Suggest Treatment For Xanax Addiction

Posted on Thu, 21 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 Answered on

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am worried my son may be addicted to Xanax, however, he seems able to stop. He'll take them a few days in a row and then says he's done with them and does stop. Approximately 10 days later he started again. He says he started with them because he was depressed and they made him feel better. How quickly can you get addicted and would you be able to stop if you really were?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

People can get addicted to Xanax very quickly, in a matter of days. The half-life of Xanax is very short, so addiction happens very quickly. People can stop, but it takes close supervision of a physician, because withdrawal symptoms can be serious and even deadly, including seizures, coma, and death. He needs to have a physician come up with a plan to taper the Xanax slowly and monitor for withdrawal. But it can be done.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (25 minutes later)

What kind of doctor should he see? He keeps saying he's not addicted to them

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
He needs to see an addiction psychiatrist.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D