Xanax Addiction: Symptoms and Signs

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 40 million people in the United States live with an anxiety disorder.¹ While many anxiety symptoms can be managed with a combination of therapy and complementary health approaches, like relaxation techniques, some symptoms require the use of medication to manage. One common short-term treatment used for anxiety symptoms is Xanax.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax (generic: alprazolam) is a prescription benzodiazepine, which means that it has a sedative effect; it is also categorized as a tranquilizer or anxiolytic.² Xanax is indicated for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorders and panic disorders.²

Xanax is federally classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means there is a recognized risk for misuse and dependence.²

Symptoms of Xanax Abuse

Misuse of benzodiazepines, like Xanax, generally involves the use of doses higher than prescribed and may involve the use of other substances like alcohol or opioids.

Some of the most common symptoms of Xanax misuse include:³

• Anxiety and panic attacks when not using Xanax.
• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• Slurred speech.
• Blurred vision.
• Memory problems.
• Nausea.
• Irritability and mood swings.
• Withdrawal when use of Xanax is abruptly slowed or stopped.

Signs of Xanax Misuse

Some of the most common signs of Xanax misuse include:

• Taking more Xanax than prescribed.
• Inability to reduce intake.⁴
• Doctor shopping to get extra Xanax pills.
• Asking family, friends, significant others, classmates, and/or colleagues for their Xanax pills.
• Buying Xanax or other sedatives on the street.
• Spending a disproportionate amount of time using, getting, or recovering from Xanax abuse.⁴
• Engaging in risky behavior after Xanax abuse, such as driving (drugged driving).⁴

Xanax Addiction

If Xanax misuse progresses, it can become what mental health professionals call a sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder.⁴

In order for a person to be diagnosed with a sedative use disorder, at least two of a possible 11 symptoms must emerge in the same 12-month period. The more symptoms that are present, the higher grading the sedative use disorder will receive along a continuum from mild, to moderate, to severe.

The 11 symptoms of a sedative use disorder are:

• Repeated problems meeting obligations in the area of family, work, or school because of Xanax use
• Spending a significant amount of one’s time getting Xanax, using it, or recovering from side effects of use
• Even when taking Xanax gets a person into hazardous circumstances, the use continues
• An ongoing desire to stop using Xanax but being unable to do so
• Continuing to take Xanax even though it causes or frustrates interpersonal or social problems
• Building a tolerance over time, which requires a person to take increasing amounts of Xanax
• Using more Xanax or using it for longer than intended
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping use of Xanax or if the familiar dose is significantly reduced
• Continuing to use Xanax despite experiencing one or more negative personal outcomes
• Craving Xanax
• Due to use of Xanax, reducing or stopping participation in work, social, or family affairs

Getting Help for Xanax Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax misuse or addiction, it’s important to get help from a qualified healthcare professional. Xanax withdrawal can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there is effective evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare that can get you on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve.

American Addiction Centers’ (AAC) nationwide network of treatment centers have helped thousands of people reclaim their lives from addiction and find hope and healing. To learn more about your treatment options, give us a call at . Our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators are on hand to answer your questions about rehab, help verify your insurance or go over other payment options, and help you take the first steps of your recovery journey. Discover how good life can be and reach out today.