Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine drug widely prescribed to treat anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepine addiction is a growing concern in the United States, with around 30% of opiate overdose deaths also involving drugs like Xanax. It’s essential to recognize that Xanax addiction often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This phenomenon is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder. Effective treatment for Xanax addiction must address both the addiction and any underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. At 12 South Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, providing comprehensive care tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.

• Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a prescription sedative in the benzodiazepines family.
• These drugs are some of the most highly addictive prescription drugs on the market, and they can hook a user within a matter of mere weeks.
• You and your family and friends should be on the lookout for signs of worsening depression or risk of suicide.
• Outpatient treatment options provide maximum flexibility by allowing people to maintain their obligations at work, school, and home while in a treatment and recovery program.

Mixing Xanax With Alcohol and Other Drugs

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, and it is a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it is considered to have a low potential for abuse. That being said, the evidence speaks for itself, as thousands seek treatment every year for dependencies on this drug. If you’ve had problems with drug or alcohol misuse or addiction in the past, you may have an increased risk of these problems with Xanax. Your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and addiction before determining whether Xanax is right for you. For some people taking higher doses of Xanax for a while, Xanax can still be as safe and effective at a lower dosage. After Xanax became available, a study found that the drug remained effective for treating panic disorder when lowering the dosage.

• Interventions and family therapy can also be beneficial.
• It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
• Benzodiazepines, sometimes called benzos, are a type of medication known as tranquilizers.
• It is dangerous to purchase Xanax on the Internet or outside the United States.

Related/similar drugs

As a result, detox often overlaps with other forms of treatment. Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Does alprazolam interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

• The severity of the disorder can be classified as “mild” if two to three criteria are met, “moderate” if four to five are met, and “severe” if six or more are met.
• Withdrawal symptoms can begin quickly in some people, even after just a week or two of benzodiazepine use.
• Do not crush, chew, or break alprazolam extended-release tablets.
• Research has shown that when used alongside tapering, CBT is effective in reducing benzodiazepine use over a 3-month period.
• The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

While Xanax can be highly effective in managing anxiety symptoms when used as prescribed, misuse or prolonged use can lead to dependence and addiction. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that alprazolam is not working. To learn more about treatment options, contact our Admissions Navigators. If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax misuse or any other substance addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is here to help. We have top-rated facilities located Natural Xanax Alternatives For Anxiety around the country that specialize in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our compassionate admissions navigators are available 24/7 at to help answer any questions you have about treatment, using insurance, and addiction-related resources.

Drug Interactions

• Alprazolam may cause some people, especially older persons, to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally.
• Normally, the withdrawal process involves slowly reducing the dosage of Xanax and eventually switching the user to a long-acting form of the drug for a period of time.
• The way a person behaves while living with an addiction can vary widely.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have about alprazolam.

If you have additional questions about an off-label use of Xanax, talk with your doctor. Generic alprazolam comes as a tablet, extended-release tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral liquid concentrate. If you take more than 4 mg of Xanax per day for this condition, your doctor may eventually suggest lowering your dosage.

Health Challenges

Xanax is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Xanax, as the reaction could become severe. Alprazolam tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to store your medicine.