Research shows 4.8% of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescription drugs, including alprazolam (Xanax). How can you tell if someone has crossed the line from taking this commonly prescribed drug to abusingXanax? Discover common warning signs of Xanax abuse, how to spot Xanax addiction and what to do if your loved one is abusing Xanax.
| Key Facts |
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| Physical side effects of Xanax often mimic alcohol intoxication, including drowsiness and slurred speech. |
| Behavioral signs of Xanax abuse include blackouts, doctor shopping and secretive or deceptive actions. |
| Individuals may use street slang for Xanax to disguise their use or purchase of the drug. |
| Common slang terms for Xanax include Xannies, Bars, Ladders, School Buses and Blue Footballs. |
| It is possible to overdose on Xanax, especially if it is combined with other substances. |
The physical symptoms of Xanax use often resemble severe alcohol intoxication. Both alcohol and Xanax (a benzodiazepine) are depressants. This means they both slow down the central nervous system and can cause similar external physical symptoms, such as drowsiness, nausea and slurred speech.
You may be able to detect Xanax use if someone has “Xanax eyes.” This term is used to describe the changes in appearance that someone undergoes after taking a high dose of Xanax.
Signs include:
Glassy eyes
Unfocused gaze
Dilated pupils
Droopy eyelids
The depressant effects of Xanax are the cause of these symptoms. The drug slows down tear production, slows eye movements, causes the pupils to dilate and slows down brain activity. Frequent drooping facial expressions are therefore associated with heavy benzodiazepine consumption.
As a central nervous system depressant, Xanax causes a loss of coordination. The drug slows down brain activity and communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This slows down reflexes and reaction times. It also inhibits balance and muscle coordination.
Due to these effects, a person on Xanax may be unsteady on their feet or clumsy. They may have noticeably sluggish movements and may stumble. These physical impairments are a sign that someone is taking (or abusing) Xanax.
Beyond the physical symptoms, Xanax abuse also causes behavioral and psychological changes. If you suspect someone is abusing Xanax, watch for these behaviors, which often include manipulation and secrecy which are signs of addiction.
Xanax interacts with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter which means it helps carry messages throughout the nervous system to tell your body what to do.
Specifically, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It controls the speed of information, so it can “put on the brakes” to prevent your body from feeling overwhelmed.
Because Xanax affects these GABA receptors, the drug slows things down, causing a calming and drowsy effect. But too much Xanax can overpower these receptors. The result can be blackouts or interruptions in memory.
Under the effects of Xanax, a person may remain conscious, but due to the interruption of brain receptors, they have zero recollection of their actions the next day.
When the blackout lifts, the person may experience extreme confusion. During and after the episode, they may also suffer from poor decision-making and exhibit aggressive behavior.
When a person is abusing Xanax, they take more than the amount prescribed. Early warning signs of dependence include consistently running out of the prescription early or claiming that pills were lost or stolen.
To obtain more Xanax, the individual may visit multiple healthcare providers to secure multiple prescriptions. This process is referred to as “doctor shopping” for Xanax.
Secretive Actions and Changes at Home
Other signs of Xanax abuse include sudden negative shifts in behavior. Common red flags include isolation, defensiveness and distancing from long-term social circles. The person tends to pull away from previous engagements, as their actions focus more and more on obtaining and using Xanax.
These changes often involve secretive behaviors and lying about Xanax use.
If you suspect a family member is abusing Xanax, it is important to monitor household medicine cabinets and valuables. As their desperation increases, they may resort to stealing Xanax from family members or taking money to buy Xanax illicitly.
Another method of detecting Xanax abuse is to listen for coded language that is often used to hide substance abuse. This allows users to consume or purchase the drug without arousing suspicion. Listen for these terms in conversations, or watch for them in texts and social media messaging.
Terms often used in conversation or text messages to refer to Xanax include:
Bars
Xannies
Zans
Zannies
Bricks
Planks
Other slang terms for Xanax are based on the visual characteristics of Xanax pills. The pills vary in color and shape based on the manufacturer and dosage. Examples of these slang terms include:
School buses – Yellow pills
Ladders – White pills, scored into three sections
Hulks – Green pills
Blues or Blue Footballs – Blue, oval pills
Tolerance (needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect) can happen quickly with Xanax use. This leads to physical dependence (when the body has become accustomed to the presence of the drug and doesn’t function normally without it).
Within just a few weeks of regular, daily use, this tolerance and dependence can occur, leading to Xanax addiction.
Yes, overdose on Xanax (a benzodiazepine) is possible. In 2023, more than 10,000 people in the U.S. died from overdoses involving benzodiazepines.
A person is at particularly high risk of Xanax overdose if they mix the medication with alcohol, opioids, or other central nervous system depressants. Combined, the substances cause the body to slow down too much and breathing may stop.
If your loved one is abusing Xanax, it is best to avoid aggressive confrontation. Instead, express compassionate concern. Suggest seeking immediate professional medical detox and addiction treatment resources to protect their health and well-being. Learn more about treatment options here.
