Teen Xanax Abuse Treatment in Los Angeles

Xanax abuse among teens in Los Angeles becomes worse every year, and because of this, the need for treatment is also on the rise. Xanax, popularly known as Alprazolam, is initially prescribed by a doctor to manage anxiety, but many teens are now using it as a party drug. In Los Angeles, complaints of deaths related to benzodiazepines such as Xanax are on the rise. It’s also become common knowledge that teenagers mix Xanax with opioids to get the best results. Unfortunately, this combination is deadly and has led to high death rates among users. This is why it’s important to get your child the help they need as soon as possible.

Understanding Teen Xanax Abuse

How Does Xanax Work?

The chemical compounds in Xanax suppress neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby reducing anxiety. Higher dosages of Xanax in the body induce a calming effect and trigger gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chemical compound responsible for suppressing excitement in the nervous system.
It is a commonly prescribed drug to treat a variety of mental illnesses, including panic disorders and anxiety disorders. Other things Xanax helps with include irritability, insomnia, and muscle tension.
Two teens helping a parent in the kitchen, embodying the supportive family dynamics encouraged in Key Healthcare's treatment for teen Xanax abuse
Father and son bonding over household chores, representing the role of family support in recovery from Xanax abuse

Causes of Teen Xanax Abuse

Why Do Teens Take and Abuse Xanax?

For years, the major focus of discussion on the misuse of this prescription medicine has been on adults, such as overly nervous parents and stressed-out company executives. A study conducted in the US found that Xanax had the highest prescription rate of any psychiatric medication in the country. Another report published in 2018 shows that one in five people who take prescribed Xanax misuse it. Most worryingly, adolescents between the ages of 18 and 25 accounted for 10% of people who misused the drug.
Three major factors have emerged as fundamental drivers for the recent Xanax abuse in teens uptick:
  • Accessibility: While some teenagers obtain their own Xanax prescriptions, many others merely need to enter their parents’ bathroom and go through the medication cabinet.
  • Internet Exposure: Young people all across the world are experimenting with risky habits they observe online. While social media sites have made it easier to remain in touch with friends and family, they have also opened up new ways to purchase narcotics.
  • Increased Tension and Stress: In today’s environment, adolescent stress is at an all-time high. Year after year, documented instances relating to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other concerns continue to increase, and with it so does the prevalence of Xanax usage among teenagers.

Teen Xanax Abuse Signs

Signs and Side Effects of Xanax Abuse in Teens

Xanax abuse in teens can have serious and long-lasting effects on physical and mental health. While the short-term impacts are more visible and immediate, long-term effects can be more damaging.
Supportive Teen Treatment Environment at Key Healthcare

DEPRESSION

Xanax negatively affects the amygdala, dorsomedial thalamus, and hippocampus, leading to depression and mood changes.

Supportive Teen Treatment Environment at Key Healthcare

MEMORY LOSS

Memory loss is common in teens who abuse Xanax due to the decrease in brain signals. This impacts short-term memory causing amnesia.

Teen receiving support for depression treatment

PSYCHOSIS

Xanax disrupts the supplementary motor area of the medial frontal lobe, leading to manic symptoms. This side effect is common in teens with bipolar disorder.

Teen engagement in a supportive recovery program at Key Healthcare

AGGRESSION

Teens who use Xanax mixed with other substances like Alcohol may also easily become restless and violent due to cognitive deficits.

Teen Xanax Abuse Treatment by Key Healthcare

Teen Xanax Abuse Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

There are many ways to help your teen stop abusing Xanax. Most of the time, adolescents will use Xanax to cope with their stress or anxiety. This is why Key Healthcare provides dual diagnosis Xanax abuse treatment to treat both the mental health condition and substance abuse. We develop individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term recovery for your child. If you are interested in learning more about our teen xanax abuse treatment options, or if you’re looking for programs for out of control teenager near me, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Icon symbolizing care and emotional support, key elements in Key Healthcare's treatment for teen depression

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our adolescent outpatient program for Xanax abuse takes place 9 hours per week over the course of 4-12 weeks. Your teen will participate in therapy sessions that help them work through the reasons for their Xanax use.

