Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant public health concern in the UK. This leads to several multidimensional problems in an individual and could considerably negatively impact one’s quality of life. Of those individuals who struggle with AUD, nearly half of them are likely to experience moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms (AWS), and approximately five per cent will need treatment at the emergency department.
The first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal remains to be benzodiazepines. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), benzodiazepines are recommended as front-line medication for the management of alcohol withdrawal, alleviating withdrawal discomfort, and preventing seizures and delirium. Moreover, long-acting benzodiazepines are recommended over shorter-acting ones.
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine and is not usually recommended as the primary medication for the treatment of AWS. In managing AWS, the choice of benzodiazepine depends on the patient’s medical history, liver function, and the severity of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Let’s look into this topic further and learn more about Xanax and its role in the management of alcohol withdrawal.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a psycho-pharmaceutical that falls within the family of benzodiazepines, which are amongst the most widely prescribed psychiatric medications to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It is also employed in the treatment plan for depression, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), and chronic pain.
Benzodiazepines are CNS depressants, which means they slow down brain activity. They achieve this by enhancing the action of a chemical known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has a calming and relaxing effect.
Side Effects of Xanax
Xanax can cause a range of side effects. Commonly reported symptoms include drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Some individuals may experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia and cognitive impairment, manifesting as memory problems, poor coordination, and balance. Gastrointestinal issues are also possible, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation. Other effects can include headache, blurred vision, dry mouth, increased sweating, and appetite or weight changes. Less common but notable side effects when you take Xanax include muscle weakness, irritability, slurred speech, or loss of interest in sex.
Several testimonials report more severe symptoms such as impaired cognitive and motor functioning and difficulty in speaking or thinking, dissociation, fragmented memory, seizures, and changes in mood and behaviour.
In addition, Xanax is associated with a variety of central nervous system (CNS) side effects, including CNS depression, which can be exacerbated when combined with other substances like opioids. Users may experience withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety and increased suicidal thoughts.
Understanding Alcohol Cravings: Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is characterised by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite adverse effects on one’s life. Psychological and physiological factors can drive a person to get intense cravings. This dependence can lead people to a vicious cycle of addiction. Identifying these cravings and knowing how they feel matters when developing drug treatment protocol methods between doctors.
Causes of Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol cravings are a common challenge for someone dealing with AUD. It can result from physical, psychological, and social factors. Some typical causes are changes in brain chemistry, which can alter the brain’s reward system, which can lead to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness or anxiety, and may also drive the urge to drink. Psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, or depression, may contribute to the cravings since alcohol usually gives relief. The usual drinking habits, certain occasions or situations, and the influence of the social environment are also known to contribute to the cravings. Social triggers, such as peer pressure or being surrounded by drinking cues, such as pubs or advertisements, also have an effect.
Common Treatments for Alcohol Addiction
Detoxification: Detoxification is a medical procedure that is used for the management of withdrawal symptoms in patients with alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse. The major goal is to maintain the person in a stable condition and to help treat the somatic consequences of withdrawal, which can be very intense. Detox from alcohol can be performed in different structures, such as inpatient facilities for those with severe dependence and outpatient programs for those with mild dependence. The process mainly involves providing drugs like benzodiazepines to help with the withdrawal process. However, detoxification is important; it is the treatment’s first and least complex part.
Behavioural Therapy: According to the UK Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT) Research Team, there are two main treatments for alcoholism: Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Social Behaviour and Network Therapy (SBNT). The two treatments have been seen to be effective in the management of alcohol use and alcohol-related disorders (relapse prevention) as well as in improving mental health and quality of life after a 12-month follow-up.
How Does Xanax Help With Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant from the benzodiazepine class of medications. With its primary action on the brain, it relieves anxiety and helps reduce tremors, symptoms that many may experience when withdrawing from alcohol. Most alcohol withdrawal treatment programmes utilise some form of medication-assisted therapy, with key steps including the use of benzodiazepines as part of a holistic approach. But taking these drugs without a doctor’s supervision can have serious, even harmful effects. Medication-assisted therapy should always be done under close medical supervision.
The Risks of Using Xanax to Alleviate Alcohol Cravings
There are major risks involved in using Xanax to treat alcohol cravings, in particular concerning abuse and dependence, the potential dangers of combining it with alcohol, and the long-term implications of benzodiazepine usage.
Potential for Abuse and Dependence
Xanax has a high potential for dependence, even when used at therapeutic doses over prolonged periods. Long-term use often leads to physical and psychological dependence, characterised by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. People with pre-existing conditions (for example, cognitive impairments, panic disorders, or substance use disorders) are more likely to be dependent on the drug. The risk of abuse is even more significant in populations who also misuse other drugs, like opioids or alcohol.
Danger of Combining Xanax with Alcohol
Using Xanax with alcohol is especially risky since both are central nervous system depressants. The pair can produce potentially life-threatening symptoms like significant respiratory depression, impaired motor function, and an increased risk of fatal overdose. Alcohol is frequently taken with medications such as Xanax to give a more considerable effect or to relieve symptoms of withdrawal. Drinking alcohol with medication is one of the most common causes of overdose fatalities and other adverse psychosocial outcomes.
Long-term Consequences of Benzodiazepine Use
Chronic use of benzodiazepines is associated with cognitive impairments, including reduced memory consolidation, an increased risk of accidents, and psychomotor deficits. Among older adults, such use can accelerate cognitive decline or mimic symptoms of dementia. Moreover, long-term use of this class of medication in treating anxiety or insomnia, for instance, is not supported by evidence suggesting sustained efficacy and creates rebound effects that further aggravate the original indications; this opens a vicious cycle of drug dependency.
Find Support for Your Recovery Journey
We are here to help if you or someone you know is experiencing withdrawal symptoms on the road to recovery from alcohol use disorder. Here at Sierra Recovery, we recognise both the risks and benefits of using benzodiazepines during alcohol withdrawal treatment. We offer evidenced-based therapies such as supervised medication-assisted therapy to alleviate the discomfort of the medical detox period and provide a smooth transition into early recovery. Contact us today to kickstart your journey to sobriety!
