Xanax Addiction: Overdose and Prescription Drug Treatment

Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Anxiety disorders impact millions globally, with a significant number of adults in the United States affected. A common treatment for these individuals is anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax. In 2022, approximately 15 million people in the U.S. were prescribed Xanax, according to Statista. While benzodiazepines like Xanax can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms quickly, they also carry risks of abuse, dependence, and addiction. Research indicates that around 44% of regular benzodiazepine users may develop an addiction, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. Xanax addiction usually develops because the body tends to build a tolerance to Xanax, necessitating larger doses to achieve the same relief. When Xanax dependence develops, stopping the medication abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including heightened anxiety, insomnia, seizures, intense cravings, and hallucinations, making it challenging to quit.

At high enough doses, Xanax can lead to toxicity or overdose, especially when combined with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants like alcohol or opioids. Mixing these substances can intensify their effects, resulting in slowed breathing, respiratory depression, coma, or even death. As tolerance increases, individuals may resort to higher doses, further elevating their overdose risk. The issue of Xanax abuse and addiction has escalated in the U.S., with many using it recreationally alongside other drugs. Overcoming an addiction to Xanax is often a complex process that typically requires professional help to address both the substance use disorder and any underlying mental health issues.

Xanax withdrawal can be not only uncomfortable but also potentially life-threatening, leading to severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, delirium, psychosis, and even suicidal thoughts or actions. Because of these risks, treatment for Xanax addiction often necessitates a medically supervised detox. During this process, patients receive constant monitoring, medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and expert guidance on tapering off the drug safely and comfortably. However, medical detox is rarely sufficient to sustain long-term recovery; it’s usually considered a first step in a more comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of addiction.

Rehabilitation programs for addiction to Xanax offer evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, and strategies for preventing relapse. These customized programs focus on uncovering the underlying causes of addiction and often incorporate dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and panic disorders, facilitating a path toward long-term recovery. Aftercare services, which include ongoing counseling, group support, and accountability measures, play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain their sobriety and mental well-being after completing their rehab journey.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name of the generic drug alprazolam. It helps to reduce the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder. A benzodiazepine drug, Xanax can induce feelings of calm and relaxation by slowing down the central nervous system. In the short term, Xanax can be effective, but longer-term use of Xanax is associated with the development of physical dependence and then addiction. Xanax is an addictive drug, and people can develop a tolerance to it quickly. 

Many mental health treatment providers choose to prescribe Xanax for a short period of time until other prescription medications, like antidepressants, have had a chance to build up in patients’ systems and ‘take over’ managing the mental health symptoms. Xanax is also a common drug of abuse on the street. It’s associated with various ‘street names,’ including benzos, xannies, handlebars, and ladders. People who abuse Xanax may take the drug in pill form (taking multiple pills at a time), inject it, snort it, or use it in combination with other drugs and alcohol.

Does Xanax Cause Memory Problems?

Xanax, or alprazolam as it’s known generically, belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which are primarily used to manage anxiety disorders by soothing the central nervous system. While effective in reducing anxiety, this medication is not without its drawbacks, including a range of side effects. Xanax functions by boosting the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation in the brain. Although this can help ease anxiety symptoms, it may also hinder cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and attention. Notably, benzodiazepines like Xanax can lead to memory lapses regarding events that occur while the drug is in the system. Short-term memory loss is particularly common during the first 6 to 20 hours after ingestion, causing individuals to forget conversations or events, similar to the way people have trouble remembering their dreams.

In some cases, chronic Xanax abuse can lead to more significant cognitive issues, including long-term memory impairment. Research indicates that individuals who use Xanax over an extended period experience greater memory difficulty compared to those who do not take the medication. Furthermore, some patients who have ceased using Xanax report memory problems that persist for up to four months. Withdrawal from Xanax can also temporarily exacerbate memory issues. However, a study published by Cambridge University Press revealed that the memory difficulties observed in patients during their use of alprazolam and shortly after discontinuation did not persist beyond 3.5 years. This finding suggests that while some individuals may experience lasting memory impairments, for many, these issues may simply be temporary side effects of the medication rather than indicative of permanent changes in brain function.

