Millions of people in the United States take prescription medications to manage anxiety and panic disorders. Some of the drugs people take to reduce panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and panic. People who take Xanax to manage anxiety or panic disorders may abuse it and become addicted to it. Some people may use Xanax recreationally (without a prescription) for its pleasurable effects.

This article will explore Xanax abuse.

What you will learn:

  • If Xanx is a narcotic or a controlled substance
  • The short and long-term effects of Xanax abuse
  • What to expect in Xanax addiction treatment
  • Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment

If you or a loved one struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an initial appointment.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription benzodiazepine. Doctors may prescribe Xanax to help patients manage panic or anxiety disorders.

Like all prescription drugs, Xanax can cause unwanted short-term side effects, including:

  • Euphoria
  • Lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  •  Difficulty focusing
  • Excessive sleeping

Some of the effects of Xanax can be more serious, including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Agitation
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Jaundice
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Fast-talking
  • Double-vision

People who take larger doses of Xanax than prescribed are at the highest risk for unwanted or dangerous side effects. Taking Xanax differently than prescribed also increases the risk of developing physical dependence.

Is Xanax a Narcotic?

Xanax is not a narcotic. The term “narcotics” refers to opioid drugs. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug, not an opioid. Benzodiazepines and opioids both have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Although Xanax is not a narcotic, abusing it may cause serious, even life-threatening harm. People who abuse Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs face the risk of dependence and other serious complications. People who become addicted to Xanax may require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to stop using it and avoid relapse.

Is Xanax a Controlled Substance?

Xanax is a controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Xanax as a Schedule IV drug. This designation means Xanax has a medical purpose but has the potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule IV drugs like Xanax have a relatively low risk for abuse and addiction. However, people who take Xanax differently than prescribed may develop symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.

Understanding the Risks and Effects of Xanax Abuse

Xanax works by slowing central nervous system (CNS) activity. Doctors may prescribe Xanax to help people manage symptoms of anxiety or panic. People must use Xanax exactly as prescribed to avoid serious complications, including addiction.

People who abuse Xanax by taking higher doses are also at risk of a life-threatening overdose.  Signs of a Xanax overdose include:

  • Slow or weak pulse
  • Loss of muscle control
  • Altered mental status
  • Slurred speech
  • Breathing problems, including slow or shallow breaths
  • Confusion

People who abuse Xanax may take larger doses than their bodies can handle, leading to an overdose. Combining Xanax and other substances, including alcohol, can increase the risk of life-threatening side effects or overdose.

A Xanax overdose is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone near you is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.

Long-Term Dangers of Xanax Addiction

People who become addicted to Xanax may abuse it for many months or years before getting help. Long-term Xanax abuse can severely affect your mental and physical health. Some of the long-term effects of Xanax abuse include:

  • Cognitive impairments, including slow response times, memory issues, and difficulty learning new information
  • Physical complications, including liver disease, chronic dizziness, and muscle spasms
  • Mental health complications, including paranoia, delusional thinking, chronic insomnia, and severe mood swings

Overcoming Xanax addiction can be challenging. However, comprehensive medical and mental health support is essential to help people address the roots of their substance abuse.

Without treatment, Xanax addiction is likely to get worse. Identifying the signs of Xanax addiction and seeking treatment is essential.

Identifying and Treating Xanax Addiction

People who take Xanax to manage anxiety or panic may like the way they feel while using it. This can lead to abuse and increase the risk of addiction.

It is critical to identify Xanax addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible. Some signs of Xanax addiction include:

  • Taking it differently than prescribed (taking larger doses, using it for longer than prescribed, ingesting it differently, etc.)
  •  Experiencing cravings for Xanax
  • Doing risky, dishonest, or illegal things to get more Xanax
  • Having withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Xanax
  • Needing to take larger doses of Xanax to get the effects you want
  • Using Xanax recreationally (without a prescription0
  • Wanting to stop but finding it’s impossible to quit on your own

People who develop Xanax addiction may require intensive, comprehensive treatment to stop taking it. Treatment may begin with a medically-supported detox program that consists of:

  • Round-the-clock medical supervision
  • Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
  • Emotional support
  • Holistic therapies

After detox, people must continue in an addiction treatment program. Comprehensive addiction treatment plans typically include:

  • Individual, group, and family counseling
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medical care and medication management
  • Mental health treatment
  • Nutrition support, mindfulness, creative expression, and other holistic therapies
  • Aftercare planning

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people safely stop using Xanax and develop the skills and support they need to avoid relapse for life.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, help is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

References:

  1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Alprazolam
  2. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Benzodiazepines
  3. American Academy of Family Physicians: Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use

Millions of people in the United States take prescription medications to manage anxiety and panic disorders. Some of the drugs people take to reduce panic attacks and other anxiety symptoms have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and panic. People who take Xanax to manage anxiety or panic disorders may abuse it and become addicted to it. Some people may use Xanax recreationally (without a prescription) for its pleasurable effects.

