Xanax, also sold as the generic version alprazolam, is a powerful anti-anxiety medication with a high potential for abuse.
When taken as prescribed, this medication can be tremendously beneficial for people who experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias. Yet Xanax is often used as a recreational drug, and the dangers of snorting Xanax can cause serious harm to people who use this medication for recreation.
Xanax belongs to a drug class called benzodiazepines. These medications are intended for short-term use to deal with anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias. They are a controlled substance since they have a high potential for abuse.
Can You Snort Xanax?
Many people who use Xanax recreationally prefer snorting Xanax to taking it orally. There are several reasons for this preference, but the dangers of snorting Xanax are much greater than the risks of taking Xanax as prescribed.
Snorting alprazolam increases the risk of addiction and can quickly lead to overdose. Although it’s possible to snort Xanax, doing so can introduce a host of problems. Xanax is easily absorbed through the mucous membranes in the nose, so snorting alprazolam “works” if the goal is to get the drug into the bloodstream.
What Does Snorting Xanax Feel Like?
Xanax snorting provides the same effects as taking it orally, but it delivers the dose to the bloodstream much quicker. Many people report feeling a “rush” when snorting alprazolam compared to taking it as prescribed, and they prefer the sudden intensity of the drug’s effects.
How Is Xanax Misused?
There are several ways that Xanax is misused. The only way to use Xanax safely is by following the directions given to you by your doctor, which is nearly always to take it orally.
People who misuse this drug take several different approaches, including snorting it, chewing it, or crushing it up and smoking it.
Each of these methods intends to skip the slower processing through the digestive system and get Xanax into the bloodstream as quickly as possible.
Side Effects and Dangers of Snorting Xanax
Snorting Xanax puts you at a much higher risk of severe side effects from this medication. Xanax abuse can be life-threatening, even if you received this medication from a doctor.
Common Side Effects When snorting Xanax, side effects that are extremely common include:
Dizziness
Drowsiness or fatigue
Memory loss
Depression
Headache
Impaired judgment
Severe Side Effects More severe side effects of snorting alprazolam include:
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Overdose
Other Consequences to Consider Importantly, the side effects of snorting Xanax inhibit your ability to make good decisions independently. Side effects like memory loss and impaired judgment can lead to accidentally taking more Xanax than intended or performing dangerous activities such as driving a vehicle while under the influence.
The two greatest dangers of Xanax snorting are addiction and overdose. When you snort Xanax, you increase the likelihood of experiencing one of these two dangerous effects, even if you take the same amount as is on your prescription.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction signs can be hard to spot to an outside observer, but people who abuse Xanax feel them regularly. These signs include: 1
Craving Xanax
Withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop
Repeated attempts to stop using Xanax on your own but failing
Loss of interest in other hobbies or activities
Tolerance, meaning you need to use more to get the desired effect
Continuing to use Xanax despite mounting consequences
If you or a loved one is experiencing these signs, Xanax addiction treatment may be able to help.
Signs of Xanax Overdose
In 2020, there were almost one hundred thousand overdose deaths in the United States alone.2 Around 17% of these overdoses involved benzodiazepines like Xanax. These statistics showcase the very real danger that Xanax overdose poses. 3
The signs of Xanax overdose include:
Slurred speech
Significant confusion and trouble thinking clearly
Loss of consciousness
Slowed or stopped breathing
If you see somebody overdose on Xanax, call 911 immediately. Medical professionals may be able to arrive in time to save their life.
Xanax Withdrawal and Detox
One of the sad realities of Xanax addiction is the intense nature of withdrawal. Two common substances cause withdrawal symptoms severe enough to result in death, which are benzodiazepines and alcohol. When you’re ready to stop using Xanax for good, you must seek professional addiction treatment in order to safely achieve sobriety.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax withdrawal symptoms run opposite to the effects that Xanax produces and may include: 4
Severe anxiety
Seizure
Restlessness
Racing heart
Rapid breathing
Sweats
Tremor
Delusions
Starting treatment at a medical detox center can help alleviate these symptoms and make the path to recovery much simpler.
Xanax Withdrawal Risks
The seizures frequently associated with Xanax withdrawal can be severe enough to cause death. This is why medical detoxification typically involves tapering people off of benzodiazepines in a controlled and monitored manner rather than stopping Xanax use all at once.
When you meet with a medical detox team, they will formulate a plan to slowly wean you off benzodiazepines and provide several complementary treatments to alleviate any symptoms that still remain.
Snorting Xanax
Treatment for Xanax Addiction and Abuse
When you or a loved one are ready to start getting help for Xanax addiction, there are several options available to you, including:
Detox
Dual-diagnosis treatment
Behavioral therapies
Inpatient or outpatient treatment
Support groups
An effective combination of these treatments can help you overcome the physical symptoms of withdrawal, address the root cause of your addiction, and learn valuable coping skills to support you in maintaining sobriety for a lifetime.
Get Help for Xanax Addiction at Genesis Recovery
Genesis Recoveryis San Diego’s premier provider of Xanax addiction treatment. Reach out to our expert team to learn more about our extensive treatment options, including detox, residential treatment, and much more.
Anyone can recover from Xanax addiction, and the team at Genesis Recovery can show you the way.
