- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Chronic Relapse
- Cocaine
- Codependency
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Crack Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorder
- Ecstasy
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ketamine (Special K)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Xanax
Xanax is the brand name of the compound Alprozolam, and is prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It was originally developed as a substitute of Valium because of the high addiction rate that accompanied Valium’s use and abuse. Recent studies indicate that alprozolam is perhaps more addicting than Valium. It has become easy to acquire, and its abuse ranks it near the top of most abused prescription drugs. It is also extremely popular and readily available among high school, and younger, students.
Addiction may be inadvertent, a result of its being prescribed by a doctor for genuine psycho-socio problems. Or, it may be the result of intentional abuse – acquisition and use simply for its physical effects.
Effects
Xanax stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, causing feelings of euphoria and well-being. The attempt to maintain, or restore that feeling, is how abuse begins. As use increases, tolerance to the drug also increases and the addiction cycle begins. Tolerance requires increased dosage, which requires more money for acquisition, which leads to societal and legal issues, compounded with the physical and emotional problems. Other effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Loss of inhibition
- Slurring of speech
- Memory loss and impairment
Withdrawal and Treatment
Xanax addiction is severe and cannot be accomplished without medical assistance. Simply stopping its use is dangerous as it can result in seizures, convulsions, and death. However, it can be accomplished but most be done gradually through dosage reduction and under medical supervision. Following detoxification, placement in an addiction treatment facility helps the used address the factors that led to addiction, and begin moving towards recovery. At the conclusion of the program, continuing treatment is recommended. The individual can choose from among private, outpatient, or day treatment.
In considering a treatment facility, the safest and most effective centers will have programs that are tailored to the patient’s personal, medical, and psychological parameters. No matter the program, though, it is not safe to participate in a program that advocates sudden and complete discontinuation of the drug.