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Xanax- Dangerous Prescription Drug Abuse
Xanax Drug Addiction Can Lead to Deadly Withdrawal
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a class of drug that acts as a sedative or tranquilizer. It is used as a central nervous system depressant. This type of prescription drug slows down normal brain function, and in higher doses, can act as a general anesthetic. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, or Xanax, are prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress, and panic attacks.
People taking Xanax regularly have an increased potential for dependence. This medication may cause withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt withdrawal or rapid tapering, which in some cases have been known to cause seizures. The discontinuation of this medication may also cause a reaction called rebound anxiety.
Other withdrawal effects reported from discontinuing Xanax include homicidal ideation (very rare), rage reactions, hyperalertness, vivid dreams, and intrusive thoughts. Grand mal seizures have occurred after abrupt withdrawal after only short-term use. Therefore, even short-term users of Xanax should taper off of their medication slowly to avoid serious withdrawal reactions including seizures.
Ms. Rieser states: “We have seen many people come for drug rehab treatment that are addicted to Xanax, because has a high potential for abuse and addiction. When a person first starts taking a Xanax, they may only feel sleepy or uncoordinated. But then the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug, and these feelings begin to dissipate. Used long term, the body develops tolerance for the drug. Then larger and larger doses are needed to achieve the same initial effects, likely leading to drug addiction.
“Xanax withdrawal is particularly dangerous, and even life threatening. Because central nervous system depressants work by slowing down the brain's normal activity, if a person stops taking the drug, the brain can react by racing out of control. This may to seizures and other harmful consequences, including death. Medical supervision and treatment are very important in overcoming Xanax addiction.”
Xanax should never be abruptly stopped if taken regularly for any length of time because severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. Severe psychosis and seizures have been reported in the medical literature from abrupt Xanax discontinuation, and one death occurred from withdrawal-related seizures after gradual dose reduction.
Abuse of central nervous system depressants and Xanax often occurs with the abuse of another substance or drug such as alcohol or cocaine.
Treatment for Xanax addiction that focuses on modifying a person’s thinking and behavior, while giving people the tools to cope with life’s stressors, is very successful in helping individuals overcome addiction to Xanax.
The Narconon Drug Rehab Program includes these life skills tools, as well as body detoxification through a sauna and exercise program that helps eliminate or reduce cravings.
For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call Narconon of Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
