Xanax Addiction: Symptom, Causes, Effect and Treatment

Xanax has become one of the very common drugs of abuse and cause of addiction in recent times among the young and old. According to research by Maust, et al (2019), titled Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States, misuse of Xanax accounted for 17.2% of overall use, and misuse of Xanax without a prescription was the most common type of misuse, with a friend or relative being the most common source.

Symptoms of Xanax addiction include drowsiness, confusion, memory problems, and dependence. The main causes of Xanax addiction are overprescription, recreational use, and underlying mental health issues.

Effects of Xanax addiction can include respiratory depression, seizures, and even death in severe cases. Treatment options for Xanax addiction typically involve medically supervised detox, psychotherapy, and long-term recovery support.

What is Xanax Addiction?

Xanax addiction is the compulsive and uncontrolled use of the benzodiazepine drug Xanax (alprazolam), despite the negative consequences it can have on a person’s life. 

Xanax is a widely-prescribed medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, it can be highly addictive, especially when taken for extended periods or at high doses.

Xanax addiction involves rapidly increasing tolerance, with users taking 20-30 pills daily to achieve effects. Stopping Xanax abruptly can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and tremors. Professional treatment and medically-supervised detox are crucial to safely overcoming Xanax dependence and avoiding potentially life-threatening complications associated with quitting the drug cold turkey.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction include physical, psychological, and social indicators such as drowsiness, lack of coordination, persistent headaches and muscle aches, preoccupation with Xanax use, unexplained mood changes, social withdrawal, and relationship challenges.

• Drowsiness, fatigue, and sedation
• Slurred speech and lack of coordination
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and balance issues
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Headaches and muscle aches
• Respiratory depression and shallow breathing
• Seizures and tremors when use is stopped
• Taking Xanax in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed
• Continuing to use Xanax despite negative consequences
• Preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug
• Trying to get multiple Xanax prescriptions from different doctors
• Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships
• Isolating from friends/family in order to use Xanax
• Mood changes like irritability, aggression, and depression
• Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and cognitive impairment
• Denial about the severity of the problem and need for help
• Problems at work, school, or home due to Xanax use
• Financial difficulties from spending money on the drug
• Relationship conflicts and social withdrawal
• Legal troubles related to obtaining or using Xanax
• Risky behaviors like driving under the influence

The combination of these physiological, psychological, and functional symptoms is highly indicative of Xanax addiction, which requires comprehensive professional treatment for recovery.

What are the Causes of Xanax Addiction?

The causes of Xanax addiction include physiological dependence, recreational abuse, other mental health problems, and genetic predispositions.

• Physiological Dependence: According to research by Longo, L. P., & Johnson, B. (2000). Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines – side effects, abuse risk, and alternatives. American family physician, 61(7), 2121–2128, Xanax is a highly potent benzodiazepine that acts on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. With repeated use, the brain can become dependent on the presence of Xanax to maintain normal functioning, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued
• Recreational Abuse: A study by Votaw, V. R., Geyer, R., Rieselbach, M. M., & McHugh, R. K. (2019). The epidemiology of benzodiazepine misuse: A systematic review. Drug and alcohol dependence, 200, 95–114, revealed that Xanax is sometimes used recreationally for its calming, euphoric, and sedative effects. This type of non-medical use can quickly lead to addiction, especially among individuals predisposed to substance abuse. 
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, may be more likely to be prescribed Xanax and develop an addiction. The self-medicating behavior can reinforce the addiction cycle.
• Genetic and Environmental Factors: Genetic predisposition and environmental factors like trauma or stress can increase the risk of developing a Xanax addiction. Genetics plays a significant role in addiction to any drug.
  According to Jiang, Z.’s 2023 study, ‘Candidate gene-environment interactions in substance abuse: A systematic review’, found that out of 44 studies, 38 demonstrated significant gene-environment interaction effects related to substance use, notably, 100% of studies on the Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA), Opioid Receptor Mu 1 (OPRM1), and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Alpha 1 (GABRA1) genes reported significant interactions, while 61.5% of studies on the Serotonin Transporter Linked Polymorphic Region (5-HTTLPR) gene showed similar results. The diathesis-stress model was prevalent, accounting for 89.5% of significant interactions, highlighting the critical interplay between genetic factors and environmental stressors in addiction vulnerability.

