Kids in Kwa Zulu Natal are taking heavy prescription tranquilizers which are potentially lethal. 
When taken as prescribed after a thorough assessment, Xanax can be very helpful to people who are managing anxiety-related disorders.
That said, like most medications, when it’s not taken as prescribed or closely monitored by a doctor, it can become highly addictive and potentially dangerous.
Is Xanax Really That Addictive?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine (commonly called benzo) and is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that the government has determined it has a low potential for abuse. However, the statistics on Xanax abuse and addiction tell a different story.
In 2014, 14,851 people were admitted to treatment facilities in the United States citing addiction to benzos like Xanax as their primary reason for seeking treatment.
Benzos like Xanax are so addictive that, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 4 in 10 users can become physically and psychologically addicted in as little as 6 weeks of daily use.
This may seem shocking to you, considering that it is a widely prescribed medication. Some may even say it’s simple to get a Xanax prescription from your doctor.
What Makes Xanax So Addictive?
Typically, patients taking regular doses of Xanax are doing so to manage an anxiety disorder. Shortly after taking a dose of the drug, you will generally feel more calm and relaxed because benzos depress the central nervous system, which is activated during times of high anxiety.3
Due to its fast-acting calming effects, many users feel compelled to take more than prescribed, resulting in physical and mental dependence. This can ultimately exacerbate the illness or disorder the user was originally trying to treat.
Contact us if you or a loved one has a drug or alcohol problem. 0823588661