If you’re worried that your best friend might be addicted to Xanax, there are several signs you can look out for. Over the past decade, there’s been a significant rise in prescription pill addiction, likely due to an increase in anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as the availability of drugs from outside the U.S. While Xanax, or Alprazolam, is prescribed for severe anxiety, it can be highly addictive both mentally and physically, requiring users to be very careful.
Young people have increasingly been misusing drugs like Xanax, Oxycontin, Adderall, and Ritalin for their mind-altering effects rather than for legitimate medical reasons. Often, teenagers and young adults start by experimenting with medications taken from friends or family members.
Here are some signs that might indicate your friend is abusing Xanax:
– Running out of their medication quickly or frequently losing their prescription.
– Chewing the pills instead of swallowing them.
– Taking higher doses than prescribed.
– Showing withdrawal symptoms when they run out of Xanax.
– Experiencing mood swings due to a lack of Xanax.
If your friend also struggles with alcoholism, bipolar disorder, or depression, these conditions can make Xanax addiction even worse. Pay attention to what your friend tells you and, if you feel comfortable, share your concerns with them. If they aren’t receptive, consider talking to another close friend or family member to plan a collective intervention.
Handling Xanax addiction is challenging but not impossible, and professional help can make a big difference. An interventionist can guide you in staging an intervention, answering common questions, and ensuring your friend gets the treatment and aftercare they need. With the right support, your friend can recognize their addiction and begin the recovery process, and you can be there to help and support them along the way.