Xanax Misuse and Addiction

How Is Xanax Abused?

People abuse Xanax in a number of ways, including: 

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Taking it more frequently than prescribed
• Using it without a prescription
• Crushing and snorting pills to feel the effects more quickly
• Combining Xanax with other substances like alcohol or opioids to heighten its effects (a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of overdose)

Taking Xanax in ways other than prescribed or mixing it with other substances can have unpredictable and potentially life-threatening consequences. 

Xanax Statistics

Xanax misuse isn’t rare. In fact, it’s a growing problem:

• Nearly 12.5% of U.S. adults use benzodiazepines⁴ like Xanax, and about 17% of them misuse these medications.
• About 30% of opioid overdose deaths also involve benzodiazepines⁵ like Xanax.
• Benzos are involved in over 200,000 emergency room visits⁶ annually. Over half of these are from nonmedical use.

These numbers show just how serious Xanax misuse has become—and why it’s so important to understand the risks.

How Addictive Is Xanax?

Xanax is highly addictive, especially when compared to other prescription drugs. Its effects are strong and fast, which makes it more likely for people to develop a dependency. This can happen over even a short amount of time. The NIH explains how Xanax dependence sets in: 

Alprazolam may cause a physical dependence⁷ (a condition in which unpleasant physical symptoms occur if a medication is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses), especially if you take it for several days to several weeks.

What makes Xanax so addictive?

• Short-lasting effects: Xanax works quickly but wears off fast, which can make you want more.
• Feel-good effects: The sense of calm it provides can be hard to give up, especially if the cause of your anxiety persists.
• Tolerance: As your body adjusts, you might want to take larger doses, which increases your risk of addiction.

Signs of Xanax Addiction

If you’re worried about your relationship with Xanax, look for these warning signs:

Behavioral Indicators

• Taking more Xanax than you were prescribed or using it without a prescription
• Seeing multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions (a practice called “doctor shopping”)
• Avoiding your responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Acting secretive or withdrawing from your social circle

Physical Symptoms

• Constant drowsiness or feeling sedated
• Slurred speech or trouble staying balanced
• Constantly feeling tired or weak
• Muscle aches and tremors

Psychological Effects

• Feeling anxious, irritable, or panicked when you don’t have Xanax
• Cognitive impairments like trouble concentrating or memory lapses
• Depression or mood swings
• Craving Xanax even when you know it’s causing problems in your life

Risks of Xanax Misuse and Addiction

Addiction isn’t the only risk of Xanax use—it can also seriously affect your physical and mental health.

Overdose 

Xanax slows down your central nervous system, which controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. Taking too much—or mixing it with other substances like alcohol—can cause your breathing to slow to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of overdose.

Withdrawal Effects

If you’re dependent on Xanax, stopping suddenly is dangerous. It can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that include seizures, panic attacks, and insomnia. Quitting “cold turkey” without medical help is risky—it’s hugely important to taper off under a doctor’s supervision. The NIH warns,

Do not stop taking this medication or take fewer doses without talking to your doctor. Stopping alprazolam suddenly⁸ can worsen your condition and cause withdrawal symptoms that may last for several weeks to more than 12 months. Your doctor probably will decrease your alprazolam dose gradually. Call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms: unusual movements; ringing in your ears; anxiety; memory problems; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; seizures; shaking; muscle twitching; changes in mental health; depression; burning or prickling feeling in hands, arms, legs or feet; seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear; thoughts of harming or killing yourself or others; overexcitement; or losing touch with reality.

Not all doctors are trained in addiction-related care; it’s best to talk to a medical professional who has experience helping patients taper off benzodiazepines.

Long-Term Health Consequences

Prolonged Xanax drug abuse can lead to:

• Memory and focus problems: Over time, Xanax impairs cognitive functions like concentration and recall.
• Physical dependence: Your body can become so reliant on Xanax that it’s hard to function without it.
• Emotional instability: Xanax misuse can worsen anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions over time.

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

The good news? Xanax addiction is treatable, and there are plenty of resources to help you recover. Effective treatment for Xanax addiction typically involves a combination of medical intervention, therapy, and ongoing support.

Detox

The first step is detox, where the body gets rid of Xanax. Because withdrawal can be intense, it’s important to do this under medical supervision. Usually, your doctor will taper the dose slowly to make the process safer and more manageable.

Learn more about the detox process here. 

Therapy and Counseling

Therapy plays a big role in recovery, and can help you learn longer-term strategies for addressing the root cause of your anxiety and managing it without Xanax.

• Behavioral therapies help you identify and change the thought patterns that lead to misuse.
• Individual counseling is a safe space to work through personal struggles related to addiction.
• Group therapy provides support from others who are going through the same thing.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, your doctor might prescribe other medications to manage withdrawal symptoms or address co-occurring mental health issues.

Aftercare and Ongoing Support

Long-term recovery often involves a combination of continuing care approaches, such as:

• Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider
• Outpatient addiction treatment 
• Ongoing individual therapy
• Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Find a Treatment Center

If you want to stop using Xanax but are having a hard time doing so on your own, finding the right treatment facility is a great step toward recovering safely and effectively.

Rehabs offer personalized addiction treatment programs that are tailored to your needs, a combination of therapies to address underlying issues, and resources for long-term recovery. Many also have medical detox facilities on-site, or can help you arrange detox prior to starting treatment.

Explore benzodiazepine addiction treatment options to find a facility near you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xanax Misuse and Addiction

What makes Xanax so addictive?

Xanax is highly addictive due to its fast-acting, short-lasting effects, which can create a cycle of dependency. Over time, as tolerance builds, people often feel they need higher doses for the same relief. This increases the risk of benzodiazepine addiction, especially if you’re taking Xanax without medical supervision.

How can Xanax withdrawal be managed safely?

Xanax withdrawal should always be managed under medical supervision. Gradual tapering, as directed by a healthcare provider, reduces the risk of severe symptoms like seizures, panic attacks, or insomnia. Detox programs also offer safe and effective support.

What are the risks of mixing Xanax with alcohol?

Mixing Xanax with alcohol can severely depress the central nervous system, leading to slowed breathing, impaired coordination, and increased risk of overdose. This combination is extremely dangerous and should always be avoided.