A Xanax bar is a slang term for a prescription medication called Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (benzos) medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, panic and sleep disorders. The name "Xanax" is the brand name for this medication, and the term "bars" typically refers to the tablet form of the drug.
Xanax bars are rectangular tablets that are scored down the middle, allowing them to be broken into smaller doses if needed. They come in various strengths, the most common being 1 mg and 2 mg. The 2mg Xanax bar is often referred to as the "Xanax 2" or "Xanax white bar" due to its white color and 2 mg strength. Xanax bars have many slang names, including planks, zannies, blue footballs (referring to blue Xanax bars) and school buses (referring to yellow Xanax bars.)
Xanax bars have a high potential for abuse and can be habit-forming if not used as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Misuse or abuse of Xanax can lead to various health risks and side effects, including dependence, withdrawal symptoms, overdose, and death. Therefore, they should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one suffer from a Xanax or Benzos addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on the road to recovery.
How Many Mg Is a Xanax Bar?
Bars of xanax come in a variety of different dosages and amounts. They include:
- Xanax 0.25 mg: This is the lowest dose and is often used to start treatment or for individuals with mild anxiety.
- Xanax 0.5 mg: This dose is still relatively low and may be used for mild to moderate anxiety.
- Xanax 1 mg: This moderate dose may be prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe anxiety or panic disorders.
- Xanax 2 mg: This is a higher dose and is usually prescribed for severe anxiety or panic disorders. It's essential to be cautious with this dosage due to its potential for increased sedation and risk of dependence.
How Common is Xanax Use Amongst Teens?
Teens are most likely to abuse Xanax for non-medical purposes. Xanax is the tranquilizer of choice for 12th graders in the U.S. More than 10% of teens aged 18 - 25 abuse Xanax. The U.S. has the largest black market for Xanax, with pills easily obtainable on the darknet. (The darknet is a hidden part of the internet accessible only through specific software, known for its anonymity and hosting of legal and illegal activities.) The United Kingdom is second to the U.S. in terms of the amount of drugs sold on the black market. In 2017, 27 Xanax-related deaths were reported in Scotland, which caused the police to issue a warning about Xanax use.
What Are Some of the Dangers of Xanax Abuse?
These are some of the dangers of Xanax abuse:
Physical Dependence: One of the most significant dangers of Xanax abuse is the potential for physical dependence. Over time, the body may become accustomed to the drug, leading to tolerance, which means that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can make it challenging to quit using Xanax without experiencing strong withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms: When a person dependent on Xanax tries to stop using it suddenly, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening in severe cases. These symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, insomnia, tremors, seizures, and more.
Psychological Dependence: In addition to physical dependence, Xanax can lead to psychological dependence. People may feel emotionally reliant on the drug to cope with anxiety or stress, leading to compulsive use even when it's no longer medically necessary.
Memory and Cognitive Impairment: Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, which means it can impair cognitive function, memory, and concentration, especially when taken in high doses. This can interfere with daily life activities, work, and relationships.
Drug Interactions: Xanax can interact with other substances, such as alcohol and opioids, which can lead to dangerous outcomes, including overdose. Combining Xanax with other depressants can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
Mental Health Issues: Long-term Xanax abuse can cause or exacerbate health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders. Paradoxically, discontinuing Xanax use after prolonged abuse can lead to far worse anxiety than before.
Legal Consequences: Xanax is a controlled substance, and using it without a prescription or in ways not recommended by a healthcare professional is illegal. If caught, individuals may face legal consequences.
Overdose: Taking large amounts of Xanax or combining it with other substances can result in an overdose, which can lead to death.
What Are Some Xanax Side Effects?
Xanax side effects include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lowered sex drive
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Mood Swings
- Dizziness
Xanax Use Amongst Pregnant Mothers and Seniors
It is not recommended to use Xanax during pregnancy, because it can cause fetal abnormalities.
Xanax is also not recommended for nursing mothers because the drug enters the breast milk, which could cause damage to a breastfed newborn.
The recommended dosage for geriatric patients is 0.25 mg, given two or three times daily, which can be slowly increased if needed. Geriatric patients may be more sensitive to Xanax and should consult their primary healthcare provider if they experience discomfort or adverse side effects when taking Xanax.
What Are Some Xanax Overdose Symptoms?
Xanax overdose symptoms include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Extreme confusion
- Severe coordination problems
- Slowed breathing
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Death
What is the Treatment for Xanax Overdose?
Medically-monitored detox is the first step in treating a Xanax addiction. Medical detox is conducted under the supervision of healthcare professionals who can monitor and manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Gradual tapering of the medication is often used to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Medications such as longer-acting benzodiazepines or other drugs may be prescribed to help with the withdrawal process.
Once detoxification is completed, behavioral therapy is a critical component of addiction treatment. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), and contingency management are often used to help individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and learn how to avoid relapse.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one suffer from a Xanax or Benzos addiction, know that there is hope! Our dedicated and professional team of addiction counselors have helped thousands of people just like you overcome their addictions. At Avenues we combine specialized treatment plans and a wide variety of therapies to enable you to reach sobriety. No one deserves to struggle with their addiction alone! Reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on the road to recovery.