Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders. Also known as benzodiazepine, it is dangerous and very addictive because it creates an intense feeling of euphoria. A recent survey found that one in five users of benzodiazepine is misusing the drug. What makes it worse? It is available to teens, who often use various methods of getting Xanax when it is no longer prescribed to them. A teen Xanax addiction treatment program will provide a structured yet nurturing environment that will help your teen navigate their recovery. Destinations for Teens supports young adults currently addicted to Xanax through our residential and outpatient treatment centers. Contact us at [direct] to discover how we can guide your teen in living a healthy life without abusing prescription medications.
What Are Signs That My Teen Is Abusing Xanax?
Xanax abuse is becoming common amongst teens who feel overwhelmed and need to destress. However, using Xanax without a prescription is dangerous as it can cause damage to your brain and cause an overdose. Pay attention to these signs that often indicate that your teen is abusing Xanax:
- Secretly using Xanax
- Having Xanax even without a prescription
- A family member or friend missing prescribed Xanax
- Taking more than the prescribed dosage
- Consistent mood swings
- Prolonged personality changes
- Appearing tired and behaving fatigued
- Blackouts or memory loss
Why Are Teens Abusing Xanax?
Yet more significant than the signs that your teen might be using Xanax are the reasons why they have decided they need to begin using. Here are some reasons why teen Xanax use is on the rise:
Easily Accessible
Although a medical professional prescribes Xanax, it is quite easy to get through other means. Some teens begin stealing their parents’ prescriptions. Others purchase over the Internet or attend pill parties.
Stress
It is not uncommon for young adults to experience anxiety and stress. They want to do well in school. They also want to be accepted by their peers. And finally, they want to feel valued and loved by their families. Since Xanax offers a quick release of euphoria, teen users will begin to feel relaxed within 10 minutes. However, developing a dependence on Xanax to calm down or remedy insomnia will not help teens learn how to deal with their anxiety.
Peer Pressure
Social media can be a space that is either affirming or stress-inducing for teens. For some, it is a way to engage with friends positively and share information. But for others, social media can be a space where they are ridiculed and cyberbullied, causing undue anxiety and stress. The pressure to be cool on social media and in-person can cause teens to rely on a substance such as Xanax to numb their pain if they are cyberbullied or treated unfairly in public. In addition, the pressure to fit in–in school and at social gatherings can prompt teens to begin using Xanax. Therefore it is important to provide teens with positive social spaces so that they do not feel the need to use any substances that will impair their well-being.
Find Teen Xanax Addiction Treatment At Destinations For Teens
Xanax abuse is rising amongst teens. Teen users reach for Xanax because of its ability to calm their nerves, making them feel less stress and anxiety. However, Xanax is highly addictive. Long-term users reported losing coordination and having a debilitating dependency that impacts their livelihood. A teen Xanax addiction treatment program will help the young adult in your life learn their triggers and how to best manage their emotions–without depending on substance use. At Destinations for Teens, we offer:
- Residential treatment
- Virtual partial hospitalization program
- Virtual intensive outpatient program
Contact us at 877.466.0620 to learn about the resources we use to help your teen recover from Xanax abuse.