Xanax might be a prescription drug, but that doesn’t mean people always use it safely. While it’s effective for short-term relief, its fast-acting nature makes it one of the most frequently misused prescription medications. While the risks are well-known, many people don’t realize just how easily misuse can fly under the radar, especially when it’s hidden behind unfamiliar terms. Learning what these terms mean, and why they matter, can help you recognize when someone may be using Xanax in ways that are unsafe or unprescribed.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of:
- What Xanax is
- How the drug is normally taken
- Common street names and slang for Xanax
- The dangers of misusing the drug
- Where to find support for a Xanax addiction
If you or someone you care for is misusing Xanax, you’re not alone. First Step Behavioral Health can walk you through your treatment options and help you find the right program for you. Whether you need more information about insurance coverage or feel ready to schedule an intake appointment, we’re here each step of the way.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It’s commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, offering relief by calming the central nervous system. When taken as directed by a doctor, it works quickly and can be highly effective.
Xanax is typically used on a short-term basis, since long-term use can increase the risk of dependence. It’s especially helpful for sudden spikes of anxiety or panic, which is why it’s often prescribed “as needed” rather than for daily use. In clinical settings, it’s sometimes used alongside other treatments like therapy or antidepressants to manage symptoms more effectively.
However, the calming effect of Xanax also makes it vulnerable to being misused. When someone begins taking larger doses than they were prescribed—or using the drug without a prescription altogether—it can lead to dependence, tolerance, and eventually, addiction.
How Is Xanax Taken?
When prescribed by a doctor, Xanax is usually taken by mouth in tablet form. These tablets come in different shapes, colors, and doses—most commonly 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Each pill is meant to be swallowed whole, and taking it this way allows the drug to be absorbed gradually into the bloodstream, helping to relieve symptoms of anxiety or panic.
When misused, Xanax may be taken in ways that are not medically intended. Some people chew the tablets or crush and snort them to feel the effects faster and more intensely. Others may combine the drug with alcohol or other substances to amplify its sedative effect. In some cases, people may also dissolve the tablets in a liquid and then drink it.
Common Slang Terms and Street Names for Xanax
Using slang instead of medical terms is often a sign that the drug isn’t being used as intended. Someone who refers to “bars” instead of Xanax may be obtaining the drug from nonmedical sources, using it recreationally, or mixing it with illicit drugs or alcohol.
Recognizing these street names can help you spot potential misuse early, before it escalates into a more serious issue.
Common terms include:
- Xannies or Zannies
- Upjohn
- Benzos
- School bus (yellow 2mg tablets)
- White girls, yellow boys, footballs, or blue footballs (based on pill color and shape)
- Bars, Xanbars, or Z-bars
- Totem poles or handlebars
- Bicycle parts
- Planks
- Sticks
“Bars” typically refer to rectangular-shaped Xanax pills that are scored so they can easily be divided up into multiple doses. Xanax bars contain 2mg alprazolam.
Xanax footballs, on the other hand, describe oval-shaped Xanax pills. These are lower in dosage, usually .25 or .5 mg.
These slang terms are often used to discreetly discuss the drug, especially in situations where there’s misuse occurring. This makes it easier to hide from loved ones, healthcare providers, or even the person using the drug, which can make early intervention that much more difficult. Slang terms may vary by region and communities.
Street Names for Benzos
There are also street names for benzodiazepines in general, which may include Xanax. Some of the most common slang for benzodiazepines include:
- Benzo
- Tranq
- Chill pills
- Sleepers
- Downers
- Forget-me-nots
- Tranks
- Sleepeasy
- Candy
The Dangers of Xanax Misuse
Misusing Xanax can lead to a range of serious health issues. Some of the most common short-term effects include:
- Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech and delayed responses
- Irritability
- Nausea and dizziness
- Mood swings
- Poor coordination
While these symptoms may seem manageable, they can interfere with daily life, particularly when it comes to driving, working, or being present with friends or family. Over time, continued misuse can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and a greater risk of accidents.
Dependence develops quickly, especially when Xanax pills are taken in higher doses or used frequently. Once your body becomes dependent on it, stopping suddenly can bring on withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures or hallucinations.
The risks are even greater when Xanax is combined with other substances. Mixing it with opioids, alcohol, or other depressants significantly increases the risk of overdose by slowing down vital functions like breathing and heart rate.
When to Seek Support for Xanax Misuse
If you’re hearing unfamiliar terms in a conversation, noticing pills missing, or observing signs of sedation or confusion, those may be early signs of a problem with prescription drugs like Xanax. Whether it started with a valid prescription or not, it’s easy to fall into a substance use disorder.
Instead of waiting for things to get worse, it’s essential to seek treatment from a facility like First Step Behavioral Health. Our team of medical professionals and mental health providers offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one recover safely and move forward. No matter where you’re starting, we’ll help you find a path that fits your needs.
Resources:
- https://www.drugs.com/xanax.html
- https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/alprazolam-xanax/
- https://www.snohd.org/DocumentCenter/View/2516/Drug_Names_Slang_2019_05_09?bidId=
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids
