Xanax is something of a household name in America, but not everyone understands the drug and the dangers it poses. Physicians prescribe Xanax to help patients manage feelings of anxiety and restlessness, which may explain why someone with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might abuse the drug.
Someone with ADHD experiences a variety of symptoms, making it difficult for them to act normally in social situations. People with ADHD are bored easily and may not be able to pay attention to conversations. They also struggle with impulse control; making it more likely they will blurt out inappropriate comments or unexpectedly leave a social situation.
It’s also difficult for people with ADHD, particularly adults, to manage racing thoughts, leaving them distracted and anxious.[1] Medications that treat ADHD help people control these symptoms, but when someone is undiagnosed or does not take medication; they are at higher risk of substance use.
More About Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam, which is classified as a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines work by slowing down the central nervous system, which calms users.
In particular Xanax is approved to treat the following mental health disorders and medical conditions:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Activity depression
- Panic disorders
- Agoraphobia
- Nervous tension
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Pain associated with cancer
- Extreme symptoms of PMS
Although commonly misused, Xanax is not intended for regular feelings of stress or worry. People misuse the drug by taking it to manage a bad day or to get high.[2]
Xanax and ADHD Medication
Furthermore, Xanax is not used to treat ADHD. However, in an effort to self-medicate ADHD, some people may experiment with Xanax as a way to treat symptoms. In some cases, a person may have a prescription for both ADHD medication and Xanax, because the prescribing physician may believe this combination helps a co-occurring disorder of the patient, such as anxiety.
These medications should not be used or mixed, unless directed by a physician.
Xanax may appeal to some because it may calm the anxiety that co-occurs with ADHD. However, when benzodiazepines wear off, they actually increase anxiety. In addition, ADHD has a stimulant effect and Xanax has a sedative effect, so these drugs actually work at a cross-purpose. Using both of these drugs together actually decreases the effectiveness of both drugs.
The combination of ADHD medications like Adderall and Xanax requires specialization and should never be used outside of medical guidance.Taking two drugs with addictive potential, such as a stimulant and a benzodiazepine, increases a person’s risk of developing an addiction.[3]
Risk of Abuse
Benzodiazepines like Xanax are the second most abused class of prescription drugs after opioids.[4] Use of Xanax leads to physical dependence in users, which means the body builds a tolerance over time that leads to needing more of the sedative to achieve the familiar result. Physical dependence is not the same as addiction and occurs in prescribed users who take this medication as prescribed.
Xanax abusers may chew or crush and snort this drug to intensify its effects. These effects include calmness, euphoria and an increased feeling of well being.
Whether a person is physically dependent on Xanax or addicted, when they stop use withdrawal symptoms begin. The withdrawal process can be deadly, including irritability, convulsions and problems with thinking. To safely stop taking Xanax, a person needs to be under medical supervision and gradually slow down use.2
Not only is Xanax addictive, but ADHD medications like Adderall are addictive as well. Similar to Xanax abuse in some ways, stimulant abuse brings on temporary euphoria. Stimulant abusers also often chew, crush and snort or crush and inject this stimulant. Withdrawal symptoms including fatigue and depression occur when use is discontinued or the familiar amount is reduced.
If addictions to Adderall and Xanax co-occur, patients need more complex treatment. It is important to have a medical detox, supervised by consulting physicians, followed immediately by comprehensive treatment at a qualified addiction treatment center.
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Sources
[1] Sherman, Carl. (2007). The Truth About ADHD and Addiction. ADDitude magazine. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2017 from http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1868.html.
[2] Stanford Medicine. (2017). Psychiatric Medications. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2017 from http://med.stanford.edu/.
[3] University of Illinois-Chicago, Drug Information Group. (2016). Adderall and Xanax: Is It Safe to Use Them Together? Healthline. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2017 from http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/combining-adderall-xanax#Introduction1.
[4] Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2016). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2017 from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015/NSDUH-FFR1-2015.pdf.