Compassionate Support for Teen Depression

Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)

Our teens partial hospitalization program for Xanax addiction takes place 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks. Teens will attend therapy sessions where they will develop the coping skills needed to stop abusing Xanax and treat underlying mental health issues.

Safe Housing at Key Healthcare

Teen Residential Treatment Program

Key Healthcare’s teen residential treatment program is a 45-60 day program in Malibu, California, where adolescents receive the highest level of care, with 24/7 support.
A family enjoying time together with a laptop, representing the supportive role of loved ones in a teen's journey through depression recovery

Extended Care

Our male-only extended care facility for teens Xanax abuse treatment is a combination of our partial hospitalization program and sober living. Your teen will have around the clock support to treat all mental health and substance abuse issues related to his Xanax use.

Icon of two people in a therapy session, emphasizing the importance of communication and support in teen depression treatment

Individual and Group Therapy

We utilize a variety of individual therapeutic approaches for teens and youth group counseling to treat their mental health conditions and dual diagnosis Xanax addiction, including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. During these sessions, teens will learn coping skills and how to process emotions.

Insurances We Accept

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.

Meet the Team

We believe that the effectiveness of the treatment program relies heavily on the bond between the teen and their therapist, rather than solely on the clinical modalities and various therapeutic techniques employed. That is why our staff members are relatable, resourceful and fearless when it comes to finding creative solutions for each client.

Leadership Team

Elnaz Mayeh PhD, LMFT

Dr. Elnaz Mayeh is a highly experienced clinical psychologist and the Executive Director of Key Healthcare. With a deep commitment to adolescent mental health, Dr. Mayeh brings a wealth of expertise in program development, clinical leadership, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

Beverly Reader, MD

Beverly Reader, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with 15 years of experience specializing in adolescent mental health and dual diagnosis treatment.

Sarah Carillo

Sarah Carillo, a dedicated mother of three, brings over a decade of experience to her role as Admissions Director at Key Healthcare.

Ryan Blivas

Ryan Blivas is a behavioral healthcare entrepreneur and teen mental health advocate who is passionate about finding solutions to combat the teen mental health crisis in America.

Evan Powell

Evan Powell is one of the co-founders of Key Healthcare in Los Angeles, CA. Inspired by his own treatment journey, he and Ryan set out to change the narrative for clients, and help them find a brighter path.

Clinical & Medical Team

Helena Nyhart, MA, AMFT, APCC

Originally from the East Coast, Helena began her career in the tech industry before finding her passion in adolescent mental health. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University…

Portrait of a smiling healthcare professional from Key Healthcare

Matt Metcalf is a DBT Program Director at Key Healthcare. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with adolescents and their families for over 15 years.

Chanelle Catuogno,  ACSW

Chanelle specializes in trauma therapy, trained in ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) and brings years of experience from private practice to her role at Key Healthcare.

Rocky Trombetti, MA, AMFT

Rocky serves as a family and group therapist within the adolescent treatment programs at Key Healthcare, specializing in supporting teens through their journey to recovery.

James Wilcox, MA, AMFT

James Wilcox is a dedicated family and group therapist within the Teen Treatment Programs at Key Healthcare, providing specialized support to adolescents as they navigate their path to recovery.

Jordan Werner, AMFT

Jordan possess particular expertise in treating borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and trauma-related experiences.

Matt Cox, CADAC -I

Matt is an experienced operations expert with a vast knowledge of both Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders.

Henry Dafoe

Henry Dafoe, a Mentor at Key Healthcare, holds a Master’s in Behavioral Health from Tulane University and brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his work.

Community Relationship Manager

Mehrsa Javanmard

A UCLA graduate, Mehrsa brings over 10 years of experience in mental health treatment to her role. Her expertise spans both clinical and operational aspects of the field, including leadership positions as a Program Manager and Operations Director.

Teen Treatment

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