Xanax Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment

Xanax is a medicine for anxiety and panic disorders, but what happens if someone becomes addicted?

Many people take Xanax (alprazolam) as prescribed to manage their symptoms. However, over time, the body can become dependent on it. This dependence can make it hard to function without the drug.

Many users don’t realize they have a problem. They may only notice when they feel withdrawal symptoms. They might need higher doses to feel the same effects. Some may want to quit but find it hard to stop.

Xanax changes brain chemistry. Because of this, quitting can be very hard without professional help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax addiction and need treatment in New Jersey, contact us at New Jersey Behavioral Health Center today.

What Is Xanax Addiction?

Xanax is a central nervous system depressant that slows down brain activity, producing feelings of calmness and relaxation. It’s prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, but long-term use causes dependence and addiction.

Over time, the brain adjusts to the presence of Xanax and becomes reliant on it to regulate stress and anxiety. This leads to tolerance, meaning a person needs higher doses to get the same calming or relaxing effects.

Eventually, users become physically and psychologically dependent, struggling to function without the drug. When they try to stop, they may feel withdrawal symptoms. These can include mild anxiety, severe panic attacks, tremors, and even seizures.

More than 48 million prescriptions are filled for alprazolam (Xanax) each year, making it the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medication in the country.

Common Ways People Misuse Xanax

Not everyone who takes Xanax as prescribed becomes addicted, but misuse significantly increases the risk.

Some of the most common forms of Xanax misuse include the following:

• Taking higher doses than prescribed. A person may start taking more Xanax than recommended to achieve the same calming effects.
• Mixing Xanax with alcohol or other drugs.
• Using Xanax without a prescription..

Signs & Symptoms of Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction can develop gradually or rapidly, depending on the person and their usage patterns.

1. Increased Tolerance & Dependence

Often, one of the earliest signs of Xanax addiction is tolerance. The body gets used to the drug and starts to need higher doses to achieve the same calming effect.

Over time, individuals may begin taking larger or more frequent doses without realizing they are becoming dependent.

Dependence happens when a person needs Xanax to feel normal. They may have withdrawal symptoms if they miss a dose or try to stop using it.

2. Behavioral & Psychological Changes

Xanax addiction affects brain function, leading to noticeable changes in mood, memory, and behavior.

Common psychological and behavioral symptoms include:

• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Extreme mood swings, irritability, or aggression
• Losing motivation or interest in daily activities

3. Physical Symptoms of Xanax Addiction

Xanax is a sedative, so it slows down the body’s central nervous system. Prolonged use can lead to physical impairments that affect movement, coordination, and overall well-being.

Physical symptoms include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Slurred speech and poor coordination
• Dizziness and slowed reflexes

4. Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from Xanax can be severe and even life-threatening, especially when someone stops taking it abruptly.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Seizures (in extreme cases of withdrawal)

Because withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, medical detox is often recommended for those trying to quit Xanax safely.

5. Risky Behaviors & Social Consequences

As addiction worsens, individuals may engage in risky or deceptive behavior to maintain their Xanax use.

These behaviors include:

• Doctor shopping – Visiting doctors to get multiple prescriptions.
• Secretive behavior or lying about Xanax use – Hiding how much or how often they take the drug.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home – Missing deadlines, skipping classes, or struggling with personal relationships.

The Dangers of Long-Term Xanax Use

Xanax is often given for the short-term relief of anxiety and panic disorders. However, using it for a long time can cause serious health problems.

Many people underestimate the risks of long-term Xanax use, assuming that because it’s a prescription drug, it’s safe.

Cognitive Impairment

One of the most concerning effects of long-term Xanax use is damage to memory and cognitive function.

Over time, the drug affects the brain’s ability to process and retain information, leading to:

• Memory loss and forgetfulness
• Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
• Confusion and mental fog

Some users struggle with permanent cognitive issues, even after they quit Xanax.

Increased Risk of Overdose

When combined with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives, the risk of respiratory depression and overdose increases dramatically with Xanax.

Many overdoses involving Xanax happen because people accidentally take too much after developing tolerance, mix Xanax with alcohol or painkillers, or take fake or laced pills from unregulated sources.

Mental Health Decline

While Xanax is prescribed to reduce anxiety, long-term use can actually worsen mental health. Over time, chronic use can cause:

• Increased depression and mood instability
• Heightened anxiety and panic attacks when the drug wears off
• Emotional numbness and detachment from reality

Physical Dependence & Withdrawal Risk

Stopping Xanax suddenly can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that may be life-threatening, including:

• Intense anxiety and panic attacks
• Severe insomnia and restlessness
• Hallucinations and psychosis
• Seizures, which can be fatal if untreated

Because withdrawal can be so dangerous, medical detox is recommended for anyone trying to quit Xanax safely.

Treatment for Xanax Addiction

Overcoming Xanax addiction requires a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the physical dependence and psychological aspects of addiction. Withdrawal can be serious and even life-threatening.

1. Medically Supervised Detox

Xanax withdrawal can cause panic attacks, seizures, and psychosis. A medically supervised detox is the safest way to stop using it.

Instead of quitting suddenly, doctors typically use a gradual tapering process to reduce dependence.

This involves:

• Switching to a long-acting benzodiazepine (like Valium or Klonopin) to ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Monitoring vital signs to prevent severe reactions.
• Providing medications for sleep, anxiety, or nausea to keep withdrawal symptoms manageable.

Detox is the first step in treatment for Xanax addiction, but without follow-up care, relapse is likely.

2. Inpatient & Outpatient Rehab

Once detox is complete, rehab programs help individuals build long-term recovery skills.

• Inpatient rehab – A structured residential program offering therapy, medical care, and relapse prevention strategies. This is ideal for people with severe addictions or co-occurring mental health issues.
• Outpatient rehab – A more flexible option that lets individuals attend therapy sessions while maintaining daily responsibilities like work or school.

Both types of rehab offer counseling and therapy. They help people understand their addiction and learn better ways to cope.

3. Behavioral Therapies for Xanax Addiction

Many people get addicted to Xanax because of anxiety or stress. Behavioral therapy is important for recovery. The most effective approaches include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, anxiety triggers, and unhealthy behaviors.
• Group therapy and 12–step programs provide peer support, accountability, and a sense of community in recovery.

4. Long-Term Support & Relapse Prevention

Recovery doesn’t stop after detox or rehab. Long-term support is vital for maintaining sobriety.

Good relapse prevention strategies include ongoing therapy and medication management for people with anxiety disorders. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other recovery programs are also helpful.

Developing new coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, exercise, or stress management techniques is also beneficial.

Get Started With Xanax Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Xanax addiction can develop quickly, often faster than people think, and quitting without medical help can be dangerous or even life-threatening.

What may have started as a prescription for anxiety can quickly turn into dependence, withdrawal, and compulsive use.

However, recovery is possible with the right treatment and support.

At New Jersey Behavioral Health Center, we offer proven treatment for Xanax addiction in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey. Learn more about our Xanax addiction treatment services here, and take the first step toward lasting recovery today.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
2. NIH: Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States
3. Science Direct: Alprazolam and diazepam: Addiction potential