Teen
substance use, substance abuse, and addiction, commonly includes
the use of Xanax. Xanax is readily available
to teens, as it is a prescription drug often prescribed to
people in many teen’s lives including parents, family
members, and friends. Xanax is also percribed
by some dentists for root canals, when an individual is anxious
about the impending procedure. Teens experiencing
anxiety and depression might be prescribed Xanax as well.
Unfortunately, Xanax has become a commonly
abused drug by both teens and adults. It is passed out in
the halls of many high schools, passed around at teen parties,
and shared regularly by many teens. Many teens
do not understand the physiological aspects of addiction and
do not realize the potential for tolerance to this drug. It
is usually combined with marijuana use, alcohol use, or combined
with other prescription drugs. Due to the health risks for
detox from this drug, a detox in a hospital setting is suggested.
Clinical Implications:
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that produce central
nervous system (CNS) depression and that are most commonly
used to treat insomnia and anxiety. There is the potential
for dependence on and abuse of benzodiazepines particularly
by individuals with a history of multi-substance abuse. Alprazolam
(e.g., Xanax), lorazepam (e.g., Ativan),
clonazepam (e.g., Klonopin), diazepam (e.g., Valium), and
temazepam (e.g., Restoril) are the five most prescribed, as
well as the most frequently encountered benzodiazepines on
the illicit market.
Tolerance often develops after long term use requiring larger
doses to achieve the desired effect. Physical and psychological
dependence may develop, whether taken under a doctor’s
orders or used illicitly. Withdrawal symptoms, the severity
of which is dependent on the dose, duration of use, and particular
drug used, include anxiety, insomnia, dysphoria, tremors,
and seizures.
Author: Karen Corcoran, MS, MFT, APA
11/19/2009
Information researched at the Office of Diversion Control:
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugs_concern/benzo_1.htm
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