Drug Education: Can You Get High On Xanax?

Can Xanax Cause a High?

What are the Uses of Xanax?

Xanax, with its generic name alprazolam, is a potent benzodiazepine drug that is used for treating anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. (1)

It acts on the nervous system, increasing the production and effects of GABA, a” nerve-calming” agent. Although extremely effective and useful for those actually suffering from such disorders, it is, unfortunately, the subject of substance abuse.

How Does A Xanax High Feel Like?

It must be noted that this not included in the article to encourage people to intake Xanax for other than its intended purposes. Instead, this should be taken as a precaution as even people suffering anxiety and panic disorders can get high when accidentally overdosing.

The main reason there are people who abuse Xanax is the feeling of euphoria it gives. Xanax slows down the central nervous system by acting as a sedative.

Substance abusers often take Xanax along with other substances to increase the amount of high it can give. Some of this substances may include:: (2)

Taking it with alcohol
Crushing up the drug and snorting it
Mixing it with marijuana
Smoking it

However, that kind of experience is not guaranteed. It is to be noted that taking Xanax with alcohol or other drugs without the prescription of a health professional may lead to adverse or even fatal consequences.

Where Do Xanax Abusers Get Xanax?

Drug abusers often get their drugs from doctors. This does not necessarily mean that the doctors are willing participants to the abuse. Most of them are often unaware that their patient is already abusing Xanax.

There are other ways Xanax abusers get their supply. The most common ways one can include:

By sharing with friends or acquaintances
By stealing from family or friends
By buying the drug from illicit sources, including street dealers, online suppliers and foreign markets (3)

What are the Dangers of Getting High on Xanax?

Xanax abuse must never be taken lightly. Everyone who uses this drug is already at risk of overdose, but the odds increase for people who abuse it.

It is very easy to build up a tolerance, and in effect, addiction from Xanax. The recommended dosage even for people who need it only range from 0.5mg to 4 mg.This can even go lower depending on age.

Moreover, people who intake Xanax for recreational use are more likely to be not aware of that it should not be mixed with certain medications as well as with alcohol.

What are the Possible Side Effects of Overdose?

Xanax is a relatively safe drug when used properly. However, there are instances where some adverse side effects may happen. This can happen more frequently if the drug is not taken according to a doctor’s prescription, or when abused.

The side effects of overdose include but are not limited to the following: (3)

Drowsiness
Irritability
Dizziness
Double/ Blurred vision
Headache
Insomnia
Swollen hands or feet
Nausea/Vomiting
Dry mouth or throat
Tremors
Confusion
Thoughts of harming oneself
Depression
Hostility
Hallucinations
Chest pain
Seizures

Can You Get Addicted to Xanax?

There is a significant possibility of getting addicted to Xanax. There is both the psychological component and physiological component to the addiction. There are some that may continuously seek the feeling of euphoria and marijuana-like high. Physical dependence can be seen when it becomes almost impossible to function properly without the drug.

The longer you take Xanax, the more you risk developing a physical dependency on it. Knowing all its side effects will help you prevent abusing the drug in the future.