
Originally Posted by
Bigshotvictoria
Euphoria is not a prerequisite for physical addiction, although the two often go hand in hand. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that work by stimulating Gaba receptors (a gaba agonist); this is how they illicit their calming effects. Frequent use of benzodiazepines like Xanax cause down-regulation of the Gaba receptors, requiring higher doses to have the same effect, much like heroin and opiate receptors. As with Heroin use, the body begins to crave the exogenous medication, and begins going through withdraw when use is stopped. Unlike heroin, however, withdrawal from benzodiazepines, and especially Xanax, is far worse than opiates; death is a very serious and likely result of benzo withdraw.