Frightening Xanax Abuse Statistics

Xanax, otherwise known by its generic name alprazolam, treats moderate to severe anxiety, acute stress, and panic disorders. Belonging to the class of medications known as benzodiazepines, Xanax is both the most prescribed and most abused benzo. Because of Xanax’s calming, pleasant high, many people abuse their prescriptions or buy the drug illegally on the street. These much sought-after feelings lead to increased Xanax abuse and frightening Xanax abuse statistics.

Facts of Xanax Abuse

Xanax was first prescribed by doctors after its FDA approval in 1981. Within two years doctors prescribed more of the drug than Valium. Since that time, Xanax has maintained its position as the most used benzo.

Xanax is one of the three most potent benzos. Its effects peak within 90 minutes of using the drug. Surprisingly, people abusing Xanax take between ten and twenty pills per day. Michael Jackson used between thirty and forty Xanax pills each day before he died.

Xanax is highly addictive, in large part because it acts so quickly. This quick action means it also wears off quickly. This prompts people abusing Xanax to take more pills to keep their high going. Tolerance and physical dependence happen as quickly as two weeks after the first dose, leading to continued abuse to prevent a benzodiazepine withdrawal.

Xanax Abuse Statistics

One of the most frightening Xanax abuse statistics relates to addiction treatment. Since 2002, admissions to treatment centers increased by 79 percent due to benzo abuse. Xanax, the most frequently abused benzodiazepine, leads to most of these admissions.

Doctors wrote under 30 million Xanax prescriptions in 2002. Within only five years, this number increased to 37.5 million. This means that Xanax prescriptions increased by more than 1.25 million each year.

Sadly, as Xanax prescriptions increased, so did overdoses. Between 2004 to 2008, Xanax addiction led to an 89 percent increase in ER visits. There were over 65,000 emergency room visits for Xanax in 2006. But in 2010, that number was almost 125,000.

These Xanax abuse statistics show how the medication leads to addiction when misused.

Florida Treatment for Addiction to Xanax

In Jacksonville, Florida, Beaches Recovery provides treatment for Xanax addiction. This treatment starts with Xanax detox and continues through rehab and aftercare. Your individualized treatment plan includes a variety of therapies, such as group therapy, individual counseling, evidence-based practices, holistic treatment and anger management.

The treatment programs at Beaches Recovery and Tides Edge Detox include:

• Alcohol and drug detox
• Residential drug rehab
• Xanax rehab for women
• Xanax rehab for men
• Family therapy
• Transitional living and sober living

If you or someone you love suffer benzodiazepine addiction, call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532. The help you need is only one call away.