Xanax is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine known as alprazolam. Doctors prescribe it to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It helps relieve panic attacks by affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and calming down the central nervous system.
While Xanax is effective in managing anxiety, it can cause side effects. Because it depresses the central nervous system, you might experience mind-altering effects like euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, and drowsiness. If abused, you could develop a physical dependence or an addiction to Xanax.
Now that you know Xanax is addictive, you might be wondering if it is considered a narcotic. Some people think that narcotic is a word to describe any common drug of abuse. However, the term narcotic refers to opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and more.[1]
That said, Xanax is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance because of its potential for abuse.[2] If you or a loved one abuse Xanax, it might be time to consider professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we can provide the tools and support you need to recover.
In this article, you will learn:
- Whether Xanax is a narcotic
- Is alprazolam a controlled substance
- What are the signs of Xanax addiction
Is Xanax Considered a Narcotic?
While many people consider any mind-altering drug to be a narcotic, it means something different in the medical community. Instead of encompassing all addictive drugs, narcotics refer to opioids. Drugs like morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and heroin are considered narcotics.
This means that Xanax is not a narcotic. Xanax is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. While benzodiazepines and opioids have some similarities, they also have important differences to be aware of.
While both types of drugs depress the central nervous system, Xanax does not relieve pain in the way that opioids or narcotics do. Additionally, opioids cause effects by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain, while Xanax causes relaxation by interacting with GABA.
Is Xanax a Controlled Substance?
A controlled substance is a drug that the government regulates for its use, possession, and manufacturing. They are prescription drugs that can lead to abuse and addiction, which is why the government keeps an eye on how they are being manufactured, distributed, and used.
Controlled substances can be broken up into five schedules.[3] Schedule I drugs are considered to have the highest risk of addiction and no medicinal uses. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and are used for a variety of medicinal reasons.
Xanax is considered a Schedule IV drug. This means that it has a low risk of abuse and dependence and is used medicinally. It can treat mental health symptoms like anxiety or panic attacks.
While the risk of abuse is lower among Xanax than other drugs, it is still addictive. If you take Xanax in higher doses than you are prescribed, you will experience a high. Continuing to misuse it will eventually cause you to develop a substance use disorder.
What are the Signs of Xanax Addiction?
When you abuse Xanax, you will experience a relaxing and euphoric high. Over time, these mind-altering effects lead to addiction. The risk of dependence is high if you consume Xanax regularly or daily.
While it can be difficult to determine whether you are addicted to Xanax, knowing the signs can make it easier. The signs of Xanax addiction include:[4]
- Using Xanax in larger amounts or longer than you intended to
- Wanting to quit or cut back on Xanax use but being unsuccessful
- Spending a lot of time obtaining and using Xanax
- Continuing to use Xanax despite dealing with relationship problems
- Experiencing physical or mental health issues because of Xanax abuse
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to abuse Xanax
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of Xanax use
- Experiencing uncontrollable urges or cravings to use Xanax
- Using Xanax in risky situations, such as while driving
- Needing to increase your dose of Xanax to experience the desired effect
- Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax
To qualify for Xanax addiction, you only need to experience 2 of the above-mentioned symptoms. If you have 4 to 5 symptoms, you have a moderate substance use disorder. 6 or more symptoms indicate that your addiction is severe.
Whether you have a mild or severe addiction to Xanax, you’ll require professional drug rehab. These programs offer medical detox services for withdrawal, evidence-based therapies to overcome the root causes of your substance abuse, and relapse prevention planning to ensure you stay sober long-term.
Find Help for Xanax Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax addiction, an alcohol and drug rehab program can help you recover. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a combination of evidence-based and compassionate care. You’ll get the treatment you need to achieve lasting recovery and feel comfortable throughout the process.
Contact us today for more information on our Xanax addiction treatment program.
References:
- Missouri State Highway Patrol: Narcotics
- United States Department of Justice (DOJ): Controlled Substance Schedules
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Scheduling
- Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale