Xanax Addiction

Xanax is a prescription drug that acts as a depressant on the Central Nervous System (CNA). Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat panic attacks, nervousness, and tension, but has gained wide popularity amongst addicts who use it for recreational purposes. Xanax has been used as a tranquilizer since the 1960s. There was a period during the 70's when people began to oppose the use of "benzos." Today there are approximately 3 million Americans (1.6% of the adult population) who use some type of benzodiazepine on a daily basis for nervousness, anxiety attacks, and the like. Xanax is what Valium was in the previous century. Xanax, like valium, has a high tendency to be abused by anyone feeling nervous for any reason at all. Some people take a Xanax before a plane flight to help them relax, or to help them calm down after a long day. Young adults use Xanax combined with other drugs at parties to create synergistic effects.

Benzo's are the most controversial of all psychotropic medicines because people have a high tendency to abuse them. Through scientific research, the psychological community is learning that there are many Cognitive Behavioral Techniques that have been found to help people with panic attacks and anxiety effectively, without using benzos. At National Therapeutic Services we do not allow our clients to take benzodiazepines while they are in treatment with us. If a client has been prescribed benzodiazepines prior to entering treatment at NTS, we have them reevaluated at detox by an addiction doctor, or in our treatment facility by our psychiatric and medical staff, to develop a plan of titrating off of the drug while they are in treatment with us. Rather than resorting to the use of benzodiazepines, we prefer to help clients who have panic attacks, nervousness, and tension develop effective ways of coping with these symptoms. While benzodiazepines can be effective and properly used by some people with legitimate medical disorders, people who have crossed the line into addiction may never be able to safely take them again.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be severe and should be supervised by appropriate medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, chills, lethargy, fatigue, moodiness, crying, dystonia, paresthesia, tremor, vivid dreams, and myalgias. If you need help with a Xanax addiction please call us for a free assessment at 1-866-311-0003.