Xanax addiction is also caused by:

• Ease of accessibility and prescription
• Lack of awareness about addiction potential
• Self-medication for anxiety or insomnia
• Peer influence and social pressures
• Comorbid substance use disorders
• Misperception of Xanax as a “safe” drug
• Overprescription by healthcare providers
• Lack of education about proper use
• Ineffective addiction treatment or relapse
• Societal stigma and barriers to seeking help
• Neurochemical imbalances in the brain
• Chronic medical conditions requiring long-term use
• Cognitive distortions and irrational beliefs
• Emotional dysregulation and poor coping mechanisms

The multifaceted nature of Xanax addiction underscores the importance of a comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment that addresses the physiological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to the disorder.

What are the Effects of Xanax Addiction?

The effects of Xanax addiction typically progress from mild short-term symptoms like drowsiness, sedation, and dizziness to more severe long-term consequences such as seizures, tremors, persistent depression and anxiety, and chronic cognitive deficits.

Short-Term Effects:

• Drowsiness, sedation, and slowed reaction times leading to increased risk of accidents and injuries
• Dizziness, lack of coordination, and balance issues that can cause falls and other accidents
• Slowed breathing and respiratory depression that can be life-threatening, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol
• Blackouts, memory lapses, and cognitive impairment that can interfere with work, school, and daily functioning
• Rebound anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia when the drug wears off, causing significant distress
• Relationship conflicts and problems at work or school due to behavioral changes and unreliable functioning

Long-Term Effects:

• Severe seizures, tremors, and psychosis during Xanax withdrawal, especially in long-term users
• Chronic cognitive issues, memory problems, and slower mental processing
• Persistent depression, mood swings, lack of pleasure, and suicidal thoughts
• Apathy, lack of motivation, and withdrawal from hobbies and social activities
• Social isolation, damaged relationships, and loss of social support
• Decline in job performance, academic achievement, and financial stability
• Legal troubles from obtaining Xanax illegally or engaging in criminal behavior to support the addiction
• Increased risk-taking and impulsivity, including drunk driving and other dangerous activities

The short-term and long-term consequences can be devastating if the addiction is allowed to progress unchecked.

How Does Xanax Addiction Impact the Brain to Cause Cognitive Deficits?

Xanax addiction impacts the brain by disrupting the normal functioning of GABA receptors, leading to impairments in memory formation and recall. It also slows down information processing and impairs sustained attention due to its sedative effects.

According to a study by Stewart, S. A. (2005). The effects of benzodiazepines on cognition. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 66 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), 9–13, Xanax enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Chronic Xanax use has been found to disrupt the normal functioning of GABA receptors, leading to impairments in memory formation and recall.

Another study by Barker, M. J., Greenwood, K. M., Jackson, M., & Crowe, S. F. (2004). Cognitive effects of long-term benzodiazepine use. CNS drugs, 18(1), 37–48 mentioned that Xanax addiction can slow down information processing and impair sustained attention, as the drug’s sedative effects interfere with normal cognitive processing.

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax?

The withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax (alprazolam) addiction can be severe and life-threatening. Some of the key withdrawal symptoms include:

• Seizures: Xanax withdrawal can precipitate severe, potentially fatal seizures, especially in individuals who have been using the drug for an extended period.
• Delirium and Psychosis: Abrupt discontinuation of Xanax can trigger episodes of delirium, characterized by confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. Withdrawal-induced psychosis has also been reported.
• Autonomic Instability: Xanax withdrawal can cause significant disturbances in the autonomic nervous system, including rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, and severe temperature dysregulation.
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: As the brain struggles to regain its normal balance without Xanax, heightened anxiety and panic attacks are common withdrawal symptoms.
• Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Individuals going through Xanax withdrawal often experience severe insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns.
• Tremors and Muscle Spasms: Withdrawal can lead to uncontrollable tremors and muscle spasms, which can be both physically and psychologically distressing.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite are frequently reported Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
• Cognitive Impairment: Withdrawal can result in memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive deficits.
• Mood Disturbances: Depression, irritability, and mood swings are common during Xanax withdrawal.
• Cravings and Drug-Seeking Behavior: The intense desire to use Xanax again can drive individuals to engage in compulsive, drug-seeking behavior.