Signs of Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction and abuse may vary but often include:

• Trying to obtain Xanax to build up a supply (i.e. doctor shopping)
• Development of a tolerance to the drug and taking more than prescribed to achieve the former effect
• Feeling unable to stop using Xanax even though you want to
• Experiencing problems at work, school, or with relationships related to Xanax abuse
• Experience cravings for taking Xanax
• Using Xanax with alcohol or other non-prescribed drugs
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors while taking abusing Xanax (i.e. driving)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using Xanax

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who has developed a Xanax addiction may experience Xanax symptoms of withdrawal when they don’t use the drug for a certain length of time. These withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Increased anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Poor focus
• Muscle aches
• Reduced memory 
• Insomnia

A person addicted to Xanax will also experience intense cravings to use the drug. Management of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms is best done in a treatment facility like Resurgence where clients can get medical supervision, begin medication assisted treatment (if needed), and begin dual diagnosis treatment for mood disorders or mental disorders if needed.

Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse

Long-term side effects of Xanax addiction and abuse can cause a person to develop concentration and memory problems. Xanax abuse can cause coordination problems and mood swings. People with a benzodiazepine addiction can develop seizures and are at high risk for overdose as they increase their dose to experience the effects of the drug. There’s also a link between Xanax abuse and dementia as well as Xanax abuse and depression.

Is Nausea Common with Xanax?

Xanax, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic, often leads to nausea and vomiting, particularly when taken in doses that exceed what the body can handle. This can pose serious risks, especially when combined with its sedative properties. The medication can induce drowsiness, and at elevated doses or when mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, it may result in severe sedation, poor coordination, and even loss of consciousness. In cases of overdose, if an individual becomes unconscious or semi-conscious, they face the danger of choking on their vomit due to a diminished gag reflex and compromised airway protection. Such situations can be life-threatening, as restricted airways can prevent oxygen from reaching the brain.

Can Xanax Cause Stomach Issues?

One frequently encountered side effect of Xanax involves gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, often referred to as “benzo belly.” Generally, these effects are mild and tend to diminish as the body acclimates to the medication. The calming properties of Xanax can also impact the digestive system, affecting gut motility. Additionally, it may alter the production of stomach acid or heighten sensitivity to it, leading to conditions like acid reflux. Xanax dependence can exacerbate stomach issues, potentially resulting in gastritis, which is characterized by inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. These gastrointestinal complications can be further aggravated when Xanax is misused in conjunction with alcohol or when both Xanax and alcohol dependencies coexist.

Can Xanax Cause Lightheadedness?

Xanax can often lead to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness due to its nature as a central nervous system depressant. This sensation may also arise from a decrease in blood pressure associated with the medication. Such effects are particularly prevalent when beginning treatment or modifying the dosage. Additionally, these symptoms can intensify if Xanax is taken in larger amounts or combined with other substances, such as alcohol. Consequently, this can elevate the risk of falls, injuries, and fainting episodes. It’s also worth noting that dizziness and lightheadedness may occur during withdrawal from Xanax as well.

Get Help at Resurgence Behavioral Health for Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction can lead to a range of long-lasting physical and mental health issues, making recovery a challenging journey without professional assistance. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right addiction treatment center if you find yourself in need of support. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we provide extensive treatment programs designed to help individuals break free from Xanax addiction. Our experienced team of addiction specialists customizes each program to meet the unique needs of every individual, addressing both the root causes of addiction and any accompanying mental health conditions. We offer medically supervised detox for benzodiazepines, featuring 24/7 monitoring and expert tapering strategies to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Following detox, patients can smoothly transition into our prescription drug rehabilitation programs, where they will work on healing from the physical and psychological impacts of addiction while acquiring effective coping mechanisms and strategies for sustainable recovery.

If you are ready to take the next step towards the road to recovery, reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health today at 855-458-0050 to explore your treatment options or to arrange your initial intake.

External Sources

• Statista – Number of alprazolam prescription in the U.S. from 2004 to 2022
• Cambridge University Press – Long-term effects of alprazolam on memory: a 3.5 year follow-up of agoraphobia/panic patients
• Cleveland Clinic – Alprazolam Tablets