Xanax is the brand name of a medication known as alprazolam, which is a powerful benzodiazepine mainly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It works by impacting chemical activity in the brain, offering quick relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Typically, doctors prescribe Xanax in dosages of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 milligrams on the basis of your symptoms, medical history, and other needs. When used as per your doctor’s prescription and directions, it is safe, effective, and does not lead to any significant risks.

However, on the flip side, Xanax is dangerously addictive in that it can lead to dependence and a substance use disorder. It activates the reward centers in your brain and gives rise to feelings of pleasure, and this keeps you going back for more. So, what can begin as a medicine for relief can quickly spiral into dependence, especially when taken outside of medical supervision. Misusing Xanax can lead to serious side effects, intense withdrawal symptoms, and even life-threatening complications.

Why Do People Snort Xanax?

Xanax is a prescription medication meant to treat anxiety disorders. However, it is also habit-forming in that it is a highly potent benzodiazepine that gives rise to feelings of pleasure. Hence, there is a high risk of misuse that comes with this medication.

Xanax is available as a tablet and liquid. Those who misuse or abuse Xanax often tend to crush and snort it in an attempt to heighten its effects. While snorting Xanax can indeed give rise to pleasant sensations and feelings, its immediate, unwanted effects also include drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing, to memory troubles. Still further, it is mixed with alcohol or other drugs to experience more intense sensations and emotions. However, this cocktail is highly dangerous and can even lead to fatalities.

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What Happens When You Snort Xanax?

It is often believed that snorting Xanax leads to a quicker high; however, this is not the case. In fact, apart from the general side effects and dangers, snorting Xanax can lead to these additional risks:

  • Irritation in the nasal cavity
  • Nasal infections
  • Nasal damage
  • Loss of the sense of smell.

Dangers and Side Effects of Snorting Xanax:

Xanax can give rise to a range of side effects, which can take a toll on your health and well-being. Some of the most commonly recognizable side effects are:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Lowered focus
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Low mood
  • Memory impairments
  • Reduction in the sex drive
  • Risk of dependence and a substance use disorder
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Addiction and Dependence:

Benzodiazepines like Xanax have a high potential for misuse and abuse. As they activate your brain’s reward system, you experience pleasurable sensations and feelings whenever you take them. This keeps you coming back for more.

Even as Xanax’s pleasurable effects keep you coming back to this benzodiazepine, it can lead to some changes in the brain, like enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which can relax feelings related to anxiety. Over time, it leads to tolerance, and once you develop tolerance, you tend to increase your intake of Xanax to the point that your mind and body become dependent on it. Heavy and prolonged use of Xanax also increases the chances of developing a substance use disorder, where reducing or quitting Xanax on your own can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms and Other Challenges:

As Xanax use leads to tolerance, you tend to increase your intake of Xanax where your mind and body get used to a certain level of Xanax in the system. In this case, if you suddenly reduce its intake or even quit it, you can experience intensely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Intense cravings and urges to use Xanax
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation/aggressive behavior
  • Depression
  • Sleep troubles
  • Tingling and numbness sensations
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremors
  • Seizures.

Misusing Xanax:

Taking it another way prescribed or mixing it with other substances - can lead to other challenges as well. One of the significant dangers when it comes to snorting Xanax is that you can take greater quantities than you intend to, making a Xanax overdose a very real risk. Here are some of the common signs of Xanax overdose:

  • Confusion
  • Increased drowsiness
  • Impaired coordination
  • Lightheadedness and fainting.

Common Xanax Street Names and Alternative Abuse Methods

Xanax goes by some famous street names, like xannies/zannies, benzos, bars, handlebars, blue footballs, french fries, ladders, and sticks.

Xanax is abused in several ways, apart from snorting, such as:

While Xanax is misused for its pleasurable effects, when taken in larger quantities or other ways than prescribed by your doctor, it can lead to tolerance, dependence, and a substance use disorder. If not treated, this can lead to severe physical and mental risks and even life-threatening conditions.

