Because prescription drug addiction has become an increasing problem in the United States and worldwide, awareness and education about the dangers of prescription drug use must also increase. Alprazolam, known more commonly by its brand name Xanax, is prescribed to treat stress, anxiety, and panic disorders, but it is also the most widely misused benzodiazepine.
Knowing the street names of Xanax can help determine if friends or family are using drugs. For concerned friends and family members, it is important to know the street names for alprazolam—their use may indicate that a loved one is caught in the cycle of addiction.
Michael’s House in Palm Springs, California, offers a Xanax addiction treatment program for those with addiction. Call 760.548.4032 to learn more about our treatment programs for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health issues.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity, and inducing feelings of relaxation. With prolonged use, however, this sensation becomes less effective. Over time, the person will need to take larger doses of alprazolam to achieve a similar level of sedation or euphoria as before. This increases the risk of overdose as tolerance builds, and individuals may find themselves taking larger doses.
Alprazolam is also known to be habit-forming, especially when used in large amounts over a long period of time—it can become difficult to stop taking the drug without help due to physical dependence.
Street Names for Alprazolam
There are many different street names for Xanax—the names change based on city and region, but some are more common than others. The following are some alprazolam street names:
- Xannies (or Zannies)
- Xanbars
- handlebars
- Bars
- Z-bars
- Totem poles
- Zanbars
- Blue footballs
- Upjohn
- Benzos
The following are additional street names for alprazolam:
- School bus
- Bicycle parts
- Yellow boys
- White boys
- White girls
- Footballs
- Planks
- Alprazolam overdose
If you or someone you know is struggling with alprazolam addiction, contact Michael’s House in Palm Springs, California, for help. Our compassionate professionals provide treatment plans tailored to patients’ needs and goals.
Dangers of Alprazolam
When used for recreational purposes, alprazolam has been shown to be more toxic in overdose and associated with more fatalities than any other benzodiazepine. Depending on the amount of the drug taken or if alprazolam was used with other medications, overdose can range from mild to severe to fatal.
Even when alprazolam is taken as prescribed, there are risks—especially if it is taken with antidepressants, alcohol, or opiates. Older adults, who frequently have compromised immune systems and often take additional medication, have an increased likelihood of severe toxicity and possible fatality.
Other risks of alprazolam use include drowsiness and impaired coordination, difficulty thinking or speaking clearly, memory problems, irritability, mood swings, depression, and increased risk of suicide.
Symptoms of Alprazolam Overdose
Alprazolam is a drug that can be dangerous if taken in too large of amounts. The likelihood of overdose increases when it is combined with other medications. Alprazolam overdose can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms, such as:
- Slurred speech
- Extreme confusion
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Depressed breathing
- Respiratory arrest
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Some of these symptoms can be life-threatening. There is a tendency to think benzodiazepines like Xanax are less dangerous than other drugs like heroin, but they can be equally deadly.
Contact Michael’s House Today
Many street names for alprazolam are used to illegally buy, sell, and use the drug. Knowing these names can help concerned friends and family members identify if someone needs help. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to alprazolam, please seek help from a medical professional.
Michael’s House offers a Xanax addiction treatment program—call 760.548.4032 or contact us online to get started today.