Xanax Bars: Effects, Addiction, and Treatment

Xanax bars are rectangular types of alprazolam pills. Usually, these pills are used as a medication for anxiety. However, Xanax bars can cause harmful side effects.

But what exactly are the dangerous effects of Xanax bars? Can you get addicted to them?

In this article, we’ll talk about Xanax bars, their dangerous effects, and signs of Xanax bar abuse. We will also discuss whether you can get addicted to Xanax bars. 

What Are Xanax Bars? 

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a type of benzodiazepine. Doctors prescribe these medications to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

As of writing, Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications in the world. In the United States, 46% of people know someone with an addiction to substances like Xanax. 

Xanax poses risks like overdose and dependence. They also come in various forms, with Xanax bars being the most common.

Xanax bars are known as zanies or planks. These are small, pill-sized Xanax tablets that can be broken down into quarters and individually taken. 

A Xanax bar contains two milligrams of substance per dose. However, when broken in half, it becomes two pieces of one-milligram bars. Smaller doses of Xanax bars include 0.5 milligrams and 0.25 milligrams. The smallest dose of Xanax contains 0.25 milligrams of the substance.

The majority of Xanax bars are indented in one or two areas. This allows the user to break them into smaller doses. Moreover, some Xanax bars can be divided into four pieces. This gives four doses of Xanax weighing 0.5 or 0.25 milligrams. 

Can You Get Addicted to Xanax Bars? 

Yes. The risk of developing a tolerance for Xanax may happen if a person gets used to the calming effect of the drug. They also may start taking more in hopes of getting calmer.

Oftentimes, people who take Xanax quickly shift from taking the drug as a prescribed dosage to abusing it. Other users combine Xanax with other benzodiazepines medications like Valium.

In other cases, users combine Xanax with marijuana and alcohol. These people often have difficulty quitting alcoholand weed as well. 

Taking Xanax without a prescription or in excess amounts is considered Xanax bar abuse.

Other than the increased risk of overdose, drug addiction (in this case, Xanax) also increases the likelihood of a dependence disorder. When Xanax gets taken regularly, the use develops tolerance to its effects. This makes the person take more Xanax to feel its relaxing effect. 

If Xanax use is abruptly stopped, the user may suffer serious withdrawal symptoms.

Dangerous Effects of Xanax Bars 

Side effects of Xanax bar abuse include:

1.     Memory Loss 

Someone who abuses Xanax may experience noticeable mental effects. Xanax bars can cause temporary memory loss, feelings of hostility, irritability, and disturbing dreams.

2.     Seizures 

High dosages of Xanax can cause severe symptoms including seizures. In particular, withdrawal from Xanax can also cause grand mal seizures, a condition characterized by a complete loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.

3.     Psychosis 

Xanax abuse can also cause an increased incidence of brief psychotic episodes, as the drug is a short-acting benzodiazepine.

4.     Slurred Speech 

Xanax is a type of depressant. Hence, it can cause slurred speech. Oftentimes, this effect is accompanied by drowsiness and lightheadedness.

5.     Overdose 

Other substances combined with Xanax like alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines can slow down the central nervous system. This can result in an overdose that leads to serious breathing problems and extreme sedation.

Signs of Xanax Bar Abuse 

The maximum daily dose for Xanax is four milligrams. Hence, people may have an overdose if they take more than two Xanax bars. 

Xanax overdose can be fatal. Symptoms of fatal overdose include chest pains, seizures, difficulty breathing, and coma.

Thus, Xanax bars should be taken with a prescription. Prescriptions should also be closely followed to avoid an overdose.

Common signs of Xanax abuse include:

●      Slurred speech

●      Drowsiness

●      Blurred vision

●      Inability to decrease Xanax intake

●      Poor motor coordination

●      Doctor shopping to get extra pills

●      Asking family and friends for extra Xanax pills

●      Buying Xanax on the street

●      Engaging in risky behavior such as drug driving

Xanax Bar Abuse Treatment

Treatments for Xanax bar abuse include:

Medication Tapering 

Medication tapering refers to gradually reducing Xanax dosage. This contrasts with withdrawing from Xanax use entirely and all at once or quitting cold turkey. 

Therapy 

Overcoming Xanax abuse can be difficult, especially when doing it alone. Having therapy can help make the process of recovering from Xanax bar addiction easier. 

Support Groups 

Having support from others going through the same challenges when quitting Xanax helps make the process smoother. 

Conclusion

Reaching out to overcome Xanax abuse is the first step to recovering from Xanax addiction is possible. If you or your loved one is suffering from Xanax abuse, know that you are not alone. The right support system, treatment, and a sobriety app like I Am Sober can help.