Growing concerns over Xanax, other drugs used in San Antonio crimes

Reported by: Darlene Dorsey
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Updated: 3/18 7:30 pm
SAN ANTONIO -- It’s a small and powerful pill and now Xanax is becoming the subject of abuse. Experts worry too many young people are illegally obtaining and abusing the prescription drug found in many homes. The medication is commonly used to treat anxiety. Abigail Moore, Executive Director of San Antonio Council on Drug Abuse (SACADA) said if a child consumes the drug, it's the equivalent of six to eight beers.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the abuse of prescription drugs is growing rapidly to epidemic proportions. On Sunday, police arrested 20-year-old Julian Martinez. Officers say he admitted to having sex with a 12-year-old girl.

According to investigators he and the girl took Xanax and smoked marijuana.

Officers are checking to see if Martinez had other victims.

"I can't imagine what that young lady went through having been under the influence of Xanax and mixing it with marijuana," insisted Moore.

She doesn't know details of this case, but said she understands the prescription drug and how it affects people.

She said it can be highly addictive and dangerous for children.

"It's more for adults struggling with anxiety, stress disorder and panic attacks," stated Moore.

The SACADA spokesperson pointed to statewide statistics indicating how the drug is growing in illegal street level usage—even with children as young as 12 years old.

In 2011, Xanax made news after a San Antonio mother was arrested for having sex with a minor. She told police it was a 13 year old neighbor and  Amanda Nabers stated they had several encounters.

She admitted taking Xanax, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol before a sexual encounter.

So what exactly does it do to the body?

"It really impacts the breathing, the heart rate, the motor skills,” slowing responses down and possibly having a numbing effect said Moore.

According to the Medicine Abuse Project, 2,500 teenagers get high on illegally obtained prescription drugs daily—the number is not exclusive to Xanax or benzodiazepines.

However, in 1999, a statewide report showed 55 deaths directly related benzodiazepines.

That number shot up to 389 deaths in 2011.

"This is a teachable moment,” said Moore who hopes parents talk to their children about abuse or contact agency for help.

The DEA also sponsors a program called National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place April 27 from 10-2pm.

It’s a way for people to safely disposed of old or unwanted prescription drugs in their medicine cabinet.

For more information call: (210) 442-5620.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of News 4 WOAI (WOAI.com)

ABC123 - 3/19/2013 7:28 AM
1 Vote
As I recall, Pig Limbaugh was addicted to prescription drugs. That was before he married his third or fourth wife. Yep, the voice of conservative values.

Gnaeus - 3/18/2013 7:46 PM
2 Votes
Keep voting for demojerks and you will have more of this.

Strings - 3/18/2013 7:20 PM
1 Vote
This article claims that consuming Xanax is the equivalent of six to eight beets. I am having a terribly time trying to interpret this statement. I like beets, as a rule, but consuming too many of them will increase my anxiety levels after I defecate and find that the bowl is red. I have grown accustomed to the various failures to edit on this website and they can be amusing at times, but this is nothing else but strange. I shall quote the article for posterity, so to speak: Abigail Moore, Executive Director of San Antonio Council on Drug Abuse (SACADA) said if a child consumes the drug, it's the equivalent of six to eight beets.
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