Why do some adolescent people apply Xanax recreationally? What is the risk?

Anecdotal reports from some experts have raised concerns youth taking prescription benzodiazepines such as Xanax for recreational apply.

Detections of the borderline strength of these drugs have almost twice over the past five years, which has further fueled concern.

So why do adolescent people apply them and how do the harms differ from those used as directed by a doctor?

What are benzodiazepines?

You may know this vast group of drugs by their trade names. Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Normison (temazepam), and Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) are just a few examples. They are sometimes referred to as minor sedatives or colloquially as “benzos”.

They escalate the level of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA reduces brain activity, causing a feeling of relaxation and composed.

Undesirable side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and coordination problems.

Benzodiazepines have been commonly prescribed for the long-term treatment of anxiety and insomnia. They are still prescribed for these conditions, but less frequently, and are still there sometimes used as part of the treatment of cancer, epilepsy and alcohol withdrawal.

Long-term apply may lead to tolerance: when the effect fades over time. Therefore, over time, you need to apply more to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction: when the body becomes dependent on the drug. There is a very high risk of addiction to these drugs.

Discontinuation symptoms may occur when benzodiazepines are discontinued. For dependent people, withdrawal from addiction can be long and hard, lasting several months or longer.

Therefore, they are currently only recommended for a few weeks for certain short-term conditions.

How do people get them? And how do they feel about it?

Benzodiazepines for non-medical apply are typically obtained through legal prescriptions or purchased from illicit drug markets, including the Internet.

Some illegally obtained benzodiazepines look like prescription drugs but are counterfeit pills that may contain fentanyl, nitazenes (both synthetic opioids), or other powerful substances that can significantly increase the risk of accidental overdose and death.

When used recreationally, benzodiazepines are usually taken in higher doses than typically prescribed, which carries even greater risks.

The effect that adolescent people look for when taking these drugs are feelings of deep relaxation, reduced inhibition, euphoria and a sense of detachment from their surroundings. Others apply them to enhance social experiences or cope with the “low” of stimulant drugs such as MDMA.

Operate at these levels carries risks including memory loss, impaired judgment and risky behaviorsuch as unsafe sex or driving.

Some people report doing things they wouldn’t normally do under the influence of high doses of benzodiazepines. There are human cases committing crimes they don’t remember.

When taken in higher doses or in combination with other sedative medications such as alcohol or opioids, they may also cause respiratory depressionwhich prevents the lungs from getting enough oxygen. In extreme cases, it may lead to loss of consciousness or even death.

The apply of vast doses also increases the risk of tolerance and addiction.

Is recreational apply increasing?

The data we have on the apply of over-the-counter benzodiazepines among adolescent people is mixed and hard to interpret.

Household survey as part of the National Drug Strategy for 2022–2023 estimates approximately 0.5% of 14- to 17-year-olds and 3% of 18- to 24-year-olds used benzodiazepines for non-medical purposes at least once in the last year.

This is reported by the Australian Secondary Schools Survey 2022-2023 11% of high school students respondents had used benzodiazepines in the last year. However, they note that this figure may include a significant percentage of students who were prescribed benzodiazepines but inadvertently reported using them for recreational purposes.

In both studies, apply has remained fairly stable over the past two decades. Therefore, only a compact proportion of adolescent people were taking benzodiazepines without a prescription, and this proportion did not appear to be increasing significantly.

Reports of more adolescent people using benzodiazepines recreationally may simply indicate that adolescent people are more comfortable talking about drugs and drug problems, which is a positive thing.

Prescribing benzodiazepines to adolescents and adolescent adults has also decreased since 2012.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

To reduce the risk of problems, including addiction, benzodiazepines should be used for the shortest possible time and at the lowest effective dose.

Benzodiazepines should not be taken with other medicines without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not drink alcohol or take illicit drugs at the same time as benzodiazepines.

Counterfeit benzodiazepines are increasingly detected in society. They are more threatening than pharmaceutical benzodiazepines because they are not subject to quality control and may contain unexpected and threatening substances.

Drug checking services can aid people determine what is in the substance they are about to take. It also gives them the opportunity to talk to a health care professional before taking the medicine. People often throw away drugs after learning what they contain and talking to someone about the harm of drugs.

If people apply benzodiazepines without a prescription to self-manage stress, anxiety or insomnia, it may indicate a more stern underlying condition. Psychological therapy e.g cognitive-behavioral therapyincluding based on mindfulness approaches, are very effective in relieving these symptoms and are more effective long-term solutions.

Lifestyle modifications – such as improvement exercises, diet AND to sleep – may also be helpful.

There are also other drugs with a much lower risk of addiction that can be used in treatment Bow AND insomnia.

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Read more: I think my child has anxiety. What are the treatment options?

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If you or someone you know needs aid taking benzodiazepines, Reconnections can aid. This is a counseling and support service for people taking benzodiazepines.

Alternatively, Online Consulting is a good place to get information and referrals for treatment for benzodiazepine addiction. Or talk to your GP. The Sleep Health Foundation has great resources if you have trouble sleeping.