A prescription sedative and part of the benzodiazepine (benzos) family, Xanax is used to treat panic disorders and anxiety.

It’s also one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs on the market. Highly addictive, potent and sometimes lethal in surprisingly moderate doses, Xanax abuse can rapidly produce withdrawal effects after even short terms of use.

What is Xanax?

Those withdrawal effects are precisely why Xanax abuse is so dangerous. Long-term use can create severe withdrawal effects if the drug isn’t tapered off gradually. Like all benzos, Xanax can cause seizures, coma, and death during withdrawal.

For someone attempting to recover from Xanax abuse, clinical, medically monitored detox is all but mandatory. Clinicians can help recovering patients deal with the intense cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Xanax withdrawal, while making sure the patient is safe and avoiding potentially deadly withdrawal complications.