Long-Term Effects of Xanax Abuse

Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine known as alprazolam. Healthcare professionals might prescribe this substance to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain to induce feelings of calmness.[1]

While Xanax is effective in preventing panic attacks and lowering stress, it can lead to addiction. Because it is habit-forming, doctors usually only prescribe it for short-term or occasional use. If you consume Xanax in high doses, it increases the risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

You might begin to abuse Xanax for mind-altering effects like euphoria, calmness, and drowsiness. Over time, this leads to addiction and an increased risk of long-term health effects. Some of the long-term effects of Xanax abuse include withdrawal, cognitive impairment, overdoses, liver disease, and more.

What are the Short-Term Effects of Xanax?

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, with nearly 15.4 prescriptions being written in the United States in 2021.[2] Despite how commonly it is used, Xanax can lead to a variety of adverse side effects. Additionally, the enjoyable effects of alprazolam often lead to the development of a substance use disorder.

Short-term effects of Xanax may include:[3]

• Decreased mental alertness and confusion
• Dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Fatigue and sleepiness
• Muscle weakness and coordination problems
• Slurred speech
• Blurry vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Worsened symptoms of depression

If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing, rashes, hives, or seizures, you should call your doctor or emergency medical services immediately. This indicates that you are experiencing a severe reaction to Xanax and require medical attention.

You might be tempted to use Xanax in higher doses than you are prescribed because of the euphoria and drowsiness it causes. If you are trying to get high on Xanax, you might be suffering from substance abuse issues. Abusing this medication can lead to physical dependence and addiction, which requires professional treatment from a drug rehab center.

Signs of Xanax Addiction

If you or a loved one frequently misuses Xanax, you could be struggling with an addiction. Using Xanax for a long time or in larger doses than you are prescribed is one of the earliest signs of a substance use disorder. Once you cannot control how much or how often you abuse Xanax, you are probably dealing with addiction.

Other signs of an addiction to Xanax include:

• Using Xanax in a manner other than prescribed
• Running out of prescriptions too early
• Going to multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription for Xanax
• Having a hard time controlling how much Xanax you use
• Experiencing cravings or urges to consume alprazolam
• Mixing Xanax with other substances like alcohol or opioids to experience a more potent effect
• Continuing to use Xanax despite facing adverse mental and physical health problems
• Needing to increase the dose of Xanax to experience the desired effect
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax

When you are addicted to Xanax, that means you are continuing to use the drug despite facing mental and physical health consequences and you will eventually experience the long-term effects of Xanax abuse. Unfortunately, these effects can be incredibly dangerous, making it vital that you seek professional help for substance abuse.

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What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Xanax Abuse?

Abusing Xanax for a long time will result in a variety of health issues. The first risk of long-term Xanax abuse is addiction. Other risks include:

Withdrawal

If you suffer from Xanax addiction, that means your body relies on it to function properly. As a result, suddenly stopping Xanax use will cause withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening, making it vital that you seek assistance from a medical detox center.

The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include:[4]

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Heightened body temperature and sweating
• Anxiety or panic
• Restlessness and insomnia
• Cravings for Xanax
• Agitation and irritability
• Shaking and tremors
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Cognitive Decline

Even in short-term use, Xanax can lead to cognitive issues like drowsiness, decreased reaction time, coordination and balance problems, as well as amnesia. However, when used long-term, Xanax can cause cognitive decline that continues even three months after you quit using the drug.[5]

Liver Damage

Xanax is metabolized by your liver, which means it must pass through the organ for your body to process it. When you have been abusing Xanax in high doses for a long time, your liver might not be able to keep up. This can lead to a variety of different adverse effects including liver damage.[6]

Overdose

Lastly, chronic use of Xanax can increase your risk of experiencing an overdose. TThe longer you use Xanax, the more likely it is that you will consume large doses due to increasing tolerance. If you take too much alprazolam, you could experience central nervous system (CNS) depression and a life-threatening overdose.

It is also important to note that out of all benzodiazepines, alprazolam is the one seen most frequently in overdoses.[7]

The signs of a Xanax overdose include:[8]

• Mental confusion
• Slurred speech
• Breathing problems
• Extreme drowsiness
• Sedation or unresponsiveness
• Seizures
• Coma

Find Help for Xanax Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax addiction, it’s time to seek help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a combination of evidence-based services and compassionate care. In other words, we will ensure you have all of the tools and support you need to recover.

Contact us today for more information on our highly-rated Xanax detox and addiction treatment center.

References:

1. Sciencedirect.com: Benzodiazepine Receptor
2. Statista.com: Number of alprazolam prescriptions in the U.S. from 2004 to 2021
3. Medline Plus: Alprazolam
4. Researchgate.net: A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal
5. AAFP.org: Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use
6. Journals.sagepub.com: Benzodiazepines and risk for hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis and ascites
7. Sciencedirect.com: Benzodiazepine Overdose
8. Emedicine.medscape.com: Benzodiazepine Toxicity