Why is Xanax a Controlled Substance?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine and is often prescribed to treat panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. However, because of its depressant effects on the central nervous system, Xanax can be misused and can become addictive, which is why its prescription and use are closely regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency or DEA.

What Is Xanax?  

Xanax, known as alprazolam in its generic form, functions as a depressant for the central nervous system, just like other benzodiazepines, to soothe an overly stimulated nervous system.

In the eyes of federal law, Xanax is classified as a Schedule IV substance within the Controlled Substances Act. This classification indicates a recognized potential for misuse and dependency. It’s legally available via prescription from a licensed healthcare provider in the form of oral tablets imprinted with the name “Xanax,” coming in various colors and strengths.

What Is a Controlled Substance?

According to a study by Hernando J. Aro published in the National Library of Medicine, A controlled substance is a drug or other substance subject to strict government regulations because of its potential for misuse or addiction. These regulations encompass various aspects such as production, usage, handling, storage, and distribution. The list of controlled substances includes opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and depressants.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 was established to combat the illegal drug trade, unauthorized possession of narcotics, and the manufacturing of counterfeit drugs. While many controlled substances possess medical benefits and are legally prescribed, their usage without proper prescriptions is deemed illegal.

The classification of controlled substances is divided into schedules. Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

Some other Schedule IV drugs include: 

• Carisoprodol (Soma)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Midazolam

Prescription Drugs Versus Controlled Substances

Distinguishing between regulated and unregulated drugs can sometimes be challenging. Not all prescription medications are categorized as controlled substances.

For instance, antibiotics require a prescription but are managed differently from drugs like alprazolam. Controlled substances are medications with the capacity to lead to dependence and addiction.

What Is Xanax Used for?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sanctioned Xanax for short-term generalized anxiety and panic disorder treatment. Additionally, physicians may prescribe Xanax off-label to manage insomnia, seizure disorders, and depression.

So, why does Xanax stand out as the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine? In 2019, outpatient pharmacies in the U.S. dispensed approximately 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions, with 38% of these being prescriptions for alprazolam. 

The misuse of Xanax includes consuming higher than prescribed dosages or using unconventional administration methods, taking another individual’s Xanax prescription, or ingesting it for uses other than those for which it is expressly prescribed.

How Does Xanax Work?

As per Nicole McDermott’s report published in Forbes, Xanax works by slowing down brain activity and relaxing the muscles. This effect is achieved by enhancing the impact of GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, a key neurotransmitter responsible for calming and inhibitory functions in the brain.

Within our body’s complex communication system, neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers facilitating communication among neurons. Among these neurotransmitters, GABA stands out.

Serving as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA reduces the likelihood of neurons firing or transmitting chemical messages. This function of GABA contributes to various calming processes, including muscle relaxation, decreased brain activity, and sleep regulation.

More Resources on Addiction:

• Top 15 U.S. States With the Most Women Addicts
• How to Find an AA Meeting in Ohio
• Addiction In Columbus, Ohio: Stages and Warning Signs

Who Is at Risk for Xanax Addiction?  

Several factors increase an individual’s likelihood of developing a Inpatient. These include: 

It’s important to note that not everyone who uses Xanax will develop an addiction. However, understanding these risk factors can help individuals, healthcare providers, and families take proactive steps to prevent Xanax misuse and addiction.

Xanax Addiction Symptoms

If you’re facing challenges in your daily life caused by the compulsive usage of Xanax or other benzodiazepines, it is clinically termed as a sedative, a hypnotic, or an anxiolytic use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as per Harvard Medical School. To diagnose this disorder, clinicians refer to 11 specific criteria as outlined in the DSM-5:

• Taking Xanax or other benzodiazepines more frequently or for more extended periods than initially intended
• Experiencing a consistent desire to reduce or halt Xanax usage but unable to do so
• Devoting more time to obtaining, using, or recovering from Xanax consumption
• Feeling intense cravings or urges to use Xanax
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work due to recurrent Xanax use
• Persistently encountering social or relational problems caused or worsened by Xanax use yet continuing to use it
• Abandoning previously important activities or commitments because of Xanax consumption
• Engaging in Xanax use repeatedly in situations that could result in physical harm
• Using Xanax despite developing a physical or psychological problem related to its use
• Developing a tolerance to Xanax
• Undergoing withdrawal symptoms upon reducing Xanax usage or attempting to quit

An individual meeting two or more of these criteria within 12 months fulfills the diagnostic criteria for a sedative, a hypnotic, or an anxiolytic use disorder.

