Activity 2

Xanax epidemic....
Most people probably wouldn't ordinarily assume Xanax could be used and abused enough to be considered an epidemic but the internet says differently! By typing "Xanax epidemic" into Google countless hits pop up, too many to count! Pages full of links and articles that read of the dangers and abuse of Xanax arise, not surprising to me.
According to one hit, CBS news claims Xanax is such a powerful addictive drug that doctors have started treating the drug as an epidemic. In the article, CBS news stated that this drug is not only highly addictive but has become "one of the addictive highs of choice in Middle America" along with other drugs such as OxyContin. The article also states how the drug can cause serious health problems and has been documented to have caused many overdoses and death.
Another hit referenced as Alcohol Rehab, claims that treatment centers have reported a huge climbing number of patients seeking help due to Xanax addictions. This does not surprise me. Many of these centers reported a lot of these patients being teenagers who abuse this prescription drug thinking it is "safer than street drugs like heroin and cocaine". The drug poses severe health risks which this article points out as well. By using too much of the drug, the brain gets used to it and adjusts meaning it does not produce some of its natural neurotransmitter. Users of this drug can experience withdrawal symptoms as well.
While sorting through hits on "Xanax epidemic" I came across one link to a Criminal Defense News Blog. This was interesting to me and brings about a different theme to the "Xanax epidemic". In addition to the increasing trend of addiction to this drug, there's also a high amount of use among college students.Why is this? Because students have begun slipping these pills into others drinks. Xanax not only adds to the severity of being "drunk", it is also used to come off of highs from other drugs. This misuse and abuse of this drug is increasingly dramatically among collegians. 
Another link I came across was an article written by Jeffrey Junig MD and PHD, as he described Xanax as a more dangerous drug rather than helpful and beneficial. What he said really aroused my attention as he claimed that even the people who are not misusing this drug but rather taking it because they were prescribed it for anti-anxiety are still being harmed by it because all it does is make the users form a dependence on it quickly and if one single dose is missed these patients experience withdrawal symptoms. The way he describes the epidemic of XANAX is not only over-use by patients but also over-prescribed by physicians.
Last link I cited was an ABC news article written about how deaths and criminal behavior resulting from Xanax abuse has caused an "epidemic" for stronger regulation over the drug.
From all the material I gathered and the media opinion on this drug, I definitely conquer with all my sources that the misuse and abuse of Xanax has reached epidemic portions. Its not only causing addictions and an increased number of teens entering into treatment facilities, it has extreme health risks, and has been involved in too much criminal behavior such as drugging drinks in bars which can lead to rape and other heinous crimes. I personally even know someone who has suffered from the addiction to Xanax. According to the material we have discussed in class about safety and abuse liability of drugs, I honestly believe Xanax does not have enough health benefits to be a schedule 4 drug and should be moved to schedule 2.

That's all I got for now!

Tootles~~

References
1. Edwards, J. (2011, September 15). How the FDA Is Sleeping Through the Xanax Epidemic. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-the-fda-is-sleeping-through-the-xanax-epidemic/
2.  Xanax Abuse Epidemic - Alcohol Rehab. (2011, October 10). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/xanax-abuse-epidemic/
3.  Xanax Use Among College Students Reaches "Epidemic" Proportions. (2014, February 4). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.columbuscriminaldefensefirm.com/Columbus-Criminal-Defense-Blog/2014/February/Xanax-Use-Among-College-Students-Reaches-Epidemi.aspx
4. Junig, J. (2014). Is Xanax or Klonopin Killing You?. Psych Central. Retrieved on January 23, 2015, from http://blogs.psychcentral.com/epidemic-addiction/2014/03/is-xanax-or-klonopin-killing-you/
5. Santow, S., & McClymont, A. (2013, May 21). Xanax faces new regulation rules. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-22/tougher-rules-for-xanax-on-the-way/4705656