What is Xanax?
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and stress disorders. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain to produce a calming effect, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
While it is effective when used as prescribed, it can become addictive when used over time or in higher-than-recommended doses. This addiction can develop gradually and may initially seem harmless, but over time, individuals may find themselves relying on Xanax not only for its intended effects but as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or other emotional struggles.
The Development of Xanax Addiction
In the beginning, Xanax may seem like a useful way to manage anxiety and panic attacks. However, with repeated use, the body builds tolerance to the drug, meaning the same dose no longer provides the desired effect. As a result, individuals may start increasing their dose to achieve the same relief, unknowingly progressing toward dependency.
This physical dependence can become dangerous when people begin to seek and obtain Xanax from other sources such as street purchases that are often blended with fentanyl and increase the likelihood of over overdose.
As tolerance grows, withdrawal symptoms can become severe, including anxiety, restlessness, and seizures. These symptoms make quitting without professional help extremely challenging and potentially dangerous, leading many individuals to feel trapped in their benzodiazepine addiction.