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Recognizing Xanax Abuse in Loved Ones

Recognizing Xanax misuse or abuse in yourself or your loved one(s) can be crucial in getting the care they need and deserve. While Xanax abuse can be a severe condition, there is hope for a full recovery and a sober life ahead. In fact, an early diagnosis can even enhance the outlook. So, here are some signs you can watch out for in your loved one:

  • They take Xanax in other ways than prescribed (like snorting) and in larger quantities than intended.
  • They experience strong cravings and urges to use Xanax.
  • They have tried cutting down or quitting Xanax but have not been successful.
  • They spend a lot of time acquiring and using Xanax.
  • They continue using Xanax despite its ill effects on their physical and psychological health.
  • They prioritize Xanax use over other things in life, like their studies, jobs, or even family responsibilities.
  • They use Xanax in high-risk conditions.
  • They develop a tolerance for Xanax in that they use Xanax in increasing quantities to experience the desired effect.
  • They experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in case they cut down or stop using Xanax abruptly.

Path to Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax use, then quitting it on your own can be detrimental. But you do not have to. Xanax abuse can be treated with holistic and personalized care, involving the following:

Detoxification:

Detoxification or detox is when Xanax is gradually tapered off from your body under medically supervised conditions so as to minimize and manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Residential Programs:

Severe cases of Xanax use are treated in residential settings, where you will receive round-the-clock psychiatric and medical care/supervision along with psychotherapy and social support. Typically, residential programs can last for one month. But depending on the severity, it can last even longer.

Outpatient Programs:

Xanax use can even be treated in outpatient settings, where you receive structure and care for several hours a day and can go back to the comfort of your home or a sober living residence afterward. Since they do not require overnight hospital stays, outpatient programs are flexible and cost-effective options.

Xanax abuse is commonly treated with therapy, involving:

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI seeks to instill intrinsic motivation to change the ambivalence one may feel toward their Xanax use and take proactive steps to overcome it.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT seeks to change the underlying thinking patterns leading to Xanax use and change how one feels and behaves in this regard. It also equips the person with coping mechanisms to handle triggers and other stressors leading to Xanax use.
  • Contingency Management: It is a behavioral technique that focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors, like attending therapy, abstaining from Xanax, and passing drug tests, among others.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy is used to create engagement and connection among those on similar recovery journeys from Xanax use, where one can learn from shared experiences and find a sense of belonging and community.
  • Family Therapy: Family therapy seeks to involve the family in their loved one’s recovery. It undoes unhealthy dynamics and communication patterns leading to Xanax use while also equipping the family with the tools and skills they need to better support their loved one in their healing journey and beyond.
  • Informal Peer Groups: Informal support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) provide a safe environment where one can share their experiences, receive encouragement, and take ownership of their own recovery.

Why Choose Design for Recovery?

Dealing with Xanax abuse requires comprehensive and integrated care. When you make the decision to recover, you need to have all the tools and support systems you need to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Design For Recovery is a premier sober living community for young men customized to meet your specific recovery needs and goals. We offer round-the-clock clinical support and other support services to enable you to build the life you can embrace. We provide a strong staff and a sober community to support you so that you do not feel isolated or overwhelmed at any point in your recovery journey. Call us today, and let us journey toward your sober tomorrow together.

References:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/
  • https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/benzodiazepines.html
  • https://www.drugs.com/alprazolam.html
  • https://www.drugs.com/xanax.html
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1684083/
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4657308/

Table of contents

  • Why Do People Snort Xanax?
  • What Happens When You Snort Xanax?
  • Common Xanax Street Names and Alternative Abuse Methods
  • Recognizing Xanax Abuse in Loved Ones
  • Path to Recovery
  • Why Choose Design for Recovery?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Xanax Make You Sleepy?

Yes, Xanax can make you feel sleepy. This is because it is a central nervous system depressant. It works by slowing down the activity of the brain and nerves. This can make you feel drowsy and cause you to fall asleep. If you take Xanax and feel sleepy, it is important to not drive or operate heavy machinery. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Xanax, as it can make the effects of the drug more potent.

Is Xanax Like A Muscle Relaxer?

No, Xanax is not like a muscle relaxer. Muscle relaxers are typically used to treat conditions like spasticity and pain, whereas Xanax is a medication primarily used for anxiety and panic disorders. That said, Xanax can sometimes be prescribed off-label for conditions like muscle spasms. If you’re curious about whether Xanax would be a good option for your particular condition, please consult with a healthcare professional.

Does Xanax Cause Weight Gain?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone responds to medications differently. Some people may experience a slight increase in weight while taking Xanax, while others may not notice any change. If you are concerned about potential weight gain, speak to your doctor about other options.

Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse?

It is possible that Xanax may make anxiety worse for some people. This is because the medication can sometimes cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and nausea. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.