Which non addicting anxiolytic drug is best to use for people who have a history of substance abuse or alcohol abuse?

Answer 1

Anxiolytic drugs, or those used to treat anxiety disorders, used to be the benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium. It is now understood that people who suffer from long-term anxiety problem need to avoid the benzodiazepines because of their propensity to cause addiction and dependence. Even at physician prescribed dose, if you take a benzodiazepine for long enough, 4 to 6 months, you will be physically dependent on them. This means you will suffer a withdrawal syndrome unless you taper the dose of the drug very slowly. Even then, you will suffer some discomfort, depending on the drug and how long you have been taking it. Even though there are these problems with the benzodiazepines, if there were no other choices, then they would still be prescribed to control anxiety. Luckily, the SSRI's (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) are now the drugs of choice for controlling many types of anxiety. They work just as well, given time, as do the benzo's without the problem of addiction. If anxiety is the real problem, then paroxetine (paxil) may be a good choice. It is the most efficacious serotonin re-uptake inhibitor and has been shown to have good results in curbing anxiety. All drugs, however, have many effects and you would need to speak with a psychiatrist before beginning any treatment for a brain-disorder such as anxiety. If paroxetine is not for you, there are many other choices of non-addicting SSRI's and drugs such as venlafaxine (effexor) that may be what you need. Again, though, seek professional guidance. Sam Snodgrass, PhD