First approved in 1981, Xanax or alprazolam [1] has been in circulation for many years.
Known by inoffensive nicknames such as “Xannies” or “Xans”, this prescription drug is anything but harmless.
Xanax belongs to a family of medications called benzodiazepines: a group of sedative drugs used in many clinical settings.
Due to their anxiolytic properties, benzos are widely prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and numerous panic-based mental health issues.
Because of its fast-acting nature, Xanax is usually the preferred choice for treating anxiety. Once ingested, its rapid absorption into the bloodstream relieves patients from waves of panic.
Within 15-30 minutes, their symptoms are reduced and they can continue their day.
While effective in treating anxiety, Xanax is prescribed for a range of additional health problems, including insomnia, muscle spasms and seizures.
As a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, Xanax helps to suppress abnormal brain activity.
Whether someone has difficulty falling asleep, has frequent panic attacks, or suffers from debilitating seizures, Xanax can help.
However, its powerful effects and widespread use have led many people to wonder whether taking this drug carries any repercussions.
When someone takes Xanax here in the UK, their dosage is heavily monitored by doctors, and they’re only allowed a temporary prescription.
This is because, like most benzodiazepines, Xanax can be incredibly addictive. But what makes its addictive potential so high?
In essence, the brain of someone taxing Xanax undergoes significant changes.
As a depressant, this drug increases the activity of a chemical known as GABA.
This neurotransmitter calms brain activity and suppresses communication between neurons. As a result, individuals feel less tense, sleepy, and their troubles quickly melt away.
That is until the Xanax wears off, causing a rebound in their symptoms and the temptation to self-medicate.
Studies have shown [2] that Xanax causes a surge of dopamine in the brain, a hormone that connects feelings of pleasure to behaviour. This motivates people to continue using Xanax, usually in larger doses.
Because benzos change the brain’s reward system in this way, misuse becomes more likely, and quickly leads the user to build up a tolerance.
To achieve the same feelings of relaxation as before they’ll need to take higher doses of Xanax, and before they realise what has happened, they’ve become physically dependent.
While not the same as a Xanax addiction, physical dependence often leads to a Substance Use Disorder when left untreated.
When someone takes frequent high doses of Xanax, the changes made to their brain’s neuronal receptors cause greater dopamine surges.
As their sense of reward is being amplified, they are more likely to use the drug compulsively and eventually reach a state where they need Xanax to feel normal. This cycle of behaviour has moved beyond Xanax dependence and has moved into the realm of addiction.
When someone continues taking Xanax despite the consequences, and finds it almost impossible to quit, they’ve likely developed an addiction.
Xanax Use Disorder is far from simple and is caused by a variety of cognitive, behavioural, and physiological factors.
Other considerations such as poly-drug use, environment and co-occurring mental health issues will also come into play.
More often than not, there’s a deeper underlying reason for a person’s Xanax addiction [3] and they’re usually trying to relieve symptoms of a mental health struggle.
Xanax Use Disorder can be simplified by dividing it into parts: physical addiction and psychological addiction.
Both aspects are debilitating, dangerous, and combine to eventually take over someone’s life.
As the body adapts to the constant presence of Xanax, it undergoes transformations that cause a physical addiction.
This means that without the drug, the body feels like it cannot function, and starts presenting withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, especially if the individual stops taking Xanax suddenly.
There’s a common misconception that prescription drugs don’t cause severe withdrawal, but this is not the case. Symptoms can be so severe that sufferers start using again to avoid further discomfort.
The mental aspect of Xanax addiction is also debilitating.
Characterised by extreme cravings, someone with a psychological addiction won’t be able to focus on anything other than their next Xanax dose.
The dangers of Xanax are more understood now than in the 1980s, but this hasn’t stopped thousands of UK residents from succumbing to addiction.
Though Xanax is only legally available via a private prescription, many people abuse the drug in non-medical settings, particularly young adults.
Studies suggest [4] that nonmedical use of alprazolam in the UK is a significant issue, and it appears to be more prevalent in young people.
Those obtaining Xanax nonmedically are less likely to be aware of the dangers, including its addictive potential.
Public Health England [5] recently found that in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people aged under 20 admitted to hospitals with benzodiazepine poisoning.
Moreover, enquiries to the National Poisons Information Service about the treatment of alprazolam poisoning have increased.
