According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 3.7 million people — 1.3% of the population — report benzodiazepine abuse every year. As one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the United States, Xanax carries a high risk of abuse, dependency, and potential for overdose. 

What is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for the drug alprazolam, a prescription benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and depression-related anxiety. It is a central nervous system depressant that boosts the effects of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, producing a sedative effect that relieves symptoms of anxiety and panic in people with certain mental health disorders.

The drug is usually taken orally and comes in two forms — immediate-release and extended-release (Xanax XR). People also manufacture counterfeit Xanax pills and sell them illicitly. Illegally manufactured alprazolam is even more dangerous than prescription Xanax because there is no regulation, oversight, or quality control of the drug’s ingredients. Contraband manufacturers may intentionally or accidentally contaminate their drugs with other substances like fentanyl, which dramatically increases the risk of overdose and death.

How Addictive is Xanax?

Xanax is a helpful medication for short-term use as it provides consistent, reliable relief from anxiety symptoms. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications for people with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Long-term use is associated with an increased risk of overdose, dependency, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

Xanax has a high potential for abuse due to its quick absorption and short half-life; even extended-release forms of alprazolam can lead to dependency when it’s taken in higher doses. Long-term use can also lead to physical and psychological dependence and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. Despite warnings from clinicians who specialize in addiction, physicians and psychiatrists continue prescribing Xanax and other benzodiazepines at an alarming rate.

People with a history of drug or alcohol abuse are more likely to develop an addiction to Xanax. Still, even those with no history of addiction can become dependent with regular use.

Side Effects of Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction can cause noticeable physical and behavioral side effects — both short- and long-term. Numerous factors influence the type and severity of side effects a person experiences when abusing alprazolam; long-term use of the drug, taking higher doses, mixing it with alcohol or other substances, or having pre-existing conditions are all associated with more severe and potentially dangerous side effects. 

Short-Term Side Effects of Xanax

Short-term side effects of Xanax addiction include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Clumsiness
• Unsteadiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Slurred speech
• Weight fluctuations

Most short-term side effects of Xanax are temporary. They typically diminish ultimately once the drug clears from a person’s system. However, people who are addicted to Xanax experience uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it.  

Long-Term Effects and Complications

Long-term abuse of Xanax can cause debilitating long-term side effects, including: 

• Memory problems
• Trouble speaking
• Coordination difficulties
• Serious changes in mood (i.e., depression or suicidal thoughts)
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Withdrawal
• Abuse, dependence, or addiction
• Risk of severe reactions if combined with opioids or alcohol

The likelihood of experiencing long-term side effects of Xanax addiction increases based on frequency and longevity of use. If your loved one is experiencing these effects, it is time to encourage them to seek help. 

Signs of Xanax Addiction

People can develop Xanax addiction much like they can with other substances. Signs of Xanax addiction include:

• Taking more Xanax or using it for longer than intended
• Wanting to cut back on or quit using Xanax but not being able to
• Spending excessive amounts of time getting, using, or recovering from using Xanax
• Experiencing cravings or overwhelming, consuming urges to use Xanax
• Avoiding or neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home because of Xanax use
• Continuing to use Xanax despite it causing problems in relationships
• Cutting back on or giving up hobbies or activities due to Xanax use
• Ending up in risky situations because of Xanax use
• Continuing to use Xanax despite it causing health problems or making existing problems worse
• Developing tolerance or needing to take more Xanax to experience the desired effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Xanax

If any of the symptoms listed above are present, your loved one’s Xanax use has progressed to a concerning level. Please encourage them to seek immediate medical help and consider attending a specialized treatment program for addiction.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Alprazolam produces more severe withdrawal symptoms than other benzodiazepines — mild symptoms can occur after just one week of use. For people with a long-term Xanax addiction, withdrawal can be dangerous, especially if they quit cold turkey or drastically reduce their intake without a tapering period. 

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include: 

• Panic attacks
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Hand tremors
• Sweating
• Difficulties concentrating
• Nausea
• Dry vomiting
• Weight loss
• Palpitations
• Headaches
• Muscle pain or stiffness

People who take large amounts of Xanax can experience more severe symptoms, including:

• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Death

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 1 to 4 days after a person stops taking Xanax and last between 10 and 14 days. The most severe symptoms occur during the first few days, while residual symptoms may persist for weeks.

Treatment for Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Although Xanax abuse and addiction is a serious problem, it is a highly treatable condition with the proper intervention, support, and care. Xanax addiction treatment programs like those at Silver Pines provide the intensive treatment needed to overcome addiction and build a solid foundation for a life of lasting recovery. To learn more about the programs available at Silver Pines, call us or fill out our online contact form to speak with an admissions specialist. Start the path to recovery today.

References

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2022.
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Benzodiazepines and Opioids.
3. Journal of Addiction Medicine. (2018). A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal.
4. Addiction. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.