Addictive prescriptions?

By Person General, Staff Writer

Imagine: Palms sweaty, heartbeat racing faster than normal. Breathing becomes harder as air escapes the lungs and as the esophagus tightens. The body heats up and sometimes even shuts down as the pulse races faster. These symptoms plague yet another victim of a panic attack.

Many Americans struggle with this disorder known as General Anxiety Disorder. It is one of the most ignored mental disorders in the U.S. and is found in all ages.

College students are thought to especially be at risk because of the stresses of holding multiple jobs, parenting children, or some other stress, all while trying to excel academically.

The most prescribed drugs to treat anxiety are a family of pharmaceuticals called benzodiazepines, according to www.webmd.com. For many, this medication helps anxiety by calming their nerves. But for some it becomes a devastating addiction.

“Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. They are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States,” according to WebMD.

So, if this is true, then many Americans could potentially face a large problem if they become chronic users of this drug. Xanax has been rated a class IV drug by the federal government. This means it has potential addictive properties, but has general use in science and medicine.

Both WebMD and addictionsearch.com claim many people form a dependency to benzodiazepines.

This is a problem because when more of the drug is being used, a dependency may be formed.

The worst thing about it is often times patients have no idea that they are becoming physically, emotionally and mentally addicted to a drug, because the drug is prescribed by a doctor. Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety, not cure it.

Maybe it’s time for people to start looking for alternative methods for dealing with stress and anxiety, instead of relying on medication.

WebMD recommends applied relaxation therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Both involve the therapist teaching the patient to control his or her thoughts.

Maybe it’s time for America to slow down, breathe, relax and enjoy life.

If you think you might suffer from an anxiety or other mental disorder, OCCC offers free counseling.

Jenna Howard, the campus mental health counselor, is available by appointment. Her office is located in the Student Support Services offices on the first floor of the Main Building near entrance 12.

—Kenny Hilburn
Staff Writer

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