The severity and potential lethality of these withdrawal symptoms underscore the importance of medically supervised detoxification and comprehensive addiction treatment when discontinuing Xanax use.

What are the Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction?

Treatment Options for Xanax Addiction include medically supervised detoxification, tapering and cross-tapering, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), residential or inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and continuing care. For more details, please refer to the list below:

• Medically Supervised Detoxification: Medically supervised detox is crucial for safely managing Xanax withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and even life-threatening. Under medical supervision, healthcare professionals can monitor vital signs, administer medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and ensure the patient’s safety throughout the detox process.
• Tapering and Cross-Tapering: Gradual dose reduction, known as tapering, helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and improves the likelihood of successful Xanax discontinuation. Cross-tapering involves transitioning the patient to a longer-acting benzodiazepine before tapering, which can further mitigate withdrawal effects.
• A study by Morin et al. (2005) titled “Long-term outcome after discontinuation of benzodiazepines for insomnia: a survival analysis of relapse” found that gradual dose reduction, or tapering, of benzodiazepines, including Xanax, was associated with reduced risk of relapse and improved long-term outcomes for individuals with benzodiazepine dependence. 
• Additionally, the study suggested that cross-tapering, where patients are transitioned to longer-acting benzodiazepines before tapering, may further reduce withdrawal symptoms and facilitate successful discontinuation of Xanax with fewer complications.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses the psychological aspects of Xanax addiction by identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals develop coping strategies, manage triggers, and prevent relapse by fostering healthier habits and attitudes towards drug use.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT involves using medications such as flumazenil, gabapentin, or antidepressants to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings during Xanax addiction treatment. These medications can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of relapse during the recovery process.
• Residential or Inpatient Treatment: For individuals with severe Xanax addiction, residential or inpatient treatment programs offer intensive care and support in a structured environment. These programs provide round-the-clock medical supervision, therapy sessions, and holistic interventions to address all aspects of addiction and facilitate long-term recovery.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment offers flexibility for individuals with milder forms of Xanax addiction or those who cannot commit to residential programs. It typically involves regular therapy sessions, medical monitoring, and support groups while allowing patients to continue with their daily activities and responsibilities.
• Continuing Care: Continuing care, also known as aftercare or relapse prevention, is essential for maintaining recovery after completing initial treatment. It includes ongoing therapy, support group participation, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments to reinforce sobriety, address any relapse triggers, and promote long-term wellness and stability.
  A study by McKay et al. (2005) titled “Effectiveness of Continuing Care Interventions for Substance Abusers: Implications for the Study of Long-Term Effects” found that individuals who participated in continuing care programs following initial treatment for substance abuse, including benzodiazepine addiction, had significantly lower rates of relapse compared to those who did not engage in continuing care.
  Specifically, the study demonstrated that ongoing support, therapy, and monitoring provided through continuing care interventions were associated with sustained abstinence and improved long-term outcomes for individuals recovering from Xanax addiction.

Struggling with Xanax Addiction? 

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What are the Different Forms of Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) is available in several different forms, including:

• Immediate-release tablets
• Extended-release (ER) tablets
• Orally disintegrating tablets
• Liquid solution
• Generics and brand-name formulations

The immediate-release and extended-release tablets are the most common forms of Xanax prescribed. The orally disintegrating tablets and liquid solution are less frequently used. Both brand-name and generic versions of Xanax are available.

What Are the Different Slang Names for Xanax?

Popular slang names for Xanax include:

• Xannies
• Bars
• Benzos
• Z-bars
• Xanbars
• Handlebars
• Footballs
• Blue footballs
• Yellow school buses
• White sticks

What Is the Difference Between Fentanyl and Xanax?

The difference between Xanax and Fentanyl lies in their drug class and use: Xanax treats anxiety, while Fentanyl relieves severe pain. Xanax enhances GABA for relaxation; Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors for pain relief. Xanax is a Schedule IV drug, less potent than Fentanyl, a Schedule II opioid with a high overdose risk.

What Happens when Xanax and Meth Are Used Together?

Using Xanax and methamphetamine together is extremely dangerous and potentially lethal. This combination can lead to heart attacks, slowed breathing, unresponsiveness, strokes, and dizziness. Mixing benzodiazepines with meth can have lethal consequences due to the contrasting effects on the body, leading to unpredictable reactions and long-term complications.