More people each year in the UK are misusing Xanax to the point of hospitalisation. While this doesn’t mean that they are necessarily addicted, it indicates a worrying trend and the potential for dependence.
Unless they’ve experienced addiction first-hand, many people aren’t sure how to identify the warning signs of a Substance Use Disorder.
Xanax addiction can be hard to pinpoint, as those suffering often become secretive and withdraw into themselves.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that provide a breakdown of each warning sign and symptom.
Whether you’re concerned for your relationship with Xanax or worried for a loved one, recognising the signs of addiction is crucial.
According to The DSM-5, [6] someone addicted to Xanax will show various physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms.
These include:
Identifying more than one symptom outlined by the DSM-5 can point to a drug problem in need of treatment.
However, a proper diagnosis from a doctor is crucial to understand the severity.
Xanax can help individuals cope with anxiety, insomnia, seizures or muscle spasms, but it comes with an array of health concerns.
Short-term health impacts occur when someone has recently ingested the drug and can take hold within an hour.
While many users report feeling pleasantly relaxed and euphoric, Xanax can cause people to black out and lose time.
Known as “Xanning out”, this drowsy state causes users to pass out for a few hours, or experience memory loss.
Especially as their dosage increases, those taking Xanax are also at risk of overdosing.
Because the effects of this drug occur quickly, the body can quickly become overwhelmed if too many pills are ingested at once.
These situations can quickly become life-threatening, particularly if Xanax has been mixed with alcohol or opioids.
By mixing one sedative or depressant drug with another, the risk of death increases significantly.
They may depress the central nervous system enough for the person to stop breathing, or go into cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of a benzodiazepine overdose may include dizziness, blurred vision, confusion and sleepiness.
Without the help of medical professionals, the situation can become fatal, with symptoms persisting for 12-36 hours.
What’s more, even after the symptoms of a Xanax overdose wear off, individuals can be left with lasting health damage. During a lethargic state, users can develop aspiration pneumonia, which can lead to permanent damage to the lungs.
In the long term, Xanax addiction has been linked to the onset of various health problems, [7] both physical and mental.
Such issues can develop slowly and may not be noticeable for many years.
But further down the line, long-term Xanax users are stuck with an array of health issues.
Various studies have noted some worrying cognitive impairments among those addicted to Xanax.
Using a depressant drug for many years means users are in a constant state of sedation. This has been linked to the onset of memory problems and even conditions such as dementia.
For those who were prescribed Xanax to treat a mental health issue, these symptoms can return worse than before.
Paradoxically, rebound anxiety can occur, causing symptoms to return in their fiercest form between Xanax doses.
Rebound anxiety is a common reason for someone’s increasing dependence on Xanax.
They live in fear of what will happen if they stop taking Xanax, trapped in a vicious cycle of abuse.
Many long-term users also report feelings of depression and suicidal ideation.
While Xanax releases higher levels of dopamine into the brain, these levels will diminish over time, leaving the user listless.
Those addicted to Xanax are also plagued with physical symptoms, mainly in the form of withdrawal.
Because Xanax has a short half-life, usually around 11 hours, withdrawal symptoms can happen quickly and increase in severity.
When they try to stop taking Xanax, individuals can experience headaches, rebound insomnia, tremors and seizures.
On top of these are psychological symptoms, including paranoia, depression, hallucinations and delirium.
As if going through withdrawal wasn’t enough, individuals can also develop a condition known as Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome (PWS). [8]
This condition hounds sufferers with long-term symptoms that can last for months or years. Usually psychological, PWS causes lingering anxiety, depression or insomnia.
The first step towards beating Xanax addiction is a medically controlled detox and strict tapering schedule.
To avoid withdrawal, the body must be slowly weaned off the effects of Xanax and prevented from going into shock.
Known as a taper, this usually takes place in a residential rehab clinic, especially for those who have been using Xanax for a long time.
By detoxing in a rehab centre, patients are guaranteed personalised care, constant supervision and immediate treatment for any withdrawal symptoms.
Before starting their Xanax detox, each patient undertakes a health evaluation to make sure they get the best care possible.
Health professionals screen for levels of Xanax in the body, the presence of other substances and co-occurring conditions.
With the help of a doctor, detox can take anywhere between 2-10 weeks, depending on each patient.
