Most of us are aware of the infamous opioid crisis that has riddled the nation since the early 2000s. Opioid-related overdoses saw a sharp, alarming increase from the late ’90s to the present, and while this class of drugs has occupied much of the drug abuse prevention narrative for decades now, it is important to remain aware of other drug abuse trends to try and get ahead of the curve before it’s too late. Benzodiazepines have caught the attention of addiction treatment specialists as there has been a surge in adolescents and young adults addicted to various drugs of this class – most notably, Xanax.
Benzodiazepines are a class of anti-anxiety drugs including Xanax, Valium, and Ativan to name a few examples. These types of drugs tend to be more accessible to teen and young adult populations compared to “hard” drugs (cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, etc.). Sometimes referred to as “benzos,” young people tend to have a perception of these drugs that they are safer alternatives to opioids or opiates. Xanax and other benzodiazepines can become especially dangerous when consumed in a recreational manner and in combination with alcohol or other drugs. These combinations can become fatal very quickly.
DrugAbuse.gov reports that from 1999 to 2019, drug overdose benzodiazepine-related deaths have increased more than 10 fold across all age groups, peaking in 2017.
Xanax and other benzodiazepines are highly addictive, and long-term use has the potential to create both physical and mental dependence. For this reason, if you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax or other benzodiazepine addiction, it is not recommended to withdraw or quit “cold turkey” without professional assistance.
In response to the opioid crisis, the FDA has approved a number of alternative drugs which were created to aid in the withdrawal process. Methadone, for example, was created and approved to serve as a bridge to sobriety for those addicted to heroin and other opioids. To date, no drugs exist to serve this purpose for benzodiazepine addiction. If Xanax use is halted too quickly, especially in the setting of physical dependence on the drug, seizures are likely to occur and can be extremely dangerous if not fatal without proper medical care.
Because of the high accessibility of these drugs, it is important for parents, friends, and family members to keep a close eye on those they care about, especially when they are being treated for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder. Irresponsibly prescribing habits of physicians or abuse of a prescribed benzodiazepine can be the start of a long, difficult road of addiction and recovery but it is not impossible, with the Drug and alcohol rehab Center Florida, you cab get assistance in paving the way leading to sobriety.
Prevention is key, but when addiction happens, we are here to support you in your recovery journey. If you or someone you know is ready to recover from a Xanax addiction, Beachcomber Rehabilitation Center in Delray Beach, Florida is here to help. With personalized recovery plans, a wide variety of therapies, and over four decades of experience, the Beachcomber Delray creates a recovery plan designed specifically for you or your loved one’s needs. Contact us if you would like to learn more!