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HomeAddictionPrescription DrugsBenzodiazepineSnorting Xanax
Snorting Xanax

8 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team
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Xanax is a drug used for anxiety that is often abused in dangerous ways. One is snorting, in which users try to achieve a faster and more powerful impact, without knowing the possible severe health risks. 

Let’s explore why some people snort Xanax, its effects in the short and long run, and the safer alternatives to manage anxiety.

Xanax is the trade name of alprazolam which is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and anxiety which is associated with depression. Xanax works by increasing the activity levels in the brain of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. This neurotransmitter is responsible for controlling anxiety and decreasing tension as well as promoting relaxation. Therefore, Xanax is effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and panic and is widely used among doctors.

Xanax is commonly prescribed in health facilities for the control of anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors use it for patients who suffer from severe anxiety which makes it difficult for them to go about their day. Xanax is ideal for treating anxiety due to its rapid mechanism of action. Nevertheless, it should not be used for a long time because it tends to cause tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

Nonetheless, some people abuse Xanax by inhaling it through the nose. This behavior is usually a result of the desire for a more dramatic and quicker result. Xanax can be snorted and this is because the drug can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa. Although this method may help the patient to reduce anxiety more quickly, it has many side effects such as overdose and addiction.

Snorting Xanax For Recreational Purposes

Recreational drug use is the use of drugs for fun or enjoyment and not for the treatment of any disease. Most people use Xanax to flee from reality, to have fun, or to relieve stress. This trend is especially popular among young people, especially students, who may be pressured by their friends or the community. Some may also use drugs to feel close to people and thus, feel accepted.

The Appeal Of Faster Onset Effects

The short-term consequences of snorting Xanax can be quite attractive to people who want to quickly get rid of stress or anxiety. This method is characterized by quick effects that may be observed within several minutes. Some users may be willing to risk the adverse effects of snorting because they want quick relief from their problems or want to feel good quickly.

The Psychological And Social Reasons Behind Snorting Xanax

Some of the psychological factors that may lead to the decision to snort Xanax include. People who have other mental disorders like anxiety or depression may use the drug to treat their conditions. This behavior may also be encouraged by social pressures for example friends or peers who have substance abuse problems. Further, some people may end up working in very stressful situations where they feel that they must take Xanax and thus accidentally develop the risk of dependency.

How The Body Absorbs Xanax When Snorted

When Xanax is snorted, it gets into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues and this results in quick effects. This route of administration enables the drug to avoid the gastrointestinal tract and liver thus it is not prone to first-pass metabolism. Therefore, the effects can be felt almost immediately, unlike if the drug is taken in a normal manner through the mouth.

Differences Between Oral Ingestion And Snorting

The main distinction between snorting and taking Xanax in the mouth is the speed of the drug’s onset and the strength of the effects. When taken orally, Xanax has to go through the gastrointestinal tract and this may take some time before the drug starts to work. On the other hand, snorting produces quick results, which is a big plus for those who want to get instant results. But this method can also lead to a lot of damage to the nasal passages and is more likely to cause an overdose.

Immediate And Long-Term Physical Effects

The snorting of Xanax will produce the following effects; sedation, relaxation, and feelings of elation. However, when using this method, there are several risks involved which include, respiratory depression, increased heart rate, and poor coordination. This is because when one continues to take Xanax for a long time, especially through snorting, the body becomes dependent on the drug and develops tolerance which means that one has to take large amounts of the drug for it to have the desired effect. This can result in a cycle of abuse that is difficult to stop.

Risks Of Overdose: What Happens If You Snort Xanax In High Quantities?

Xanax overdose is fatal, and it is even more dangerous when it is snorted. The side effects of an overdose may include; drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, respiratory depression, and coma. In severe cases, overdose may cause comatose or even death. The risk of overdose is also high when Xanax is taken together with other substances like alcohol or opioids, thus increasing the risk.

Comparing The High From Snorting Xanax Vs. Taking It Orally

The ‘high’ that comes with snorting Xanax is more profound and quicker than that which comes with swallowing the drug. The most common side effects include happiness, drowsiness, and relaxation. However, the risks of snorting, for instance, addiction, overdose, and physical injury are much higher than the possible gains, and this is a risky decision to take to reduce anxiety.

Is Snorting Xanax More Addictive Than Swallowing It

Yes, snorting Xanax is more addictive than taking it in the normal manner that is swallowing it. The short duration of action can cause the user to become addicted and increase the risk of developing dependence. They are likely to develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that they can no longer do without it even if they know the drug has adverse effects on their health.

