Five Shocking Facts about Xanax
Xanax is often prescribed for anxiety and other psychiatric issues but it has become one of the most commonly abused drugs. Other statistics on Xanax are:
- The number of annual hospital admissions directly related to Xanax use: 60,000.
- The average person with a Xanax addiction will take between 20-30 pills every day.
- Xanax saw the second largest pharmaceutical increase in production in the US from 2004-2009, with production rates increasing 148%. Only oxycodone products saw higher levels of production.
- Prescription rates for Xanax have been climbing at a 9% annual rate since 2008.
- 33% of long-term Xanax users report they experience an increase in their depression-like symptoms.
Statistics provided by Health Research Funding.org
Xanax addiction treatment needs to be high quality and as well as medically supervised because the withdrawals from it can cause fatal seizures. Many times, the signs of Xanax addiction can be overlooked especially if the person is prescribed the drug. Xanax abuse can cause memory loss, mood swings, irrational behavior, slurred speech, and impaired motor skills.
The worst part is many times, the risk of addiction associated with Xanax is understated. Even with prescription controls on it, the drug is still widely available due to its popularity. While the drug is considered to be hard to overdose on taken alone, many people using Xanax mix it with other substances making the dangers of its abuse higher. In fact, 49% of teens will take Xanax with at least one other drug, such as alcohol.
Addiction is a problem whether a person is on prescription meds or street drugs. If someone you know is struggling with drug addiction contact a drug addiction professional and begin the process of getting them the treatment they need.
