Xanax Addiction Statistics

How Many People Are Addicted to Xanax in the U.S.?

Benzodiazepines (sometimes shortened to “benzos”) are widely misused. And Xanax, as a controlled substance, has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Approximately 30.6 million adults in the U.S. report using benzodiazepines, with 5.3 million of these engaging in misuse. In fact, misuse represents about 17% of overall benzodiazepine use.

Xanax Addiction Rates in the U.S. vs. Other Nations

While Xanax is commonly prescribed in the U.S., benzodiazepine use has generally declined worldwide.

Despite this, Xanax misuse remains a global issue. As with any benzodiazepine, alprazolam use significantly increases the risk of addiction and substance use disorders.

In 2019, North America led the world in psychotropic medicine use, while Asia reported the lowest. Wealthier countries tend to consume more benzodiazepines, with usage linked to rising rates of anxiety and other mental health disorders.

European countries report the highest usage, with France ranking third for alprazolam substance abuse globally. In Italy, alprazolam was one of the most-consumed benzodiazepines in 2022, while over 200 UK deaths have been linked to Xanax misuse since 2015.

South Africa has also seen a sharp rise in Xanax use among high school students since the mid-2010s. In contrast, countries like Russia, Kuwait, and the Philippines have much lower rates of benzodiazepine consumption.

Statistics on Xanax Use

Data collected over the past 20 years shows the following trends in Xanax use:

• Overall growth: Xanax prescriptions increased from 17.91 million in 2004 to 28.9 million in 2013.
• Peak and decline: After 2013, prescriptions declined, starting in 2017 from 27.05 million to 15.38 million by 2021.
• Significant decrease: The most notable reduction occurred after 2017, reflecting possible changes in prescribing practices or increased awareness of Xanax misuse.

Statistics on Xanax Abuse

Xanax misuse is a major concern due to its fast-acting effects, which increase the potential for non-medical use and addiction.

Key statistics that highlight the scale of Xanax misuse and its risks include:

• High misuse rates: For every 311 Xanax prescriptions, one results in an emergency room visit related to drug abuse. This rate is higher compared to other benzodiazepines.
• Increased deaths: From 2003 to 2009, the death rate from alprazolam misuse rose by 234%, one of the highest increases among benzodiazepines.
• Immediate-release risk: Xanax’s immediate-release form is more likely to lead to misuse, with doses of 1-2 mg increasing feelings of “liking” and “good effects.”

Xanax Addiction Statistics by Demographic

There are clear differences in Xanax addiction rates across demographics, with gender, age, race, and socioeconomic status playing significant roles.

Gender and Xanax Use

Women are prescribed Xanax more frequently than men, with 58% of women having a lifetime prescription compared to 44% of men.

Women are more likely to misuse Xanax to cope with anxiety disorders or emotional stress (68% of women vs. 49% of men), while men more commonly misuse it to achieve a euphoric high.

What’s more, women tend to report greater anxiety sensitivity and stronger cravings, which increases their risk of dependency. Women are also more likely to obtain Xanax as a prescription medication, while men often acquire it through non-medical means.

Age and Xanax Use

Benzodiazepine use, including Xanax, varies across age groups. Adults aged 50-64 have the highest rates of prescribed benzodiazepine use, at 12.9%. These older adults are more likely to use benzodiazepines for sleep issues and may misuse them by using higher doses than prescribed.

In contrast, younger adults aged 18-25 had the highest misuse rates at 5.2%, compared to 0.6% among older adults. Young adults are more likely to misuse Xanax without a prescription, often obtaining it from friends or relatives.

Race and Xanax Use

While specific data on Xanax use across racial and ethnic groups is lacking, studies show that white adults are more likely to receive benzodiazepine prescriptions and are at greater risk of misuse.

Notable benzodiazepine statistics between different racial groups include:

• White, non-Hispanic adults report the highest rates of tranquilizer misuse at 2.6%, and sedative misuse at 0.6%.
• Black/African American adults show lower misuse rates, with 1.3% for tranquilizers and 0.2% for sedatives.
• Asian adults have significantly lower misuse rates, at 0.7% for tranquilizers and 0.2% for sedatives.
• American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults report a tranquilizer misuse rate of 1.8%, while their sedative misuse is slightly higher at 0.4%.

Socioeconomic Factors and Xanax Use

Research shows that people from lower-income areas are less likely to receive prescriptions for medications like Xanax, even when they have conditions like anxiety or insomnia.

When prescriptions are given, lower—and middle-income patients are more likely to become long-term users than those in higher-income areas.

This may be due to lower-income patients having less access to alternative treatments, like therapy, which can reduce reliance on medication. They may also have fewer healthcare resources to manage ongoing conditions, leading to longer use of Xanax.

Xanax Overdose Rates

In the U.S., specific data on Xanax (alprazolam) overdose rates is not readily available. Most information focuses on overall drug overdose rates, so it’s hard to determine the exact impact of Xanax alone.

Between 1999 and 2017, drug overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines increased from 1,135 to 11,537, marking a nearly 917% rise over 18 years. In 2019, the numbers surged again to 12,499 in 2021 before falling to 10,964 in 2022.

Statistics on the Effects of Xanax Misuse

Xanax abuse and addiction can have a range of effects over time, including:

• Addiction: Xanax misuse can quickly lead to drug addiction, with 17% of benzodiazepine users developing a dependence.
• Pregnancy: Benzodiazepines, including Xanax, are used by 1.9% of pregnant women.
• Cognitive impairment: Meta-analyses show long-term benzodiazepine use causes cognitive dysfunction.
• Xanax withdrawal: Withdrawal sets in within a short period of time and requires careful management. Increased heart rate, panic attacks, and anxiety are common symptoms.
• Overdose risk: In combination with opioids, Xanax significantly raises the risk of overdose, contributing to benzodiazepine-related deaths in the U.S.

Find Supportive Resources for Xanax Addiction Now

If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax addiction, seeking professional help is key. Medical supervision from a reputable rehab center can help reduce the risks of life-threatening conditions like overdose or severe respiratory depression while you overcome addiction.

Whether you’re facing physical dependence or experiencing withdrawal symptoms, reach out for guidance towards a safe and supportive medical detox.

There are many options and treatment facilities offering outpatient and inpatient programs at Xanax addiction treatment centers to help both your Xanax use and your mental health.

You can work toward a healthier future with the right medical advice and addiction treatment options. Contact us for more information on beginning your recovery journey.