Can You Smoke Xanax? Dangers and Side Effects

Xanax addiction, like any other drug usage, results in an increased craving for a high that happens more quickly and intensely than during previous drug use. People frequently choose to abuse Xanax through smoking instead of other means because they want to experience its effects more quickly. Keep reading to learn more about this practice.


By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 22, 2023

Can You Smoke Xanax? Can U Smoke Xanax? Can You Smoke A Xanax?

Alprazolam is sold under the name “Xanax,” one of many benzodiazepines available on prescription. The medication is prescribed by mental health or medical specialists due to its speedy central nervous system depression to control acute symptoms of panic, anxiety, and other conditions.

Xanax has a strong abuse potential because it is an effective anti-anxiety medicine. When you take Xanax, all your troubles seem to go, and any side effects, like sleepiness, seem bearable.

Nonetheless, Xanax addiction, like any other drug, results in an increased craving for a high that happens more quickly and intensely than during previous drug use. People frequently abuse Xanax through smoking instead of other means because they want to experience its effects more quickly.

Do People Smoke Xanax? How To Smoke Xanax? How Do You Smoke Xanax?

Those who abuse Xanax typically ingest the tablets to feel the effects of the medication, but users can quickly build up a tolerance to it. As their tolerance grows, a person can be tempted to start experimenting with different dosage forms, such as smoking.

It is feasible to smoke Xanax pills, but doing so carries a significant risk. Smokers of Xanax grind the tablets into a powder and combine it with tobacco, marijuana, or other narcotics in a joint or electronic cigarette. Some people would cover the Xanax powder in foil before smoking it.

You might think that since Xanax is a medication that a doctor has prescribed, any usage of it is risk-free. Sadly, this is not the case. Any Xanax use that a doctor does not specifically prescribe might have negative, sometimes fatal, side effects.

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Xanax Abuse Factsheet

Xanax Abuse Overview

A potent benzodiazepine known as Xanax is frequently given to treat sleeplessness, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Long-term use of Xanax causes severe addiction and abuse since it is highly addictive. The most popular psychiatric drug prescribed in the US is Xanax.


Xanax Addiction Treatment

Xanax addiction recovery is difficult, yet some succeed every day. While treating a Xanax addiction, medical detoxification and treatment programs can be beneficial. For assistance locating a Xanax addiction treatment center near you, contact a treatment provider immediately.

Xanax Effects And Abuse

Abuse of the medication is defined as exceeding the recommended dosage or using Xanax without a prescription. Even individuals who adhere to a prescription are susceptible to Xanax addiction and abuse.

There are various methods to abuse Xanax, including:

  • Taking multiple pills
  • Injecting it
  • Snorting it
  • Taking it via blotter paper
  • Taking it with other drugs or alcohol

Because it makes the user feel peaceful and relaxed, Xanax is frequently abused. To get the desired high, some people abuse Xanax by taking it in greater amounts or combining it with other drugs or alcohol.

Xanax Abuse Statistics

Long-term use of Xanax causes severe addiction and abuse since it is highly addictive. The most popular psychiatric drug prescribed in the US is Xanax.


Emergency room visits due to the recreational abuse of Xanax more than doubled, from 57,419 in 2005 to 124,902 in 2010.

Source: NIAAA

16.7 Million

In 2020, 16.7 million prescriptions were written for Alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax).

Source: NIAAA

Prescription rates for Xanax have been climbing at a 9% rate since 2008.

Source: NIAAA


What Happens If You Smoke Xanax? Can Xanax Be Smoked? Is There a Best Way To Smoke Xanax?

The risks already linked with Xanax can be increased by smoking the drug, which is extremely risky.
Can You Smoke Xanax In A Blunt? The risks already linked with Xanax can be increased by smoking the drug, which is extremely risky.

Can I Smoke Xanax? Can You Smoke Xanax?

The risks already linked with Xanax can be increased by smoking the drug, which is extremely risky. Even in its original form, Xanax is a dangerous substance. Once you start snorting or smoking it, you risk overdosing or developing an addiction far more quickly.

Moreover, smoking anything increases your risk of developing burns, respiratory conditions, and several types of cancer.

