Is Xanax a Controlled Substance? Understanding the Regulations

Dr. Shyla Khatiwala, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Khatiwala serves as the onsite medical director at Rushton Recovery. She plays an integral role in overseeing the medical department, admitting and assessing new clients upon arrival, and managing the daily medical needs of detox and residential clients. Her expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach shine through in her commitment to helping clients overcome alcohol and substance use disorders.

Before joining Rushton Recovery, Dr. Khatiwala completed her residency in family medicine through Wayne State University at the Detroit Medical Center. She spent nearly 12 years in private practice in Plymouth, Michigan, earning a reputation for delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Following this, she served as medical director at Acadia Healthcare, an outpatient opioid treatment center, where she successfully led her team for four years.

Continuing her mission to combat the opioid epidemic, Dr. Khatiwala became medical director at Community Medical Services, where she oversaw outpatient opioid treatment centers across Michigan.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Khatiwala is a proud wife and mother to three active boys, balancing her career with a deep dedication to her family.

Published on:

February 5, 2026

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In the United States, Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications, with over 16 million prescriptions written in a single year, and millions of Americans rely on it under medical supervision to manage conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder [1].

However, many are taken without a prescription, mixed with alcohol or opioids, or even counterfeited and sold on the street with dangerous additives, leading to a crisis of what some call colloquially as the “Xandemic.”[2]

As misuse rates climb, and law enforcement cracks down on illicit benzodiazepines, it’s important to understandwhy Xanax is classified as a controlled substance and the penalties for illegal possession or distribution.

Xanax has a high rate of dependence and can quickly lead to addiction. It should be taken only as prescribed and under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (Alprazolam) is one of the benzodiazepine class of medications used to treat short-term, severe anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines like Xanax produce sedating effects by calming activity in the central nervous system (CNS), helping reduce excessive worry and acute panic symptoms that can interfere with daily life [1].

Xanax works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA naturally slows down nerve activity in the brain, helping to keep emotional and physical reactions in check. Xanax effectively “quiets” overactive neural circuits associated with anxiety and panic.

Because of its fast onset and potent effects, Xanax is typically prescribed for short-term or intermittent use rather than long-term management, and it’s often paired with therapy or other treatments for anxiety.

Is Xanax A Controlled Medication?

Yes, Xanax is considered a controlled medication under US federal law. After FDA approval in 1981, it was placed into Schedule IV alongside other benzodiazepines such as Ativan and Valium. This controlled status means that Xanax can only be legally obtained with a valid prescription, refills are limited, and unauthorized possession or distribution carries criminal penalties [3].

As misuse rates increased, federal and state law enforcement have reinforced stricter monitoring programs for both patients and providers (e.g, to reduce “pill shopping”), prescription limits, and increased law enforcement efforts to reduce the illegal manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of Xanax [3][4].

Medical providers, public health experts, and law enforcement aim to balance regulations, understanding both the therapeutic benefits of Xanax while protecting public safety.

What Is A Controlled Substance? Understanding DEA Drug Schedules

Drugs are classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which organizes medications and substances into five schedules (Schedule I–V) based on:

Accepted medical use
Potential for abuse
Risk of physical or psychological dependence.

The higher the schedule number, the lower the abuse potential and the regulatory restrictions [3].

Classifications are used to guide how drugs are prescribed, monitored, and penalized if misused. Xanax is a Schedule IV (4) drug, meaning it has legitimate medical purposes but carries a risk of abuse and dependence.

Medications in this category can cause physical or psychological dependence, especially with long-term use, high doses, or use outside medical supervision, although the risk is considered lower than that of Schedule II or III drugs.

Schedule	Abuse Potential	Accepted Medical Use	Examples
Schedule I	High	No accepted medical use (highly illegal)	Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA), Cannabis
Schedule II	High	Yes, with several restrictions	Oxycodone, Morphine, Adderall, Fentanyl
Schedule III	Moderate	Yes	Ketamine, Testosterone, Tylenol with Codeine
Schedule IV	Low to moderate	Yes	Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambien
Schedule V	Low	Yes	Cough syrups with low codeine

Penalties for Illegal Possession or Distribution of Xanax

Possessing or distributing Xanax without a valid prescription is a criminal offense under both federal and state laws. At the federal level, illegally distributing Schedule IV drugs (which includes sale, delivery, or intent to distribute) can result in years of prison and hefty fines. Unlawful possession of any schedule substance under federal law can also lead to up to one year in prison and fines, with penalties increasing for repeated offenses.

State laws vary, but in many jurisdictions, unauthorized possession or distribution of Xanax is treated as a felony offense, and penalties are often based on the amount involved and whether there is intent to sell.

In Michigan, Xanax is regulated under the state’s Public Health Code, and possession without a valid prescription can result in felony charges punishable by up to four years in prison and fines of up to $2,000 [5].

Risks of Xanax Misuse and Dependence

Although Xanax can be highly effective when used as prescribed, misuse significantly increases the risk of both physical dependence and addiction. One of the most serious complications of Xanax misuse is withdrawal, which can occur after just a few weeks of regular use.

Symptoms often include rebound anxiety, insomnia, shakiness, panic attacks, and, in severe cases, seizures. These risks are heightened when Xanax is combined with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives, which can significantly increase the likelihood of respiratory depression, overdose, and death.

Abruptly stopping Xanax, especially if taking it at higher doses, is considered dangerous and should be done under professional guidance. A supervised detox program can help you safely taper off of Xanax and prevent life-threatening complications from occurring.

Safely Detox from Xanax in Michigan

At Rushton Recovery, our supervised medical detox and residential treatment center offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward a drug-free life. Our compassionate team combines evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic healing activities in a serene environment to heal from Xanax misuse and co-occurring mental health challenges.

We are also committed to providing education on commonly prescribed medications to support healthy habits and safe practices. However, never take or stop any medications without speaking first with your doctor. Contact our admissions team today to learn more and find recovery solutions tailored for you.