Millions of people in the United States use prescription medications to manage mental health and medical conditions. Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication used to address the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder.

Some prescription drugs, including Xanax, have the potential for abuse and addiction. People who misuse Xanax may develop tolerance and physical dependence as well as serious complications, including a life-threatening overdose. 

This article will explore the potential of a Xanax overdose. You will learn:

• How Xanax abuse and addiction occur
• How to recognize a Xanax addiction
• How to recognize and treat Xanax addiction
• Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with Xanax abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the treatment specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment. 

Understanding Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription drug called alprazolam. Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication that increases the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can reduce symptoms of panic and anxiety.

People who take Xanax may experience a reduction in their anxiety symptoms. They may also experience unwanted side effects of Xanax, including:

• Dry mouth
• Slurred speech
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Euphoria
• Nausea
• Difficulty with concentration and focus
• Excessive sleeping

Rarely, people may experience more serious side effects when taking benzodiazepines like Xanax. These may include:

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

Abusing Xanax can increase the risk of unwanted or dangerous side effects. Examples of Xanax abuse include:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed
• Taking Xanax more frequently than prescribed
• Taking Xanax for longer periods than prescribed
• Ingesting a medication differently, such as crushing and snorting tablets
• Taking Xanax recreationally (without a prescription)

People who misuse Xanax can develop tolerance (needing to use more to get the desired effects). Over time, this can result in taking dangerously high doses of this drug. 

Can You Overdose on Xanax?

People may abuse Xanax while taking it to treat anxiety and panic disorder symptoms. In some cases, people may take it recreationally and become addicted to it. People who abuse Xanax often begin taking larger doses, which can increase the risk of overdose. 

Xanax is a potent central nervous system depressant. Taking large doses can lead to a life-threatening overdose. 

Signs of a Xanax overdose include:

• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing)
• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of coordination

A benzodiazepine overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you or someone near you is exhibiting the signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until help arrives.

Overdose deaths are more common among people who take high doses of Xanax or combine it with other drugs, including alcohol or opioids. However, anyone who abuses Xanax is at risk of life-threatening complications. 

Recognizing Xanax Abuse and Addiction

Many doctors prescribe Xanax for short-term use to reduce the risk of abuse or addiction. However, people may still abuse it by taking larger doses or taking it recreationally. 

Recognizing Xanax abuse is the first step in getting help. Some signs of Xanax abuse or addiction include:

• Running out of prescription Xanax sooner than they should
• Buying or stealing Xanax
• “Doctor shopping” to get more Xanax
• Increased isolation
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or hobbies
• Having legal, social, or financial problems related to Xanax abuse
• Needing to use more Xanax to get the desired effects
• Taking Xanax recreationally (without a prescription)
• Doing dangerous things while using Xanax, such as driving or having unprotected sex

People who develop an addiction to Xanax may continue to use it, even when it causes serious harm. Most people require intensive treatment to stop taking it and ongoing support to prevent a relapse. 

Treating Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction treatment typically happens in stages. A substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program may include:

• A substance abuse evaluation and other assessments
• A medical detox program (round-the-clock supervision, medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, holistic therapies, emotional support, and other care)
• Behavioral therapies
• Relapse prevention education
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, creative expression, and nature therapy
• Aftercare planning

Holistic addiction treatment programs address the complex underlying roots of substance abuse. They provide comprehensive support for a person’s mind, body, relationships, spirit, and community as they work to put addiction in the past. 

Find Treatment Now

Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction can be very challenging. Having holistic treatment and compassionate support can help you put addiction in the past and move forward.

Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out if you have questions or want to schedule an intake appointment.