Xanax is a central nervous system depressant. With a main effect of calming anxiety and reducing overall brain activity, it can also can cause a small percentage of users to experience a euphoric reaction when taken in large doses, which can lead to Xanax addiction. There are typically few experientially positive side-effects to the drug, with the major symptom being drowsiness for those who take it unnecessarily. What is calming for those with overstimulated brains can be deadening for those with normal chemistry. A life on Xanax is a life without these unpleasant feelings, and that is enormously appealing. They will often begin to increase their dosage beyond the recommended amount, hoping to stave off all anxiety and/or panic. At very high doses, users can begin to black out, unable to remember what they did while they were on the drug. Our Florida addiction treatment center understands this affliction.

 

Non-prescription, recreational use of Xanax is most popular among young people, and more specifically young men.  Xanax abuse is particularly common if one is concurrently abusing another substance such as alcohol, opiates, or painkillers. Many people do obtain their Xanax legally, though there are other methods for procurement.

 

Signs of Xanax Addiction

In answering the “Is Xanax addictive?” question, it’s important to also consider the signs of Xanax addiction. Xanax addiction can be a very serious and even deadly condition. It can affect a person’s mood, behavior and body.

 

Some of the signs of Xanax addiction include:

​​