This article will explore Xanax abuse.

What you will learn:

  • If Xanx is a narcotic or a controlled substance
  • The short and long-term effects of Xanax abuse
  • What to expect in Xanax addiction treatment
  • Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment

If you or a loved one struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, evidence-based treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an initial appointment.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription benzodiazepine. Doctors may prescribe Xanax to help patients manage panic or anxiety disorders.

Like all prescription drugs, Xanax can cause unwanted short-term side effects, including:

  • Euphoria
  • Lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  •  Difficulty focusing
  • Excessive sleeping

Some of the effects of Xanax can be more serious, including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Agitation
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Jaundice
  • Risk-taking behaviors
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts
  • Fast-talking
  • Double-vision

People who take larger doses of Xanax than prescribed are at the highest risk for unwanted or dangerous side effects. Taking Xanax differently than prescribed also increases the risk of developing physical dependence.

Is Xanax a Narcotic?

Xanax is not a narcotic. The term “narcotics” refers to opioid drugs. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug, not an opioid. Benzodiazepines and opioids both have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Although Xanax is not a narcotic, abusing it may cause serious, even life-threatening harm. People who abuse Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs face the risk of dependence and other serious complications. People who become addicted to Xanax may require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to stop using it and avoid relapse.

Is Xanax a Controlled Substance?

Xanax is a controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Xanax as a Schedule IV drug. This designation means Xanax has a medical purpose but has the potential for abuse and addiction.

Schedule IV drugs like Xanax have a relatively low risk for abuse and addiction. However, people who take Xanax differently than prescribed may develop symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.

Understanding the Risks and Effects of Xanax Abuse

Xanax works by slowing central nervous system (CNS) activity. Doctors may prescribe Xanax to help people manage symptoms of anxiety or panic. People must use Xanax exactly as prescribed to avoid serious complications, including addiction.

People who abuse Xanax by taking higher doses are also at risk of a life-threatening overdose.  Signs of a Xanax overdose include:

  • Slow or weak pulse
  • Loss of muscle control
  • Altered mental status
  • Slurred speech
  • Breathing problems, including slow or shallow breaths
  • Confusion

People who abuse Xanax may take larger doses than their bodies can handle, leading to an overdose. Combining Xanax and other substances, including alcohol, can increase the risk of life-threatening side effects or overdose.

A Xanax overdose is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone near you is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.

Long-Term Dangers of Xanax Addiction

People who become addicted to Xanax may abuse it for many months or years before getting help. Long-term Xanax abuse can severely affect your mental and physical health. Some of the long-term effects of Xanax abuse include:

  • Cognitive impairments, including slow response times, memory issues, and difficulty learning new information
  • Physical complications, including liver disease, chronic dizziness, and muscle spasms
  • Mental health complications, including paranoia, delusional thinking, chronic insomnia, and severe mood swings

Overcoming Xanax addiction can be challenging. However, comprehensive medical and mental health support is essential to help people address the roots of their substance abuse.

Without treatment, Xanax addiction is likely to get worse. Identifying the signs of Xanax addiction and seeking treatment is essential.

Identifying and Treating Xanax Addiction

People who take Xanax to manage anxiety or panic may like the way they feel while using it. This can lead to abuse and increase the risk of addiction.

It is critical to identify Xanax addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible. Some signs of Xanax addiction include:

  • Taking it differently than prescribed (taking larger doses, using it for longer than prescribed, ingesting it differently, etc.)
  •  Experiencing cravings for Xanax
  • Doing risky, dishonest, or illegal things to get more Xanax
  • Having withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Xanax
  • Needing to take larger doses of Xanax to get the effects you want
  • Using Xanax recreationally (without a prescription0
  • Wanting to stop but finding it’s impossible to quit on your own

People who develop Xanax addiction may require intensive, comprehensive treatment to stop taking it. Treatment may begin with a medically-supported detox program that consists of:

  • Round-the-clock medical supervision
  • Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
  • Emotional support
  • Holistic therapies

After detox, people must continue in an addiction treatment program. Comprehensive addiction treatment plans typically include:

  • Individual, group, and family counseling
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medical care and medication management
  • Mental health treatment
  • Nutrition support, mindfulness, creative expression, and other holistic therapies
  • Aftercare planning

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people safely stop using Xanax and develop the skills and support they need to avoid relapse for life.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, help is available at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

References:

  1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Alprazolam
  2. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Benzodiazepines
  3. American Academy of Family Physicians: Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use

Medically Reviewed: January 17, 2025

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

medically-verified

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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