Xanax Addiction Statistics, Facts and Treatment

Xanax is not often termed in the media like OxyContin. However, researchers have encountered cases of overdose and teenage abuse in prominent places across the world. In 2006, Xanax addiction statistics carried by Florida Medical Examiners Commission gave an account of 456 Floridians who had a Xanax overdose.

A brief Introduction to Xanax

Xanax comes from the same family as Valium which is a favorite recreational remedy for many teens. It is a benzodiazepine that sedates the brain and control anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. The drug comes in rectangular tablets that teens term 'bars'. Other brands placed in the same class include Ativan and Klopin.

Xanax prescription drug is an effective measure for the needful people. It works by suppressing the activities of brain neurons and thus reduce anxiety and panic attacks. However, the drug is highly addictive if taken beyond the prescribed period. As such, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies is as a class IV drug. In the UK's Xanax addiction statistics passed by the Committee on Safety of Medicine and Royal College of Psychiatrists, concluded that all benzodiazepines are not suitable to be taken for longer than 2-4 weeks or other reasons other than medicinal. Despite this, many patients who start taking alprazolam for the right rationale continue doing so for a longer period. Consequently, psychiatrists find themselves undecided on whether to prescribe the drug or not.

Xanax Addiction Statistics

Xanax addiction in America prevails among age-groups, among the age of 12-13 years old, 1.5% had used alprazolam, OxyContin, Valium or Percocet for nonmedical purposes. In the 14-15 age group, 3% had a fair share of prescription drugs in their blood stream while in the 16-17 age bracket, 4% had taken prescription drugs to get high. Accordingly, as the kids grow older the higher their rate of intake, dependency and tolerance on prescription drugs. In other drug surveys carried in 2008 on the most likely drug that teenagers took first, 56.6% reported to be marijuana. 29.6% began with psychotherapeutics out of which 22.5% started with pain relievers like Percocet and OxyContin, 3.2% enjoyed Xanax tranquilizer while a remaining proportion had used hallucinogens.

Among adults, many of Xanax addiction statistics blamed its irresistible craving after prescription. There were as many adult-female as males who consumed alprazolam. The highest number of abusers was in the 20-29 age groups and had the highest emergency visits. The visits overstretched by 89% from 2004 to 2008 which is 143,500 to 271,000 people visited the emergency room for benzodiazepine related addiction. Out of this count, an estimated 125% increase were precisely those who abused Xanax. Conclusively, Xanax had the greatest visits and statistics carried by the US in 2008, proved that approximately 44 million prescriptions were administered by doctors.

Despite such an overwhelming prescription rate, it does not mean that anxiety disorders and panic attacks have increased over the years. The bare truth is that more and more abusers have deciphered the exciting nature of this drug. In the same Xanax addiction statistics, it was reported that 25% of abusers combined it with alcohol to increase its effects. Recently, in Pinellas County, 177 drivers found to be under 'the influence' had alprazolam in their system; such an incident was not common ten years ago; which means adults are now taking it as a frivolous fantasy drug.

Xanax Withdrawal

If you are not sure whether you are among the talked about Xanax addiction statistics yet you have been using it, it is vital that you ask yourself questions these questions: Have you had the agitation to hurt yourself? Do you take above normal risk? Are you feeling light-headed, dizzy or tired? Are you having trouble urinating? Does your skin tingle or become dry? These questions can help in determining whether medical attention is of the essence. Xanax withdrawal cannot be abruptly stopped and it is wise to stop intake and seek early detoxification. Though withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening even under psychiatry or professional treatment, they are not so severe under drug free holistic approach. Under this procedure, the body is left to rebuild the damages imposed by the drug by inducing it to relevant condition such as constant exercises, acupuncture, saunas, and herbal supplements.

The holistic detoxification treatment removes the need for taking prescription medicine to cut down on the side effects. Rehabs running this are 100% safe and improve the overall health of Xanax addicts.