alleviate anxiety by increasing activation of  GABA receptors and inducing relaxation.

Street Names for Xanax

Xanax, a potentially addictive substance, can only be legally obtained with a prescription. However, individuals addicted to Xanax may resort to illicit means to acquire it.

As an illicit substance, Xanax goes by several street names among those who sell or use it illegally. Some of these street names include:

• Bars
• Benzos
• Blue Footballs
• Bricks
• Upjohn
• Zanbars
• Z-Bars

Xanax Dosages

Xanax is available in several forms and dosages, prescribed based on individual needs and administration preferences.

Xanax can be in solid tablet or orally disintegrating tablet form, with doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 2 mg. Extended-release variants gradually release the drug over several hours, with dosages ranging from 0.5 mg to 3 mg. Xanax can also be a liquid solution, containing 5 mg per teaspoon.

What Does Xanax Look Like?

Xanax can have a wide range of appearances varying based on the specific manufacturer. Manufacturers will change the appearance based on the Xanax’s dosage and immediate-release or extended-release form.

Because Xanax can vary significantly in appearance, it is advisable to only take Xanax that has been prescribed to you and verified to be Xanax. It is also possible to use a pill identifier to confirm if a particular pill is Xanax. However, you should never take a drug if you’re not sure where it came from. Taking an unidentified drug can be extremely risky, as street drugs may be disguised to resemble Xanax. When obtaining medication outside of a pharmacy, there is a risk of unknowingly consuming a more dangerous substance.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Xanax has a half-life of 11.2 hours, indicating that it takes 11.2 hours for half of the Xanax in an average person’s bloodstream to diminish. It requires multiple half-lives to eliminate Xanax from the system entirely.

The duration of Xanax’s presence in the system varies among individuals due to factors like gender, age, weight, health, and other medications. Extended-release Xanax remains in the bloodstream longer as it slowly raises Xanax levels over several hours.

While a single Xanax dose’s effects wear off within hours, it can be detectable in urine for several days and in hair for up to 90 days.

Xanax Addiction

Xanax, despite its therapeutic uses, is susceptible to misuse. Xanax triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals associated with rewarding behavior reinforcement, in the brain. Artificially releasing endorphins through chemical means can lead to brain changes that promote continued behavior, contributing to Xanax addiction.

Xanax addiction carries significant risks, including the potential for a fatal overdose due to excessive use. Overuse of Xanax can cause excessive relaxation, leading to inadequate breathing that results in brain damage or death.

In addition to the dangers of Xanax use, withdrawal from the drug can result in severe symptoms, including seizures. Xanax withdrawal is particularly perilous because it diminishes the brain’s ability to suppress seizures, which can cause lasting brain damage or result in death.

When prescribed Xanax use needs a closer review

Dependence and addiction are different clinical concerns. Someone taking alprazolam as directed may become physically dependent. Someone misusing it may also experience loss of control, escalating use or difficulties with daily responsibilities. A clinician can assess both instead of treating a prescription as proof that no problem exists.

The FDA warning for benzodiazepines advises careful assessment of these risks. Tell the prescriber if you are taking extra doses, using pills from another source or struggling between doses. You can ask for help without deciding which diagnostic label applies first.

Our benzodiazepine guide explains concerns shared by alprazolam and related medicines. Keep a record of what you actually take so the assessment is based on current use, including changes that differ from the prescription.

Xanax Addiction Symptoms

Xanax addiction manifests through general signs of addiction and symptoms. Some of these are specific to Xanax use. However, many of these are general signs of addiction.

Signs of addiction typically entail behavioral changes and may encompass:

• Constant preoccupation with Xanax
• Declining performance at work, school, or home
• Alterations in appetite or sleep patterns
• Unexplained behavioral changes
• Neglect of appearance, hygiene, or responsibilities
• Secretive or deceptive behaviors
• Legal or financial issues 

Symptoms of Xanax use may include:

• Slurred speech
• Profound fatigue or excessive sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constricted pupils
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• Cognitive changes
• Difficulty communicating

Xanax use may also lead to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, flu-like manifestations, and seizures.

Overdosing on Xanax can occur with excessive use, resulting in extreme fatigue and compromised breathing. A suspected Xanax overdose necessitates an immediate call to 911.

Xanax and Alcohol

Xanax acts on GABA receptors, which are also the class of receptors that are affected by alcohol, another commonly abused substance. Although Xanax and alcohol have some differences in their influence on GABA receptors, some similarities render the combination perilous. Each can potentiate the effects of the other, slowing the body’s ability to metabolize both substances. This elevates the risk of overdose and other severe health issues.

Missed doses and sudden changes require medical advice

If you run out of alprazolam, contact the prescriber promptly. Do not try to manage withdrawal with alcohol or an unknown pill. Explain when your last dose was taken and whether symptoms have started. The clinician can decide how urgently you need evaluation.

Ask about medical detox when dependence or recent symptoms raise concern. No online reduction schedule can account for your full medical history. Prior withdrawal problems, alcohol use and other prescriptions can change the risks of a sudden change.

Call 911 for seizures, severe confusion, inability to wake normally or slow breathing. For suicidal thoughts or an emotional crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; call 911 if danger is immediate. Get prompt medical attention for concerning symptoms after missing or reducing alprazolam.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax addiction doesn’t have to dictate your life. Various treatment options are available to help individuals overcome Xanax addiction. Professional Xanax addiction treatment facilities offer detoxification to remove the drug from your system safely. Following detox, rehabilitation programs teach individuals how to lead healthier lives free from Xanax.

The Recovery Village Atlanta Drug and Alcohol Rehab boasts extensive experience in assisting those grappling with Xanax addiction in achieving lasting sobriety. If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step toward recovery, reach out to us today to explore treatment programs tailored to your needs.

Bring these questions to a treatment assessment

Ask how the team will consider the condition for which alprazolam was prescribed. Anxiety, panic and sleep problems need attention while harmful use or withdrawal is evaluated. Dual-diagnosis care can address co-occurring mental health symptoms within substance use treatment.

Find out what support is needed after the withdrawal phase. A recommendation for residential rehab depends on the assessment, not on the brand name of the medicine alone. Discuss how care will be coordinated with your existing prescriber and what information you want shared, with appropriate consent.

Before discharge, use aftercare planning to clarify follow-up appointments and whom to call if symptoms return. Check that the plan identifies who is responsible for reviewing ongoing prescriptions.

Frequently asked questions about Xanax withdrawal

Can a missed dose cause symptoms?

It can when physical dependence is present. Contact the prescriber about symptoms after a missed dose, and use emergency care for severe reactions.

Does a positive drug test diagnose Xanax addiction?

No. A test indicates exposure to a substance it can detect. Addiction assessment also considers control over use, consequences and other symptoms.

Can I use alcohol to relieve withdrawal discomfort?

Do not use alcohol as a withdrawal treatment. It can add serious risks. Contact a clinician for assessment and supervised care recommendations.

Should I disclose pills that did not come from a pharmacy?

Yes. Tell the medical team about any unknown or nonprescribed pills. Their contents may differ from what you expected, which affects the assessment.

Getting help in Atlanta

The Recovery Village Atlanta can discuss treatment needs at 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, GA 30076. Call (470) 990-9483 and describe your alprazolam use and current concerns. You can verify your insurance while preparing for an assessment.