I am so glad that there is a sight that addresses the unbelievably prevalent abuse of Xanax and other prescription pharmaceutical addictions. I am writing this in hopes that you will post it on your website so that someone may be able to relate to my story and realize that they're not alone in their addiction to these killers.
I myself am a recovering prescription drug addict. My drug(s) of choice were limited to Xanax and Vicodin (and an occasional Soma and Ambien). I have been clean for 2 years now, but only after having been to rehab 3 times. Finally, it took relocation to the midwest to allow me to escape the fast-paced lifestyle where these kinds of drugs are readily available in Los Angeles. I was raised in a wealthy, upper-class family and have achieved 2 graduate degrees. So by all outsiders' opinions, I didn't have a problem. But these 2 drugs were so readily available that it didn't seem like my addiction was "that bad." By the time I finally quit, I was taking between 35 and 50 Vicodin a day and 12-18 Xanax. My several detox doctors said they had never heard of such abuse. I had, though...just ask any one of my friends.
I'm not going to lie, detoxing from Vicodin and Xanax was the worst pain I've ever experienced. It was the thing that kept me using for so long, and at first, the thing that kept me clean after detoxing. Pain avoidance. That was the whole name of the game. When I went to rehab, I felt like I couldn't relate to anyone. There were people who used "street drugs" and people who abused alcohol, neither of which I personally had ever had a problem with. (although, in retrospect, I suppose it was just a matter of availability - pharmies were acceptable in my Hollywood club-going circles) But I want anyone out there to know that what they are going through is not a joke and there are people who have been right where you're at. And I promise that it's not a sign of weakness to admit that one needs help. I guarantee anyone who has survived Vicodin and/or Xanax withdrawal is one of the toughest individuals ever!
The light at the end of the tunnel is that life is a heck of a lot better without the delusion of pharmaceutal (or any) drugs' deceitful grip. I just hope that the problem of pharmaceutical drugs starts to get the attention it needs. I almost killed myself and destroyed my life because nobody thought my addiction was that big of a deal. Luckily, I now have a loving family and successful law practice...thanks to a great rehab program (Valley Hope) and my Higher Power. Never thought I'd be saying this, 'cuz I was down with some pretty crazy people in my day...but life is good with your "eyes open."
Thanks again for acknowledging that there is such a thing as "Xanax addiction" or "Vicodin addiction."
Living clean and peacefully in the midwest,
anonymous