There's no question that when prescribed and taken appropriately, prescription medications can work wonders. The problem is that some of the prescription medications can be habit forming. Over the past few years, Drug Treatment Centers have seen a dramatic rise in addictions to these prescription medications.

Xanax is one of the prescription medications that can be addictive. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that is prescribed primarily to treat extreme anxiety and panic attacks. When prescribed and taken properly, Xanax can be a very effective short term solution. Unfortunately, overtime, the human brain can develop a tolerance to lower doses of Xanax, leading patients to want an increased dosage. Increasing dosages of Xanax over a prolonged period of time can lead to addiction.

When a person is chemically dependent to Xanax or other benzodiazepines, withdrawal can result in an influx of anxiety and even panic. Symptoms my continue for a number of weeks before subsiding. Drug Rehab Centers generally taper the withdrawal with replacement medications such as CNS depressants or lesser benzodiazepines at gradually smaller doses.

For those who struggle with anxiety and panic problems, Xanax can be a great help. But in general, it should be viewed only as a short term solution. If the patient requires higher doses over a prolonged period of time, chemical and psychological dependency may follow, requiring drug treatment for their prescription medication addiction.