Xanax Withdrawal

Frequent use of Xanax can lead to the development of a physical dependence wherein the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the substance. When usage is abruptly halted or significantly reduced, withdrawal symptoms can emerge.

Stopping Xanax usage can be challenging and even hazardous. Avoiding these unpleasant withdrawal symptoms might contribute to an individual’s ongoing and compulsive Xanax use.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax include:

• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle twitching
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Impaired focus
• Alterations in the sense of smell
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Prickling, burning, or tingling sensations in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Blurry vision
• Reduced appetite

Typically, dependence on Xanax leads to the onset of acute withdrawal symptoms within six to eight hours after discontinuation, reaching their peak around day two and lasting for four to five days. Specific withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia might endure beyond the acute withdrawal phase, persisting for weeks or months after stopping Xanax usage.

Xanax Addiction Treatments

Efficient treatment for Xanax addiction typically encompasses a range of interventions and may consist of education, medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies as per a study by Anna Smith Haghighi on April 29, 2022, published in Medical News Today. While treatment is personalized to suit the individual’s specific needs, there are several different treatment components that you might encounter at White Light Behavioral Health. 

Detoxification

Given the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms, abruptly discontinuing or significantly reducing Xanax usage without medical guidance is not advisable. Under the supervision of trained professionals, a medically supervised detox enables a safe and comfortable process for the body to eliminate Xanax and other substances. Medications might be employed during supervised detox to reduce Xanax intake and mitigate withdrawal symptoms gradually. 

However, it’s important to recognize that detox alone is often insufficient for sustaining long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Instead, detox is typically considered an initial step within a more comprehensive treatment plan.

This comprehensive plan addresses the underlying thoughts, emotions, and behaviors contributing to addiction. It equips individuals with skills and strategies to manage triggers that could lead to drug use or relapse.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient, or residential, treatment provides around-the-clock care within a hospital or residential facility. Participants engage in educational sessions and individual and group counseling that employs behavioral therapies.

This approach delves into the core of addiction, aiding individuals in understanding their addiction’s roots and acquiring coping mechanisms. These strategies assist in recognizing triggers, managing stressors, and preventing relapse.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs vary in intensity and time commitment. Treatment in outpatient settings resembles inpatient treatment but allows participants to return home or to a sober living environment at the end of each treatment session. The next step after a stay at a residential facility is for individuals to undergo outpatient treatment programs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone of benzodiazepine addiction treatment. CBT delves into the root causes of substance use disorders (SUDs) and helps individuals develop constructive coping mechanisms. Through collaboration with a therapist, patients learn to manage triggers and, using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, replace harmful behaviors with healthier responses, which reduces the risk of dependence on depressants like alcohol.

Family Therapy

Family therapy plays a vital role in addiction recovery by involving loved ones in the healing process. This approach addresses relational dynamics and educates family members on how to provide effective support. By fostering understanding and communication, family therapy strengthens the individual’s support system, enhancing long-term recovery outcomes.

Group Therapy

Group therapy, led by skilled therapists, brings together individuals facing similar challenges in a supportive environment. These sessions encourage open discussions about SUD experiences, fostering unity and reducing feelings of isolation. Group therapy often extends beyond treatment centers, connecting individuals through recovery-focused support groups.

Support Groups

Support groups offer a sense of community for those in recovery. Whether through 12-step programs or other peer-led initiatives, these groups provide ongoing encouragement and accountability. By sharing experiences and strategies, participants build a network of mutual support that aids in maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.

