Why Is Xanax More Addictive? Than Other Benzo?

Published June 23, 2013

Question by Zor: Why is xanax more addictive? than other benzo?
if i take it the same amount and as often as i take my other benzo(klonopin)..will xanax be any more addictive than klonopin?

the reason why i am taking xanax instead is because it has shorter half life so it should leave my system earlier..hence be less addictive??

Best answer:

Answer by eigenfunxion
The shorter half life allows for more acute relief of symptoms. In theory this leads to less buildup of tolerance; therefore, fewer/less severe withdrawal symptoms and less “addiction.”

However, benzos are potential drugs of abuse (lab animals will self medicate) and so, with a shorter half life, people have a tendency to take another dose as soon as the pleasant feeling wears off, not when they actually start feeling anxiety etc again. This negates the advantage of the shorter half life and acute treatment.

additionally, the shorter the half life the faster the withdrawal symptoms set in; therefore, the person has a greater urgency to take another dose and due to the quicker onset, these withdrawal symptoms can be more dangerous.