Kids, Xanax & Addiction

May 30 2013

Xanax is a prescription drug, a benzodiazepine or tranquilizer, used to treat anxiety, youths refer to Xanax by different street names based on the color, shape of the pill and dosage. Yellow pills(2mg) are called school bus or yellow boys or bars; Blue pills(1mg) are footballs and White pills are bars. All are referred to as Xannies. Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means that it has a high potential for abuse. A person can in fact become dependent to Xanax in just a few days. Abuse is not easily detected either, with fast paced lives and busy schedules it is sometimes easy for this behavior to go unnoticed and therefore untreated. Research studies have in fact shown that admitted users stated that friends found Xanax abuse "normal" and that the often rummaging of a parent's medicine cabinet for their drugs was standard practice. This would mean that any outside help would be farfetched and that indeed with its acceptance the drug could go unreported to everyone in the home while friends at school watch as the abuser deteriorates. Social acceptance and even encouragement along with peer pressure typically makes quitting too difficult for young teens already stressed with schoolwork and life. Add to this the fact that most teens take their "meds" with alcohol, energy drinks or by the handful and the problem becomes even more evident.

Some kids feel they are addicted to Xanax and were from the very first moment they took it.

A recent CASA study revealed that 80 percent of our high school kids attend drug-infested schools where Xanax is easily attained and abuse is common. Most teenagers don't feel Xanax is dangerous or even highly addictive; unfortunately this is far from the truth. With over 28 adverse reactions including vomiting, headaches, tremors, memory loss & confusion kids tend to think of these as fun reactions as opposed to realizing that this does not lead to a successful future or well balanced life. With this age of technology and ease of access it becomes an even greater battle to fight as we see ourselves bombarded by online prescription offers which require nothing but a credit card account and the affirmation that the person is of legal age. Unmonitored email accounts which our kids usually have, have now become drug dealers and facilitators of abuse.

The misconception that our kids are incapable of becoming addicted at home and that all drug use and influence comes from friends at school is indeed the biggest peril both parents and kids face. While drug-prevention efforts have traditionally focused on education, parents need to learn about these dangers and their prevention as well as detection. A 2007 Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation study found 40 percent of teens and 37 percent of parents think teen abuse of prescription pain killers is safer than the abuse of illicit street drugs.

Kids that are informed by their Parents about drugs are 50% less likely to use them!

Treatment & Withdrawal

Often the abuse of Xanax occurs in conjunction with the abuse of another substance or drug, such as alcohol. Xanax drug testing is an important part of helping an addict stop substance abuse. Cognitive-behavioral therapy also has been used successfully to help individuals adapt to the non usage of the drug.

Ever heard someone say:" I stopped smoking cold turkey." This type of easy withdrawal doesn't happen for everyone. How someone withdraws from a drug depends on many factors. For instance, how long have they been using? What kind of medication/drug is it? At what rate have they been using? All of these questions need to be answered in order to properly assess how someone is going to withdraw. Depending on the medication, an individual may need supervision while withdrawing from a substance. This applies to benzodiazepines withdrawal, which if not carefully handled can lead to seizures.

The Beachcomber treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida offers a unique targeted program for Xanax addiction and other prescription drug addiction. The program includes individualized assessments and treatment plans to meet specific needs following detoxification. Our Center has specialized in addiction treatment since 1976 and is the oldest operating residential program in Florida

Our staff is fully familiar with Xanax addiction and prescription drug addiction and recognizes the long history of this drug others that stifle the central nervous system and slow normal brain function. Most of these drugs have been prescribed to counter "stress," relieve anxiety and help with related discomfort such as loss of sleep. Unfortunately, many prescription medications are addictive when not closely monitored and controlled. Family members can play a helpful role in controlling dosages with physician support.

Article by: jennifer yaniz

Monday, 14 September 2009