To wean off benzodiazepines, a slow and steady approach is key to avoid long-term complications.
Effective tapering can help avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, but it doesn’t remove the risk altogether.
To make sure patients feel comfortable, rehab clinics may administer certain medications.
For those at risk of seizures, anticonvulsants can be prescribed [9] are prescribed to quell abnormal brain activity and ensure safety during detox.
If rebound mental health symptoms are a risk, alternative medications that mimic the effects of Xanax may be used such as beta blockers.
Commonly, addiction specialists recommend the use of weaker, longer-acting benzodiazepines in the first weeks of detox.
This gets the body used to functioning without Xanax and avoids the worst symptoms.
After detox, patients are guided in how they can maintain long-term recovery and develop their own relapse prevention techniques.
Typically, further treatment will be offered after the person leaves rehab in the form of a period of free aftercare.
Choosing to enter treatment for Xanax addiction is a huge step towards lifelong sobriety.
This commendable decision could see you spending time in a rehab facility, or undertaking outpatient care.
While both types of treatment can help you avoid a relapse, it’s important to note their differences.
Opting for outpatient treatment means travelling to a treatment centre for regular treatment sessions whilst still living at home.
This allows patients to keep their independence while receiving a continuum of care.
As such, it’s an ideal form of treatment for those with less severe addictions.
In the UK, outpatient programs are provided for free via the NHS, but this comes with a host of problems.
Despite their affordability, NHS programmes are oversubscribed, underfunded, and come with long waiting lists.
Having to wait for a year or more for treatment can be a major recovery obstacle, as it allows time for a Xanax addiction to get worse. Moreover, outpatients are less likely to receive comprehensive care that deals with all aspects of their condition.
Also known as residential rehab, inpatients reside at a facility for the duration of their treatment.
They receive medication, therapy, and all aspects of ongoing care in one place, making it ideal for those with severe addictions.
Choosing inpatient treatment means you’ll receive the highest level of personalised care.
Because each person is different, tailored treatment is the best way to stay Xanax-free.
Consultants will take into account your personal history with Xanax and may diagnose you with a co-occurring disorder.
Treating the root cause of your addiction means addressing underlying problems, such as a physical or mental health problem.
Behavioural therapies alongside alternative medications provide patients with the tools needed to maintain abstinence.
Therapies used in rehab centres can help you identify and change dysfunctional thinking patterns, treating the root causes of addiction.
Because Xanax has been used as a temporary fix for deeper issues, patients must learn healthier coping behaviours, and therapy can provide you with precisely these.
As we’ve shown in this article, Xanax can be incredibly addictive, and benzodiazepine use disorder can ruin lives.
But when someone is struggling to come to terms with their Xanax addiction, seeking help can feel impossible.
Even telling those closest to you about your addiction is daunting and carries a stigma of shame.
If someone close to you is battling Xanax addiction and refuses to get help, it might be time for a professional intervention.
When conducted in the right manner, an intervention looks very different to the confrontations presented in film and TV.
A professional intervention is more like a psychiatric technique, delivered by an expert interventionist alongside loved ones.
Rather than engaging in a screaming match, meetings are sympathetically carried out and try to avoid confrontation.
Instead, friends and family share their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives with the addicted person.
The end goal is to convince a loved one that entering treatment is the best and only way forward.
They need to be reassured, rather than pressured.
To reach their loved one in distress, family members might choose to read out impact statements.
These are written scripts that aim to avoid conflict and present emotions cohesively.
A professional interventionist will help loved ones write and rehearse these impact statements, providing insight and support along the way.
Here at Rehab 4 Addiction, we know how easy it is for Xanax abuse to spiral out of control, and our team is here to help.
We provide support in all kinds of situations involving Xanax addiction, whether it’s helping loved ones stage an intervention or recommending rehab clinics.
To start your recovery journey and build the life you want to live, give our team a call today.
To schedule your free phone consultation, call us at 0800 140 4690
[1] https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2018/07/30/alprazolam-xanax-what-are-the-facts/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/
[3]https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Alprazolam_Addiction_Xanax_How_I_Won_The/1jaZxAEACAAJ?hl=en
[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/novel-benzodiazepines-prevalence-and-harms-in-the-uk
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6624393/
[6] https://www.addictionpolicy.org/post/dsm-5-facts-and-figures
[7] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2018.00039/full
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9702287/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
