Xanax addiction: associate Xanax with calm

A medication that is available by prescription only, Xanax is a highly addictive medication that is prescribed to treat panic attacks, anxiety disorders or moderate to severe stress. Xanax, produces a calming effect on the brain by "slowing it down". Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, slows down neurotransmitters called gamma-aminobutric acid. Individual's that suffer from anxiety disorders or panic attacks seem to have overactive neurotransmitters and by slowing them down it tends to relieve feelings of stress and impending doom.

Upon Xanax, one may experience drowsiness, loss of motor skills, loss of concentration or slurred speech. Generally, these symptoms dissipate after several days. Unfortunately, after experiencing the calming effect this medication can produce many people continue to seek even a greater feeling of calm. At that point people begin to associate Xanax with calm and begin to increase the amount of medication they take. With an increase in Xanax use and an ever increasing tolerance, negative consequences soon emerge. As with other prescription medications such as, Vicodin, Oxycontin or Codeine, when tolerance increases and prescriptions run out prematurely, the person must find additional Xanax. This is accomplished by scheduling appointments with more than one physician, forge prescriptions, visit multiple pharmacies or even steal the drug from other people. Basically, they will do whatever is necessary to avoid running out of the drug and experiencing the symptoms associated with withdrawal.

At some point in their Xanax addiction, the addict might be taking between 20 - 30 pills a day. Even before this point, it is extremely dangerous to discontinue Xanax use on your own. Discontinuing Xanax without medical supervision can produce seizures and convulsions, which can be life threatening.