Incorrect amounts can kill. From a family member who used it incorrectly for about 7 or more months, the amount increased way over the usual dosage. To make a long story short, the withdraw from Xanax, was horrible to see. Don't use Xanax incorrectly. Low dose perscribed by a doctor, and ween yourself off quickly. I have read stories of people being on high doses for years. Scarey drug. As are others if misused.
ETA The effect of the drug decreases and people increase their amount of it to get that feel good on again. From what I have read & seen & MOO.
Great post!
Benzo's are supposed to be for short term use but doctors
often give it long term.. years. Which of course makes it so the dosage needs to be upped quite often causing, like it or not- dependence! Doctors don't always give low doses.. and once they start raising your dose it's not a good thing but it's also not your fault, your just doing what your doctor told you! Sadly, most of the "addiction" to Benz's is not from people "mis-using", it's from doctors "mis-prescribing".
It's not so much the "high" we chase, it's the ability to get through the day without anxiety, worry or sadness. After
prolonged use of high dosages of Benzo's (a 0.5mg of Xanax is = to 10 mg of Valium) there is an increased risk in
some people- of the following- memory impairment, personality changes, aggression, depression, suicide risk, impulsive behaviors, depersonalization, increased anxiety..
Never,
ever ween yourself of a Benzo- the withdrawl can be dangerous, more-so than with Opiate withdrawl. Always go through your doctor if you want to stop taking them.