Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, was first introduced in the United States in 1981 as a safer and less addictive alternative to traditional tranquilizers. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for treating anxiety disorders and avoiding alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Nowadays, Xanax has become one of the leading addiction causes, resulting in up to 8,000 deaths in the United States in 2015. As such, it is vital to know everything there is to know about this drug.
Misinformation has plagued the world ever since the dawn of the digital age. Avoid abusing Xanax, having an anxiety attack, or being too complacent by familiarizing yourself with these widely accepted myths:
Myth #1 — Xanax is safe because it is a prescription drug
People often overlook the abuse of prescription drugs. As its name implies, the use of a prescription drug is allowed under a doctor’s supervision and can be considered safe as long as the proper dosage is taken.
Prescription drug use for nonmedical reasons comprises 14% of young adults aged 18-25, as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Along with Xanax, ADHD medications and narcotic pain prescriptions are other drugs commonly abused. These abuses are so detrimental that five young adults die every day from a prescription drug overdose.
Myth #2 — Xanax can cause someone to become addicted to it instantly
Although Xanax is known to be addictive, someone cannot get addicted to it instantaneously. It can take six weeks or more of daily use before developing a dependency.
Note that this is not the case for everyone who uses Xanax. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, addiction is likely to develop in four out of ten users.
Myth #3 — Xanax addiction is easy to spot
Signs of Xanax abuse and addiction are generally similar to typical teenage characteristics. Some of these signs include drowsiness and sleeping for extended periods.
It is easy to confuse addiction for what seems to be common teenage behavior. Often, a teen must be diagnosed by a physician to know whether addiction is actually taking place.
Myth #4 — All teens are at risk for Xanax addiction
Xanax may be used and misused to alleviate intense feelings of anxiety or during a party, but this does not necessarily mean that every teen is at risk of addiction. Since Xanax is a prescription drug, some teenagers may not even be exposed to it.
But in the off chance that your teen does develop an addiction, teen Xanax abuse treatment facilities can be found all over Los Angeles to help your child recover.
Myth #5 — Rehab isn’t an option for teens with Xanax addiction
Your teen’s Xanax addiction must be treated immediately to prevent it from causing more havoc in their life. The solution often lies at a rehab facility, so yes, admitting your child to rehab is absolutely a viable option.
If your child has been professionally diagnosed with Xanax addiction, then find the best rehab center in Los Angeles that can provide the appropriate care.
While these myths about teen Xanax addiction may seem believable, the reality of the situation can be much different. Always remember to check the legitimacy of the information you are reading or that you have acquired from someone. Note that the internet and social media have made it too easy for unchecked facts and misinformation to spread. Instead, rely on government and reputable sites to gather information. These websites are guaranteed to provide study-based teen Xanax addiction facts and statistics.