Is Xanax Use Increasing with Teenagers?

Over the last 15 years there has been a decline in the teenage use of Xanax which is a sedative that is mostly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Xanax has been abused by teens over the years for its calming properties and its ability to produce a euphoric high with the overindulgence of the prescription drug classified as a Benzodiazepine, often referred to as Benzos. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), at least 26 percent of Gen Z high school seniors are choosing to abstain from all mind-altering substances. Nearly 1 in 10 teens were abusing painkillers in 2004, so the decline has been quite substantial even though teens are not completely out of the clear. There is still the 4 percent of students who continue to misuse prescription drugs according to NIDA. While addiction to Xanax has continued to decrease in adolescents, there are still teens who abuse the drug for a few different reasons.

Overabundance

Whether teenagers are getting them out of the family's medicine cabinet, getting them from drug dealers, or are buying them off the dark web, the pills are readily available for consumption which can easily manifest an addiction.

Self-medication

With adults being prescribed Xanax or other benzos as an anti-anxiety medication and as a sleeping aide, teens see their parents feel better and want to follow suit. Observing their parents relax makes teens want to achieve the same feeling even though they are unaware of the dangers that Xanax poses.

Misconception

Watching their parents take Benzos gives the teenagers the impression that the pills will work for them without consequences. Parents seem even-keel, so teenagers believe they will be too. What they do not comprehend is that the medication could be too high of a dose for them or not have the understanding that they should be under the care of a doctor to prevent unforeseen circumstances from happening.

Effects

Those teens who have tried Xanax gush over the intoxicating feeling that is produced. Teens have reported to love the high that Benzos bring about so much that it keeps them coming back time and again. Once the tolerance is built up, a teenager may begin to take more and more to keep receiving the same effects while putting themselves in risk of overdosing. Benzodiazepines are in the top 5 of drugs that are abused by teens along with alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and hallucinogens. While many adolescents are looking for a way to calm their nerves, they are writing a prescription for an addiction.

Stonewater Adolescent Recovery offers nationally accredited academic curriculum to give our clients a chance at gaining an education while building a foundation with their sobriety. Our Academic Advisor can meet with you to create an academic plan for your teenage son and ensure balance will be captured with their therapeutic load.

Call us today to start living your recovery: 662-598-4214

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