Xanax Street Names

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Xanax, another name for alprazolam, belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications. There are also many other names for Xanax beyond its generic and branded names. 

Medical professionals mainly prescribe Xanax to address conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety related to depression. The medication’s mechanism of action involves enhancing the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for reducing anxiety and inducing relaxation. This medication is characterized by its potent and rapid onset, offering temporary relief from symptoms. However, it has gained popularity as a recreational substance due to its calming properties.

The recreational use of the medication has given rise to many street names for Xanax. Xanax street names often draw inspiration from the drug’s appearance, effects, or cultural references. Nicknames for Xanax may vary by region or evolve with emerging slang.

The abundance of alternative names for Xanax can be attributed to various factors. The drug’s widespread popularity, fueled by its presence in music, movies, and social media, contributes to the adoption of diverse terminology. Subcultures and specific drug subscenes also develop their own jargon to create a sense of belonging and insider knowledge.

Beyond this, people may use another name for Xanax to conceal their illicit drug use from authorities or parents. Additionally, variations in slang terms may emerge due to regional distinctions and local drug subcultures, resulting in distinct naming conventions in different areas.

What is The Street Name for Xanax?

Xanax, a medication with the generic name alprazolam, is known by several street names, slang terms, and nicknames. These names have developed due to its popularity, both as a prescription medication and a recreational drug. Some common street names for Xanax include:

  • Z-Bars/Zanbars/Xanbars: Bars drug slang refers to the 2mg Xanax tablets also known as Xanax bars.
  • Xannies/Zannies: A shortened version of Xanax, this is a common street name for Xanax.
  • Handlebars: A reference to the shape of the tablets.
  • Footballs: Named after the shape of the 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg tablets.
  • Blue Footballs: Specifically for the 1mg tablets.
  • School Bus: Named due to the appearance of some Xanax tablets.
  • Yellow Boys: A slang name for Xanax.
  • Bicycle Parts: Another nickname for Xanax.
a man with hand on face representing slang names for xanax.

Other Slang Names for Xanax

In addition to the commonly known street names and slang terms for Xanax, other names may be used to refer to this medication. These alternative names may be regionally specific or have emerged in different subcultures. Here are some of the lesser-known slang names for Xanax:

  • Bricks: A term used in some circles to describe Xanax.
  • Hulks: Referring to the green color of certain Xanax tablets, resembling the comic book character The Incredible Hulk.
  • L7: A code term used to discreetly mention Xanax.
  • Ladders: Another slang term for Xanax, which may be derived from the shape or appearance of the tablets.
  • Palitroque: An unusual nickname for Xanax.
  • Planks: Yet another way to refer to this medication.
  • Peaches: A slang term that may be used to avoid direct mention of Xanax.
  • Sticks: Used informally to describe Xanax tablets.
  • Upjohns: A reference to the pharmaceutical company Upjohn, which is now known as Pfizer, and its association with Xanax.
  • White Boys and White Girls: Nicknames that may be regionally specific for Xanax.
  • Yellow Boys: A term used to describe certain Xanax tablets with a yellow color.
  • Zanbars: A variation of the more common Xanbars.

These slang names for Xanax illustrate the variety of terms that can emerge within different communities and contexts. It’s helpful to be aware of these alternative names when discussing Xanax, as they may be used in different regions or among specific groups of individuals.

Xanax Generic Names

Xanax’s generic name is alprazolam. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications and is mainly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. While it is effective when used as directed under medical supervision, its misuse has led to the development of these street names and slang terms. These street names and nicknames for Xanax may vary regionally or evolve over time as new slang emerges within different communities.

A woman sits looking out at a sunset to represent learning about other names for xanax and tratement in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Get Treatment for Xanax Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers

Ohio Recovery Centers provides tailored addiction treatment programs for individuals who need assistance with Xanax withdrawal and ongoing outpatient treatment.

Research indicates that mild and moderate addictions often respond effectively to intensive outpatient treatment, offering the same positive outcomes as residential rehab. Our outpatient programs offer flexibility and affordability without compromising the quality of care you receive. At our Cincinnati rehab center, you can choose from the following programs:

Our comprehensive treatment approaches blend pharmacological, behavioral, and holistic therapies, ensuring a scientifically supported path to recovery. Upon completing treatment, you will leave our facility with valuable tools, including relapse prevention strategies, coping skills, and access to ongoing therapy.

For immediate assistance, call admissions at 877-679-2132.

Table of Contents

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Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn