Prescription Drug Abuse: Xanax

Xanax is a prescription drug and is classified as a benzodiazepine or tranquilizer. Similar to "Mother's Little Helper", as Valium was deemed in the 1960's, Xanax is prescribed freely in this day and age to help "treat" anxiety.

What many of it's proponents fail to mention is that Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and drug addiction. There are at least 28 adverse reactions that can be caused by xanax, including headache, tremors, confusion, blurred vision, memory loss and convulsions – not the ingredients for those who want to make the list of “those most likely to succeed.”
 
This drug is not just for parents any more. A survey at a local high school revealed that Xanax abuse is on the rise with our students.  One student interviewed reported, “Xanax is the most commonly abused drug in my school.  Kids take it all the time.  They get it out of their parents’ medicine cabinets.”  He continued with, “It’s a bigger problem in my high school than pot.”

Atlanta Recovery Center warns that according to survey, kids take it for the relaxing high and because it is socially acceptable and easily accessible.The prescription drug can be found in many family medicine cabinets or three tablets can be bought on the streets for five dollars. Some kids take eight at a time.They mix xanax with orange juice, alcohol or an energy drink to intensify the effects.    Those who mix it with alcohol, are putting themselves at extreme risk.  The mixture of xanax and alcohol can result in respiratory suppression and even death.

According to surveys, some kids feel they are addicted to xanax and were from the first moment they took it.   This is not surprising as xanax is very addictive – a person can become dependent on xanax in just a few days.  Others surveyed feel it would be difficult to stop because of the accessibility of the drug.

Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia, Atlanta Recovery Center, stated:   ‘We need to get on top of this extreme situation now.   Kids need to be educated on the risks involved, not only in taking xanax, but in suddenly discontinuing it without the help of a physician.  Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include agitation, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting and convulsions.   It is one of the most difficult drugs to withdraw from, once addicted. Many cases require a medically supervised detox from xanax addiction, as withdrawal symptoms can be deadly.’

Parents have to be willing to ask their kids if they are taking xanax and if they are, get them the help that they need to safely discontinue it.   Most high school kids probably at least know about xanax.  A recent CASA study revealed that 80 percent of our high school kids attend drug-infested schools.  Assume that your kids at least know about xanax and talk to them about it.  The family car can become a lethal weapon if driven by a teen mentally impaired from xanax. 

Xanax is is not the only prescription drug being abused. Another recent survey reports that approximately 48 million people-about 20 percent of the U.S. population-aged 12 or older had used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons in their lifetimes. Are we becoming a nation of prescription drug addicts?

Find out the truth about those you love and call us if the truth is hard to face.

For more information on drug rehabilitation, over the counter prescription drug abuse, or drug education, call Narconon Drug Rehab of Georgia, Atlanta Recovery Center at 1-877-413-3073.