Smoking Xanax has risks that include:

Can You Smoke On Xanax? Overdose

It can be challenging to estimate the dosage of Xanax when you crush the tablets to smoke them. Also, smoking Xanax allows you to experience the drug’s full effects more quickly than you would if you just took the tablet, which increases your chance of overdosing.

The following are signs of a Xanax overdose:

  • Impaired coordination 
  • Reduced reflexes 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Reduced respiratory rate 
  • Coma 
  • Death 

Contact emergency medical personnel immediately if you think someone may be taking too much Xanax.

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Can You Smoke Weed On Xanax? Addiction

Any substance that is smoked will enter your bloodstream more quickly than one ingested. Because of this, Xanax’s effects are stronger and hence more addictive. Addiction to Xanax can result in various behavioral alterations, social exclusion, money problems, increased mental health symptoms, and the emergence of physical health disorders.

When you use the medicine more frequently and build a tolerance, you risk overdosing and will need to raise your dosage gradually. Moreover, you can encounter risky withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Xanax.

Can U Smoke Xanax On Foil? Laced Xanax

Lastly, many Xanax abusers do not have a valid prescription for the drug. Instead, they are acquiring the medicine illegally. By buying Xanax illegally, there is a far higher chance of getting Xanax tablets, including other drugs, such as the lethal narcotic fentanyl.

If you are smoking Xanax, which has fentanyl or other adulterants, you risk overdosing fatally after only one puff. Use fentanyl testing strips if you must abuse Xanax that wasn’t prescribed to you by a doctor to avoid accidental intake and overdose.

Can You Smoke Xanax On Tin Foil? Can You Smoke Xanax On Foil?

One of two methods is used by those who choose to smoke Xanax. The Xanax tablet, sometimes called a “bar,” is crushed and combined with another chemical in the first procedure. The ” laced ” material is typically smoked, such as tobacco or cannabis. Usually, the goal is to enhance the smoking experience in some way.

The less popular second method entails crushing the bar and smoking it on its own while typically wrapped in foil or rolling paper. This is typically done to hasten the drug’s absorption so that the person experiences the benefits more quickly.

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Xanax Addiction Treatment

Although addiction is a complicated disorder, it is manageable. You are not alone if you or a loved one has problems with Xanax use, and assistance is available.

Addiction to Xanax is treated on a continuum and may entail a variety of interventions that range in intensity.

Xanax addiction treatment must be personalized for each patient to address the full person’s needs, including psychological, physical, social, and occupational demands.

Although addiction is a complicated disorder, it is manageable. You are not alone if you or a loved one has problems with Xanax use, and assistance is available.
Although addiction is a complicated disorder, it is manageable. You are not alone if you or a loved one has problems with Xanax use, and assistance is available.

Xanax Detoxification

A crucial initial stage in the rehabilitation process is detoxification. It can occur in inpatient and outpatient settings and must incorporate these 3 crucial elements:

  • Evaluation and assessment.
  • Stabilization.
  • Promotion of patient readiness for treatment.

Those detoxing from CNS depressants should do it under medical supervision so they can gently go off the medication. Currently, no drugs are FDA-approved to treat sedative (like Xanax) addiction.

Inpatient Treatment

An institution that offers round-the-clock care and a secure atmosphere for treatment or inpatient therapy. Depending on the demands of each patient, inpatient treatment may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. A few examples of inpatient treatment are:

  • Residential inpatient services, with 24-hour care by trained counselors and medical providers.
  • Medically managed intensive inpatient services, with 24-hour nursing care, daily physician care, and counseling, are available 16 hours a day.

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Can You Smoke Xanax? We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

Accepting that you may be living with a mental illness can be challenging. However, treating the presenting substance abuse case can be magnitudes easier once properly diagnosed and treated. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

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Can You Smoke Xanax? Prescription Drug Abuse Informative Video

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Can You Smoke Xanax? FAQs

  1. Can You Smoke Weed With Xanax? Can You Smoke Weed And Take Xanax?

    Although the effects of combining Xanax with cannabis have not been well studied, this combination is typically safe at modest dosages. Nonetheless, every person reacts differently, and the results of mixing substances become even more unpredictable.

  2. Can I Smoke Cigarettes While Taking Xanax?

    There are no interactions between these two substances.

  3. Can You Smoke Xanax Bars?

    While some argue that smoking Xanax has special benefits, whether alone or combined with other drugs, the risks greatly outweigh any benefits.

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