You can easily tell if someone is on Xanax if they appear more sleepy than usual, zoned out, unresponsive to conversation, or simply a bit moody. Some signs that a person is abusing Xanax regularly include memory problems, blurred vision, slurred speech, excessive anxiety, and nausea.
In 2021, 1.7% or 4.9 million people aged 12 or older in the U.S. were abusing prescription drugs such as Xanax within the past month.1 Xanax falls under the category of CNS depressants, which are one of the most widely abused prescription drug classes.2
Although the state of Texas has taken measures to prevent Xanax and prescription drug use, it is still rampant in the population. If you’re looking for Xanax addiction treatment in Texas, NNRC offers prescription drug addiction treatment programs that can help!
5 Signs of Xanax Abuse & Addiction in People
Unlike illicit drug use, Xanax addiction doesn’t have a lot of telltale signs that point towards the substance. Instead, one must be alert for behavioral changes and cognitive decline. Since Xanax abuse can often go unnoticed due to the personal use of the prescription drug, staying alert for the following signs can help you intervene before it’s too late:
1. Memory Issues
Studies show that Xanax abuse can cause memory issues, most importantly anterograde amnesia, which can get worse over time.3 If someone around you is abusing the drug, you’ll notice they’ve become more forgetful, can’t keep up with conversations, or tend to zone out a lot.
2. Blurred Vision
Excessive Xanax consumption or use can lead to blurred vision or the feeling that your eyes go out of focus randomly. You may notice an Xanax abuser struggling to focus on boards, presentations, signs, or even their phones when working. Severe vision issues can make the user a liability, especially if they are driving or operating machinery.4
3. Anxiety or Mood Swings
Since Xanax needs to be taken on schedule according to proper doses, it can cause a lot of anxiety when abused. It interacts with GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, causing an enhanced sense of calm. Missing a dose or lowering your dosage can reduce the ‘calmness’ and cause unpredictable mood swings and aggressive behavior.5
4. Slurred Speech
Another sign of Xanax abuse is interrupted speech patterns or slurred speech, especially when it was not common in the individual before.6 Some signs of slurred speech can be stuttering, not using words properly, or forgetting sentences mid-way.
5. Nausea and Stomach Pain
Since Xanax is intended for controlled use, abusing it to get high can cause issues with the stomach. Individuals often report nausea, stomach pain, and GERD. Similarly, long-term Xanax abuse has been linked with liver issues as well.7
Why Do People Abuse Xanax So Openly?
Not all Xanax addictions start off with prescription drug use. For many, the drug is simply present at home or in their friends’ circle, and they experiment to avoid feeling negative emotions such as anxiety.
Some of the main reasons why people abuse Xanax include:
- Fast relief from anxiety or panic attacks makes the drug feel indispensable.
- Emotional numbing can feel like an escape for individuals under extreme stress.
- Rebound anxiety makes people take more to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Peer pressure or curiosity leads some individuals to misuse it recreationally.
- For relief when facing dual diagnosis conditions.
- Polydrug use (mixing Xanax with alcohol or opioids) makes the sedative effect more intense.
Understanding Xanax’s Addiction Potential
Although it is a prescription-only drug that is commonly used in mental health treatment, Xanax has a high potential for addiction.
Xanax Side Effects
Short-term side effects of Xanax abuse8 include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Slowed reaction times
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Mood changes
Long-term side effects include:
- Cognitive decline
- Liver strain
- Persistent memory problems
- Increased anxiety
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
Many of these symptoms tend to get worse as the abuse continues over a long period of time.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping Xanax without medical supervision can be dangerous. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines is known to be one of the most intense and potentially fatal.9
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Severe anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Panic attacks
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Because withdrawal symptoms can be so strong, it is not recommended to detox from Xanax at home or rely on self-treatment for recovery.
Xanax Overdose Signs
Since Xanax abuse is often accompanied by other forms of addiction, Xanax overdose becomes a real possibility that needs to be addressed. A Xanax overdose can happen when too much of the drug is taken at once or when it’s mixed with substances like alcohol or opioids.10
Warning signs that someone is overdosing on Xanax include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Inability to stay awake
- Slowed breathing
- Pale or blue skin
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion
- Unresponsiveness
If you suspect someone to be in a state of overdose, reach out to emergency services immediately, as the situation can be potentially life-threatening.
Expert Opinion on Xanax Abuse and Spotting the Signs
“Chronic Xanax abuse places significant strain on the liver, which must metabolize the drug, and over time, this can lead to hepatic stress, toxicity, and dangerous drug accumulation. It is often accompanied by telltale signs such as slower cognition, stomach issues, and moodiness. The sooner these signs are recognized, the faster we can intervene with medical detox and prevent long-term neurological and liver damage.”
-Dr. Taiye Popoola
How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?
On average, Xanax stays in your system for about 2-4 days, depending on the dosage, your health, your metabolism, and how long you’ve been abusing the drug for.11 A specific breakdown of Xanax detection in the body is:
- Saliva: Xanax stays in the saliva for up to 3.5 days since your last dose and is easily detectable across drug tests.
- Urine: Xanax and its metabolites can be detected in the urine for up to 48 hours after the last dose.
- Blood: Xanax can be detected in your blood for up to 24 hours after the last administered dose.
- Hair: Like most medications, traces of Xanax can be detected in the hair for up to 90 days since the last use.
What Treatment Options Do You Have for Xanax Abuse?
Xanax abuse can be treated through different approaches to addiction treatment. The goal for treatment is to reduce the dependency on the drug while using psychotherapy to promote better coping mechanisms and correct addictive behavior.12
Medication Assisted Treatment
Some treatment centers combine traditional outpatient addiction treatment with FDA-approved medication to wean off the addiction to Xanax, and if the patient has mental health conditions that require a similar medication, then alternatives will be prescribed.
Addiction Counselling
Another approach is to give the patient addiction counselling to help them understand why they depend on Xanax and the reality they’re trying to escape from. It also helps the patient understand the need for responsible behavior and better coping mechanisms.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers prescription drug addiction treatment that helps address addiction to drugs like Xanax. It uses different, evidence-backed approaches to achieve a sustainable recovery and meet an individual’s recovery goals.
Finding the Best Xanax Addiction Treatment Center in Texas
Living a life free of Xanax abuse starts with finding the will to get treatment and make an effort towards recovery. If you’re suffering from Xanax addiction in Arlington, Texas, Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers prescription drug addiction treatment!
We also have telehealth addiction treatment options for those of you who live in other areas of the state. Call us today at (214) 838-7488 or contact us to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Feel Xanax Immediately?
Yes, the effects of Xanax can be felt immediately, especially when abused. Some people tend to crush Xanax and snort it to increase its bioavailability.
What Medication Is Used for Xanax Withdrawal?
Medical professionals in charge of Xanax addiction treatment may prescribe a slow-release alternative like Valium to reduce the body’s dependency on Xanax.
Do People Go to Rehab for Xanax?
Yes, people go to rehab for prescription drug addiction, including that of Xanax. It can help correct addictive behavior and promote a healthy lifestyle.
What Is an Alternative Drug for Xanax?
Some alternative drugs for Xanax include Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam).
Additional Resources
- 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): Risks, Legality, and Safer Treatment Alternatives to Kratom
- How to Spot Xanax Abuse Symptoms: When to Seek Help
- What is Benadryl Withdrawal? Symptoms, Complications & When to Get Help
- Is Heroin A Depressant? What Does Heroin Abuse Look Like
- How Long Does Gabapentin Stay in Your System?
