Xanax and other benzodiazepines are increasingly involved in overdoses across the country. What makes it so addictive and dangerous?
Xanax is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. Ittreats anxiety and panic disordersbut has a recognized potential for abuse. A Xanax high is described as calming, tranquil and addictive.
If you or someone you know is addicted to Xanax, seek help before the addiction worsens.The Recovery Villagehas trained teams of medical experts who understand the difficulties of living with Xanax addiction. Enrolling in a rehabilitation program has helped many people recover from Xanax addiction.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam. Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine, which is a class ofmedication that produces a calming effecton the brain and central nervous system. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical signal that tells brain cells to “slow” or “relax.”
Xanax comes as an oral tablet. The dosage is based on a patient’s medical condition, age and response to treatment. A course of Xanax should not last longer than one or two weeks, but sometimes it is prescribed on an “as-needed” basis for panic attacks.
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If someone takes Xanax regularly, it can lead to dependence andwithdrawal symptoms; especially if taken for a long time or in high doses. Xanax can causephysical and psychological dependenceor addiction even in people who take it as prescribed. Therefore, a course of Xanax should be as short as possible with treatment response closely monitored by the doctor.
For those who have used Xanax for longer than a few weeks, their doctor may create ataper schedule. During a taper, a person gradually reduces their daily dose. Tapers are an effective way to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Because of Xanax’s abuse potential, it is often sold and used illegally. According to the 2015–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about12.5% of adults in the U.S have used benzodiazepines, whether legally or not. About 2.1% of adults abused benzodiazepines during that same period.
Many people take Xanax with a doctor’s prescription, but the most common way to take the drug recreationally is by obtaining the drug from someone who has a prescription.Possessing or using a controlled medicationwithout a prescription is a federal crime; it is also illegal to resell the medication, but many people, especially teens and young adults, do not realize the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.
Alternative Names for Xanax
Because Xanax is commonly used recreationally, the drug has quite a few popular street names.
Common street names for Xanax include:
- Bars
- Benzos
- Bicycle Parts
- Blue Footballs
- Bricks
- Handlebars
- Planks
- School Bus
- Upjohn
- White Boys
- White Girls
- Xannies
- Yellow Boys
- Z-Bars
- Zanbars or Xanbars
Related Topic:Street Names for Drugs
Xanax Dosage Amounts
Xanax dosage formsare 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Doctors usually start someone on the smallest effective dose to avoid the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms. The dose may be increased depending on the response to treatment.
The maximum recommended dose is 4 mg daily.
Is Xanax Addictive?
Yes, Xanax is addictive and is classified as aSchedule IV medicationby the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Schedule IV medications have a recognized medical use, but the potential for addiction and abuse.
Xanax produces its main effects by mimicking GABA, a neurotransmitter used by brain cells. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages in the brain. In addition to mimicking GABA, Xanax also increases levels of another neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Dopamine is responsible for reinforcing thefeelings of reward in the brain. For example, when we eat a sugary snack, a small amount of dopamine is released and we may get the urge to have another. Xanax and other substances encourage addiction through this mechanism.
What Is Xanax Addiction?
Addiction, or substance use disorder, is when a person continues to use a pleasurable substance or perform a pleasurable action despite negative consequences the substance or action causes. Consequences can be financial, occupational or interpersonal.
Substance use disorder (SUD) develops over months and years, and may not be easy to identify at first.
Xanax dependence can be a trigger that encourages addiction. When a person is dependent, they cannot stop using a drug without experiencing withdrawal. They also cannot function normally without the substance. Therefore, the urge to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay reinforces substance use.
Addiction does not discriminate, especially when it comes to prescription drugs like Xanax. People from all walks of life can become addicted to Xanax. While addiction is different for everyone, theprogression from the first use to a substance use disordermay look something like this:
While Xanax addiction cannot be completely cured — nor can any dependency on drugs or alcohol — treatment can help affected individuals address their behavior and return to a healthy lifestyle.
Deadly Xanax Drug Interactions
Every day, more than115 Americans die of an opioid overdose. In a study from 2001–2013, about 17% of people who received an opioid prescription also received a benzodiazepine like Xanax. When opioids are combined with benzodiazepines, the risk of overdose, emergency department visits and death increases dramatically.
One of the most common and dangerous interactions forXanax occurs with alcohol. Both substances are central nervous system depressants, slowing down the body’s processes like movement and breathing.
Xanax should never be combined with other benzodiazepines like Valium, Klonopin or Ativan. The effects of each drug can “stack” and increase the chance of overdose.
Drug overdose can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, call911immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help.If you do not have access to a phone contactWeb Poison Control Servicesfor online assistance.
If you are taking Xanax as prescribed, check with your doctor before taking another drug or drinking alcohol. Checking with a medical expert can reveal any potentially dangerous effects from mixing substances, and this could protect you against severe injury and dependence on Xanax.
Is Xanax addictive? Absolutely, but help with addiction treatment is available. Many people who became addicted to the drug live in recovery after completing a rehabilitation orteletherapy programand now live a healthier life, free from Xanax abuse.The Recovery Villagecan help you find a solution for your substance use disorder and treat any co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, that may contribute to Xanax addiction.
