Xanax Addiction and Treatment

Xanax is a benzodiazepine which causes relaxation. It is categorized as a CNS depressant. CNS depressants slow normal brain function. In higher doses, some CNS depressants can become general anesthetics. Tranquilizers and sedatives are examples of CNS depressants. CNS depressants can be divided into two groups, based on their chemistry and pharmacology:
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (xanax), which can be prescribed to treat anxiety, acute stress reactions, and panic attacks.

Despite their many beneficial effects, benzodiazepines have the potential for abuse and should be used only as prescribed. During the first few days of taking a Xanax, a person usually feels sleepy and uncoordinated, but as the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug, these feelings begin to disappear. If one uses these drugs long term, the body will develop tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. In addition, continued use can lead to addiction and—when use is reduced or stopped—withdrawal. Because all CNS depressants work by slowing the brain's activity, when an individual stops taking them, the brain's activity can rebound and race out of control, possibly leading to seizures and other harmful consequences. Although withdrawal from Xanax can be problematic, it is rarely life threatening, whereas withdrawal from prolonged use of other CNS depressants can have life-threatening complications. Therefore, someone who is thinking about discontinuing Xanax therapy or who is suffering withdrawal from a CNS depressant should speak with a physician or seek medical treatment.

In addition to medical supervision, counseling in an in-patient or out-patient setting can help people who are overcoming Xanax addiction. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used successfully to help individuals in treatment for abuse of Xanax. This type of therapy focuses on modifying a patient’s thinking, expectations, and behaviors while simultaneously increasing their skills for coping with various life stressors. Often the abuse of CNS depressants occurs in conjunction with the abuse of another substance or drug, such as alcohol or cocaine. In these cases of poly drug abuse, the treatment approach should address the multiple addictions.

Patients addicted to Xanax should not attempt to stop taking them on their own, as withdrawal from these drugs can be problematic, and in the case of Xanax addiction, potentially life-threatening. Although no extensive body of research regarding the treatment of Xanax addiction exists, patients addicted to Xanax should undergo medically supervised detoxification because the dose must be gradually tapered off. Inpatient or outpatient counseling can help the individual during this process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also has been used successfully to help individuals adapt to the removal from benzodiazepines.
Often the abuse of Xanax occurs in conjunction with the abuse of another substance or drug, such as alcohol or cocaine. In these cases of polydrug abuse, the treatment approach must address the multiple addictions.