Lester Morse has worked in addiction recovery for over 25 years and is the founder and Director of Rehabs UK. With extensive lived and professional experience, he advocates for compassionate, community-driven support and practical education around addiction issues across the UK.

Please note: Lester is not a clinician and does not hold medical qualifications. Any information or guidance he provides is based on experience and should not be considered medical advice.

Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. While it can be effective in the short term, Xanax is highly addictive, and its misuse is a growing concern in the UK, especially among young adults.

In a 2023 report by the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), alprazolam misuse was reported to be increasing, particularly through non-prescribed channels and social media access. Benzodiazepines were involved in 447 deaths in England and Wales in 2022, with alprazolam specifically implicated in a growing number of those, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This article is a guide for friends and family who suspect a loved one is misusing Xanax. As the use of prescription drugs continues to rise, many individuals remain unaware of the potential risks associated with the medications they are prescribed or choose to take. We'll help you understand the early signs, physical and behavioural changes, and what to do if you’re concerned. For a broader overview, check out our Xanax (alprazolam) addiction page.

Table of Contents

• Early signs of Xanax addiction
• Physical indicators of Xanax addiction
• Behavioural changes in users
• When does regular use become an addiction and dependence?
• Offering support: Do’s and Don’ts
• Get personalised advice from Rehabs UK
• Bibliography

Early Signs of Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction rarely begins dramatically. It usually starts with small changes that build over time. As Lester Morse notes, it's often close friends and family who first notice something is off.

Early warning signs include:

• Falling asleep frequently or appearing drowsy
• Slurred or delayed speech
• Fatigue and poor concentration
• Confusion or forgetfulness
• Mood swings or emotional blunting
• Reduced interest in daily activities
• Overuse or early refills of medication

“Xanax is a mind-altering drug. We need to create a culture where people around the user are encouraged to report negative changes, like slurred speech, tiredness, or mood swings, back to the GP.” — Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK

A 2022 report by Public Health England noted that 3.4% of UK adults had taken a prescription benzodiazepine not prescribed to them, a potential early indicator of misuse or dependence.

Physical Indicators of Xanax Addiction

Prolonged or excessive use of Xanax can result in noticeable physical side effects. These often mimic alcohol intoxication or neurological conditions, making them harder to identify.

Common physical signs include:

• Drowsiness or excessive sleep
• Poor coordination and clumsiness
• Slurred or slow speech
• Blurred vision
• Headaches and nausea
• Shaking or hand tremors
• Reduced attention to hygiene

“Sleepiness, slurred speech, irritability… these are all warning signs. Some people start okay, but as Xanax builds up in the system, symptoms can spiral. It’s crucial to monitor any new physical changes.” — Lester Morse

The 2021 “Review of Dependence on Prescribed Medicines” by Public Health England found that over 900,000 people in England had been prescribed benzodiazepines, many for longer than the recommended four weeks, increasing dependency risk.

Behavioural Changes in Users

Even if someone takes Xanax as prescribed, behavioural red flags can indicate they’re becoming reliant on the drug.

Behavioural signs of addiction:

• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Unusual secrecy or defensiveness
• Changes in personality
• Unexplained mood swings or irritability
• Obsessive focus on obtaining or using medication
• Declining performance at work or school
• Avoiding responsibilities

“My rule of thumb is any change, negative or even overly positive. Trust your gut. People who are addicted often hide their use, and loved ones often want to believe them.” — Lester Morse

The Royal College of Psychiatrists reports that long-term benzodiazepine use can cause emotional flattening, memory issues, and heightened anxiety—especially when tolerance develops.

When Does Regular Use Become an Addiction?

Xanax is often initially prescribed for short-term use, yet many people remain on it long-term or begin misusing it without realising. The line between use and dependency is often subtle but important.

Healthy Use:

• Taken exactly as prescribed
• No significant lifestyle interference
• Emotional balance maintained
• Willing to stop when instructed

Signs of Addiction:

• Taking higher or more frequent doses
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
• Needs Xanax to cope emotionally
• Defensive or refuses to cut back

“Some people are fine at first, but over time, Xanax can lead to serious mental and emotional shifts. The longer it's used, the harder it is to stop. Addiction can sneak up on people.” — Lester Morse

Long-term benzodiazepine use has been linked to depression, suicidal ideation, and cognitive decline in vulnerable individuals (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2023).

Offering Support: Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re worried about someone you love, it’s crucial to approach them supportively, without triggering guilt or defensiveness.

Do:

• Approach the situation with empathy, not blame. If you feel unable to do so effectively, it may be helpful to learn about addiction intervention or involve a professional interventionist
• Express specific concerns about what you’ve noticed
• Encourage a GP or addiction specialist conversation
• Offer to help them seek advice
• Set healthy boundaries for your wellbeing and consider getting involved in family support groups

Don’t:

• Demand they stop taking the medication abruptly
• Shame or guilt-trip them
• Argue or accuse
• Threaten or give ultimatums
• Try to "fix" the problem on your own

“Come from a place of love. If they’re defensive, that’s okay, just stay calm and informed. If they won’t listen, seek professional advice for yourself. It’s not about forcing change. It’s about planting the seed.” — Lester Morse

Get Personalised Advice from Rehabs UK

Spotting the signs of Xanax addiction can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Whether you're looking for treatment options, guidance on approaching a loved one, or emotional support for yourself, Rehabs UK can help. We are connected to nationwide support that can facilitate medical detox, residential rehab, and recovery planning.

Call Rehabs UK on 03302 020015 for a free and confidential assessment.

Bibliography

Office for National Statistics (ONS), Drug-related Deaths in England and Wales: 2022.

Public Health England (PHE), Prescribed Medicines Review Report, 2021.

Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), Misuse of Xanax in the UK, 2023.

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Cognitive Risks of Benzodiazepine Use, 2023.

Royal College of Psychiatrists, Information on Benzodiazepine Dependence.