how to tell if your teen has a xanax addiction
Since the year 2000, there have been notable controversies surrounding the use of Xanax in teens for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Due to its effectiveness, almost everyone, especially teenagers, wants to hold this medicine. Unfortunately, excessive use of Xanax proved to be fatal, with an alarming death rate of 500 percent since the mentioned year.
There is data collected from various years showing the increased prescription of Xanax. However, the situation of Xanax abuse seems to persist throughout the years as more patients fall victim to Xanax Addiction. Even with the right amount of care from professionals, people still seem to find ways to become dependent on prescriptions.

Ways to tell your teen has Xanax addiction

For teenagers, being addicted to Xanax is a serious problem. Since many teenagers suffer from anxiety and depression, getting treatment is often necessary.
Learn more about Teen Mental Health Treatment in Los Angeles.
Learn more about Los Angeles Teen Anxiety Treatment.
Learn more about Los Angeles Teen Depression Treatment.

If one of your children is currently taking this Xanax as medication, it would be best to check if they have become dependant and suffer from this condition. If your teen has developed an adolescent Xanax addiction, it’s best to contact us to learn more about our teen Xanax treatment in Los Angeles.

Ways to tell if your teen has Xanax addiction

Being addicted to Xanax is a serious problem to address. One way or another, with their state of mind, being dependent on Xanax is inevitable. If one of your children is currently taking this medication, be sure to monitor their behaviors closely to determine if your teen has a Xanax addiction.
Below are some signs your teen could be addicted to Xanax.
  1. The teen is losing interest in normal activities
  2. The teen is engaging in risk-taking behaviors
  3. The teen is experiencing constant relationship problems
  4. The teen is maintaining stashes of Xanax
  5. The teen has financial difficulties, often because they’re spending their money on drugs.
  6. Psychological Signs – aside from one’s behavior, another sign to monitor closely is their psychological state.

Behavioral Signs

Usually, when a person still has the Xanax substance in their system, you may notice significant behavior differences. You may observe a lack of attention or even a change in focus, which can be different from their actions before.
Additionally, due to the influence of Xanax, they can experience noticeable mood swings, which can be attributed to a normal one. However, extra precaution is needed if you know that your child is currently taking the drug as part of their medication. That way, you can note all these changes in behavior and see if they are taking too much Xanax than the usual prescription.
There are other noticeable changes as well.

Psychological Signs of Teen Xanax Addiction

Aside from one’s behavior, another sign you must take note of is their psychological state. Given that Xanax was used to alleviate GAD in the past, there are signs that it can negatively affect one’s mind if a person intakes too much of it if their body becomes too dependent on the substance. A study showed that some people who stopped using Xanax affected their psychological state. This happens during the Xanax withdrawal process.
Here are some of the notable withdrawal effects when quitting Xanax or benzodiazepines.
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Nightmares
  • Suicidal thinking

Short-Term Side Effects of Teen Xanax Abuse

Another condition your children might encounter from teen Xanax abuse is the short-term side effects. Usually, it only causes the person to feel the high sensation, leading them to feel too relaxed. The effect can occupy one’s system from 30 minutes up to 6 hours. 

That kind of effect is the reason why it is notable for alleviating GAD. It helps to soothe one’s anxiety, helping them to feel calm. However, taking a larger than prescribed amount of Xanax may affect one’s memory, causing a lapse. If you are concerned your teenager is high on Xanax, below are some of the signs to look out for:
  1. A reduction in the speed of thinking processes.
  2. Sedation
  3. Light-headedness
  4. A reduction in impulse control

Long-term side effects of Xanax abuse

When it comes to the long-term usage of Teenage Xanax consumption, chances are the body may suffer a severe change, especially one’s brain. Usually, when someone prolongs the use of a substance, there are notable side effects. Xanax may last up to 2 – 4 days in the human body.
Helpful Resources for Parents Dealing With Teen Xanax Addiction

Where Do Teens Get Xanax?

Teenagers have friends, and if one person in their friend group is doing drugs, odds are they can get most types of drugs from this friend. Back in the day, Xanax was considered the best-prescribed medicine to alleviate General Anxiety Disorder. With it being widely known for its effectiveness, anyone can acquire it. However, clinical studies show that Xanax is an addictive drug, affecting one’s state of mind.

Tolerance and Risk Factors for Xanax Addiction

In terms of risks, consuming too much Xanax than the prescribed amount can severely affect your body system. Not only can it affect your memory, but it can result in death as well. In 2000, about 500 percent of the death rate was noted due to substance abuse. That’s how professionals discovered that Xanax is an addictive drug.

Dangers of Teen Xanax Abuse

As mentioned, there are several effects that Xanax can do on one’s body system. Even with a short-term abuse of the substance, your child may experience memory lapses. Meanwhile, stopping usage may also affect your system due to withdrawal effects. That’s how dangerous it is to intake too much Xanax.

Help Your Teen Overcome Xanax Abuse

When you notice that your child seems to suffer from drug abuse, it would be best to seek help from a doctor or contact a professional teen treatment program. There are several teen Xanax rehab facilities for adolescents including our adolescent iop programs, that can help fight the effects of Xanax.

What can parents do?

As your child undergoes several programs, one way to offer your help is by being there for them. Having a support system matters when fighting the withdrawal effects of Xanax during detox. Since Xanax is highly addictive and stopping usage can offer psychological effects to that person, your love and support are needed.

If your teen is experiencing teen addiction treatment in your family and want to speak with an expert regarding this issue, please contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with no obligation. We’re here to help.