Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction often starts through physician prescribed medication. Xanax is a Central Nervous System (CNA) depressant called benzodiazepine. It is often prescribed by physicians to treat panic attacks, nervousness, and tension. Xanax, also called alprazolam, is one of the most controversial of all psychotropic medicines. Xanax is characterized by: a low potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use in treatment, and, if abused, it can lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence.

Xanax addiction is very real, even if it is limited in scope. Although there are many benefits to taking Xanax, many people become addicted and require an intervention and drug treatment program to end their addictions. The patient’s body develops a tolerance to the Xanax and requires larger doses if used over the long-term. Increases in the amount of Xanax use lead to physical and psychological dependencies. Xanax should not be stopped suddenly. Sudden cessation of Xanax use leads to withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, chills, lethargy, fatigue, moodiness, crying, dystonia, paresthesia, tremor, vivid dreams, and myalgias.

Xanax addiction sometimes occurs in conjunction with heroin or methadone addiction. Therefore, Xanax abuse treatment requires careful monitoring and counseling in an in-patient or outpatient facility. Treatment encompasses both a patient’s thought process and behavior, and helps them to cope with everyday reality. Patients with Xanax addiction should be weaned away slowly. There are simple outpatient strategies available for discontinuation of Xanax. These include: gradual tappering off over a 6 to 12 week period, helping the patient to feel in control of their dosage, and providing a helpline to reassure the p[atient. Other strategies involve inpatient treatment centers and 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous, and drug exchanges such as, Clonidine, propranolol, or carbamazepine. Although these drugs can be dangerous, an inpatient setting allows medical staff to monitor dosages until the patient eliminates benzodiazepine altogether.