Short-Term Effects Of Snorting Xanax

Some of the side effects of snorting Xanax include; relaxation, feeling high, and reduced anxiety within the first few minutes or hours after taking the substance. There are also side effects that may include dizziness, fatigue, and poor coordination. Although such effects may seem to be beneficial, they tend to increase the risk of undertaking certain activities such as driving while under the influence or participating in other risky activities.

How Long Does Xanax Last If Snorted Versus If Taken Orally

The onset of the snorting Xanax is usually quick and the duration of the drug is between 4 to 6 hours. On the other hand, when administered orally, it may take half an hour to an hour to work but can last longer about 6 to 8 hours. The variation in the time and extent of the two methods may make users opt to use snorting even with the consequences.

Does Snorting Xanax Alter Its Potency

Snorting Xanax can change the way the drug is perceived to be working. Even though users can feel a higher high as a consequence of the fast absorption rate, the drug’s strength is not heightened. However, the method of administration makes it more intense and faster, some people will take more of it to sustain the high and this is where the danger lies.

Mental And Emotional Effects: Does Snorting Xanax Get You High Faster

When one snorts Xanax, they are likely to get high faster than if he or she took it orally. This is because the effects are said to come on quickly and therefore the user gets to feel more intense emotions. This is because the drug provides an almost instant solution to anxiety, which makes people feel the need to take it again to avoid their emotions.

Respiratory And Cardiovascular Complications

Snorting Xanax is dangerous for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Fast onset may result in respiratory depression which is a condition in which one makes little or no breathing. Also, cardiovascular side effects like tachycardia and hypertension are possible, which is dangerous for heart attacks and strokes. These health risks highlight why people need to know the risks of snorting Xanax.

Nasal And Sinus Trauma

This method of use can lead to a lot of damage to the nasal passages and the sinuses. Overuse of the nose could cause rashes, swelling, and constant sinus problems. Some of the symptoms include nasal congestion, frequent nose bleeds, and loss of smell. This can cause a lot of damage may need medical attention and may result in other health complications in the future.

Higher Chances Of Becoming Addicted And Dependent

Snorting Xanax increases the chances of the development of substance use disorder greatly. It causes the body to develop a dependence which causes users to take more of the drug to achieve the same results. This cycle can become very addictive and people will find it very hard to quit the drug even if they are experiencing adverse effects.

Long-Term Consequences: Memory, Concentration And Cognitive Decline

Snorting Xanax for a long time leads to cognitive dysfunction. Some of the symptoms include memory loss, poor focus, and decision making. These cognitive effects may have significant consequences for work, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, which is why it is crucial to prevent their development into more severe consequences.

Onset of Action: How Fast Do the Effects of Snorting Xanax Kick In

When snorted, the effects of Xanax are felt in the body almost immediately, within a few minutes. This quick onset is one of the major advantages of this approach over oral intake, which may take 30 minutes to an hour to start working. The short-term effect of snorting can give the user a feeling that they are in control and they end up wanting more of it.

Duration of the High: How Long Does Snorting Xanax Last

The effect of snorting Xanax is said to last for 4 to 6 hours. This duration is comparable to the effects of taking it in the oral form; however, the intensity and the onset of the high make it seem more intense. People may start wanting to take the drug again in shorter intervals to sustain the high and this may lead to abuse and dependence.

Tolerance and Dependence: How Snorting Xanax Affects the Body Over Time

As people take Xanax and start snorting it, they may develop tolerance, that is, they will require high dosages of the drug to get the same impacts. This makes the user take more and more of the substance to achieve the initial pleasurable effects thus exposing themselves to higher chances of overdosage as well as increasing their dependence on the substance. This is because, the body can develop tolerance to Xanax and will need it to operate normally, hence, making it difficult to stop using it without experiencing withdrawal side effects.

Medical Alternatives To Xanax Use

There are several medical alternatives to Xanax for people who are looking for ways to deal with anxiety. Other drugs for example selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics are useful in the management of anxiety disorders with low dependence rates. Physicians and other healthcare professionals can help decide which treatment would be best for the patient’s situation.

Behavioral Therapies And Non-Medication Treatments

Apart from the medication, it is also possible to benefit from psychotherapy for anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the idea of altering maladaptive cognitive and behavioral processes and teaching clients how to avoid substance use. Mindfulness, meditation, and Yoga are also beneficial in helping to relieve anxiety, and stress and thus leading to enhanced wellbeing.

Why It Is Necessary To Get Assistance For Xanax Abuse

The potential risks of snorting Xanax should be understood to avoid abuse of this drug. People who are dependent on Xanax should consult doctors or other medical personnel or join support groups. Help from counseling, detoxification programs, and rehabilitation centers can also be of great help. This means that you may begin to seek out help, which is a good thing because then you can get better.

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