Aftercare

Achieving recovery from addiction is an enduring journey demanding daily dedication. As a result, numerous treatment facilities develop tailored post-treatment strategies for each individual following either outpatient or inpatient care. Aftercare constitutes an ongoing, individualized blueprint crafted to support maintaining a balanced lifestyle and preventing the risk of relapse.

How Does Xanax Work In The Body?

Xanax works in the body by affecting the central nervous system as a benzodiazepine medication (also known as alprazolam). It enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

When Xanax increases GABA activity, it helps calm excessive electrical and chemical activity in the brain, which reduces anxiety and produces sedative effects. This mechanism in the body is what makes Xanax effective for anxiety disorders but also creates potential for physical dependence and addiction.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Taking Xanax?

The potential side effects of taking Xanax range from mild to severe. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, and confusion.

More serious side effects may include memory problems, mood changes, and a significant risk of physical dependence or addiction. Some people may also experience coordination problems, slurred speech, or changes in appetite.

Long-term Xanax use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect, which increases the risk of adverse reactions and withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly

How Long Does It Take For Xanax To Start Working?

Xanax starts working within 15 to 30 minutes after taking it. Most people feel the effects quickly as the medication begins to take effect in the bloodstream.

Peak effectiveness is usually reached within one to two hours. However, how long it takes for Xanax to start working varies from person to person based on factors like dosage, metabolism, and whether you’ve taken it with or without food.

Can Xanax Make Anxiety Worse?

Yes, Xanax can make anxiety worse over time. Although Xanax initially relieves anxiety symptoms, long-term use or misuse leads to paradoxical effects, where Xanax worsens anxiety. This worsening anxiety can occur due to tolerance, dependence, and changes in brain chemistry associated with prolonged benzodiazepine use.

Is It Safe To Drink Alcohol While Taking Xanax?

No, it is not safe to drink alcohol while taking Xanax. Combining Xanax with alcohol is dangerous because both substances depress the central nervous system.

This combination leads to increased sedation, impaired coordination, and potentially life-threatening respiratory depression. Drinking alcohol while taking Xanax also increases the risk of overdose.

Can Xanax Be Addictive?

Yes, Xanax has a high potential for dependence and addiction, especially when used over an extended period or in higher doses than prescribed. Abruptly stopping Xanax after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures. It’s important to follow a doctor’s instructions closely when using Xanax to minimize the risk of dependence.

How Does Xanax Compare To Other Medications For Anxiety?

Xanax compares to other anxiety medications as a fast-acting but short-term solution. As a benzodiazepine like Valium and Ativan, Xanax provides rapid relief from anxiety symptoms but carries risks of dependence and tolerance with extended use. For long-term anxiety management, other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are generally preferred by healthcare providers due to their better safety profile for continuous treatment and lower risk of dependence.

Can Xanax Be Used To Treat Conditions Other Than Anxiety?

Yes, Xanax can be used to treat conditions other than anxiety. Doctors may prescribe Xanax for panic disorder, certain types of depression, and insomnia. However, when using Xanax for these non-anxiety conditions, treatment is typically limited to short-term management because of the risks of dependence and tolerance that can develop with continued use.

Can Xanax Induce Anger or Aggression?

Xanax has the potential to affect mood and behavior, and in some cases, it may lead to feelings of irritability, agitation, or aggression, especially when the medication is misused or taken in high doses. Understanding the potential psychological effects of Xanax is important for both patients and healthcare providers to monitor and address any concerning changes in behavior.

How Do I Find Quality Xanax Addiction Treatment In Ohio?

To find quality Xanax addiction treatment involves researching specialized treatment centers that offer medical detox and comprehensive recovery programs. White Light Behavioral Health in Columbus, Ohio, provides expert care specifically designed for benzodiazepine addiction, including medically supervised detox and personalized treatment plans. For effective xanax addiction treatment in Ohio, you can reach out to treatment centers directly, consult with your primary care physician for referrals, or call the SAMHSA helpline for guidance on local resources that match your specific needs.