About Xanax Drug Abuse And Treatment Options

Xanax, a medicine available through prescription only, is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, nervousness, and stress. It is a brand name for Alprazolam, which helps in slowing down the overactive neurotransmitters in the brain. The medication brings relief from stress and the feeling of impending doom. Addiction of Xanax may occur if its usage is increased.

To achieve the maximum beneficial effect of Xanax, its dosage depends on individual case. Though a usual dose of 0.25 mg twice or thrice a day should be sufficient, there are cases where patients require dosages in excess of 4 mg per day.

Patients receiving 4 mg or more per day need to go in for periodic reassessment. Dosage reduction needs to be controlled and medically supervised as abrupt discontinuation can lead to dangers of withdrawal.

Effects Of Xanax Drug Abuse

Users of Xanax may experience drowsiness, loss of concentration, or slurring in their speech; though these symptoms go away after a few days.

Xanax positively affects the pleasure centers of the brain and provides a feeling of euphoria. The experience of the calming effect of this medication makes its users seek a greater feeling of calm. This leads to increase in the dosage they take. The increase in dosage increases the body’s tolerance towards it and soon this drug abuse leads to addiction.

People who become victims of Xanax drug abuse may develop side effects. These side effects include, among others:

• Diarrhea

• Drowsiness

• Lack of coordination

• Loss of appetite

• Loss of concentration

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea

• Slurred speech

It is possible that these symptoms may disappear after some time, even after the increase in dosage. However, with increase in dosage comes tolerance to the medication; and this is what leads to addiction. In the quest to seek that initial calming effect, the continual usage of Xanax can turn the user into a drug addict.