Xanax Addiction

XANAX is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Approved by the FDA in 1981, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that XANAX is effective in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, anxiety associated with depression, and Panic Disorder with or without agoraphobia. (Safety and effectiveness of XANAX in individuals below 18 years of age has not been established.)

Everybody experiences anxiety from time to time, perhaps when giving a speech, facing a job interview or driving along a slippery road. In cases such as these, anxiety is a useful emotion that helps us focus our attention and energy to avert any potential mishap or disaster.

Some individuals, however, experience higher than normal anxieties and fear-persistent and overwhelming feelings that can greatly impact day-to-day living. These people suffer from anxiety disorders, a group of psychiatric disorders that can be terrifying and crippling.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one such type of anxiety disorder in which a person typically has vague feelings that something bad is going to happen. Excessive or unrealistic worries often are so persistent and uncontrollable that the individual cannot make them go away and has difficulty concentrating on daily tasks. Chronic and excessive worry for at least six months about events that are unlikely to occur is a key characteristic of this disorder.

While science has not yet identified the exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), some research suggests that biological factors, family background and life experiences are important contributors to this disorder. GAD may be triggered, or symptoms may increase in times of stress.

Biologically, it appears that emotional memories stored in specific parts of the brain may play a role in disorders involving very distinct fears, like phobias, while other parts may be involved in other forms of anxiety.

Some researchers suggest that GAD may be caused by an imbalance of specific chemicals in the brain. Three of these chemicals are called norepinephrine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin. It is believed that changes in the levels of these chemicals play a role in anxiety disorder.

For some people, GAD may “run in the family.” It may have been even reinforced through anxious role models while growing up. For example, these individuals might have had a parent who constantly viewed the world as an unstable and dangerous place. People coming from this background seem more likely to suffer from GAD.

Stress, whether from something tragic or something positive like a job promotion, can also trigger GAD. While stress may be a contributing factor, mental health professionals emphasize that stress is only a “catalyst.” Stress does not cause GAD. Stress seems to contribute to GAD in people who already are experiencing chronic anxiety.

Because GAD lacks some of the obvious symptoms found with other anxiety disorders, it can sometimes be hard to diagnose. There are no specific, dramatic events, such as “panic attacks,” that occur in people diagnosed with Panic Disorder.

GAD is typically described as excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for at least six months, about a number of things (such as work or school). Often the individual has difficulty controlling the worry. For example, persistent fear about danger to a child who is not in any particular danger might indicate a need for further diagnosis.