News / Education
Recent Deaths Involve Benzodiazepines
Again on prime time the nation watched while another artist was carried out on a stretcher, possibly from some kind of overdose or drug cocktail.
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. It has a high risk for drug abuse for this reason.
Mary Rieser, Director of Narconon of Georgia drug rehabilitation facility located in Norcross Georgia describes the recent rise in admissions for prescription drug abuse:
“While finding out what exactly killed Michael Jackson will not bring him back, perhaps reviewing the possibilities and bringing the to light with the public can help save lives.
Recently several persons had been admitted for drug rehab treatment with an addiction to Xanax. This drug has a high potential for abuse and drug addiction. When a person first starts taking a Xanax, they may only feel sleepy or uncoordinated but when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, these feelings 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. Families should be alert for the signs.”
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. Seizures and other harmful consequences, including death may result. Medical supervision and treatment are very important in overcoming Xanax addiction.
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.
The program is medically supervised.
For more information on drug addiction rehabilitation or drug education, call Narconon of Georgia at 1-877-413-3073.
