The Dangers of Addiction to Xanax in Hong Kong

Being hooked on Xanax in any country is tough, but there are challenges of being addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong that make this condition even worse. In this blog, we explore the risks encountered by addicted Hong Kongers, look at why so many people in the country use this dangerous drug, and also provide you with prescription drug treatment solutions for how you can get off Xanax if you are addicted.

Addictive Nature of Xanax

Xanax, along with other benzodiazepines is extremely addictive. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, taking benzodiazepines such as Xanax will result in dependency in four of every ten users.

In the USA over 6 million Americans use Xanax recreationally and overdoses result in 125,000 emergency room visits each year. Xanax addiction is a problem around the world however residents of Hong Kong face unique additional challenges

Challenges Faced by Xanax Users In Hong Kong

While legal penalties can be steep for drug possession, large numbers of people still abuse Xanax in Hong Kong. However, prosecution is not the only complication faced by people who are addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong.

Discrimination Due to Xanax Abuse

In Hong Kong, there is still a significant stigma surrounding drug abuse. Many Hong Kong residents still believe that drug abuse is a moral failing or that it is possible for drug users to quit using if they try hard enough.

This belief could not be further from the truth. People who become trapped in Xanax abuse become unable to stop despite their best efforts, meaning they must get professional help to be able to quit.

This stigma can make it more difficult for Xanax abusers in Hong Kong to get help, as they believe their families may shun them if they come clean about their drug use.

Risk of Criminal Action

The Hong Kong government takes a notoriously hardline approach to drug use. Users of Xanax in Hong Kong face a fine of HK$ 1,000,000 and imprisonment for 7 years. Hong Kong police are actively searching for drug users and employ various tactics designed to catch people using drugs, including Xanax.

It is not uncommon for drug dealers in Hong Kong to be caught by the police and informed of the people they sell to, in return receiving a reduced punishment. This penal atmosphere creates a system where arrest for drug possession is not only severe but also common.

Dangerous Withdrawals

Xanax is one of the few substances that can cause death by withdrawal. People addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong risk having fatal seizures when they stop taking the drug.

And even if a person does not die from Xanax withdrawal, the protracted length and unpleasantness of Xanax withdrawals cause many users to relapse before they have had a chance to enjoy recovery. Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Irritability

Due to the potentially deadly effects of Xanax withdrawal, you should only attempt to stop using this drug while under the care of medical professionals.

Limited Treatment Options

There are unfortunately no good treatment options for people addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong. While there are a small number of government-run treatment facilities, these centres typically offer poor experiences and unfavourable long-term treatment outcomes.

A dearth of options means that anyone who has an addiction to Xanax in Hong Kong must travel internationally for addiction treatment. Plenty of rehabs exist in countries like the United States, Australia and the UK, but these centres are usually not ideal for Hong Kong residents.

There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, flights are long and expensive. The realities of drug addiction mean that those addicted to drugs in Hong Kong may be in withdrawal before they reach their intended rehab.

The cost of programmes at these centres can be prohibitively expensive. A 3 month stay at a rehab in one of these countries often costs over one million Hong Kong dollars.

And there are also cultural issues to contend with. A counsellor born and educated in a Western country often lacks the cultural sensitivities needed to treat someone addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong, as beliefs may be radically different.

Drug Use Trends In Hong Kong

The Central Registry of Drug Abuse recently reported that the number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2023 was 1779, which was an increase of 270 for the same period in 2022, Announced by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). The most commonly abused drugs were heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

These statistics are unlikely to present the complete picture of drug abuse in Hong Kong, as the government’s hardline approach to drug use leaves many drug users unwilling to report their drug use for fear of consequences. It is probable that the number of people abusing drugs in Hong Kong is far higher.

Why do People in Hong Kong Use Xanax?

There are many reasons that people use Xanax in Hong Kong. Here are some of the more commonly cited reasons.

Work Stress

A study conducted by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong revealed that 87% of Hong Kong employees suffer from work stress. Worries around status, working in a toxic workplace and financial pressure are all commonly given as reasons for stress.

And while some Hong Kongers turn to tension-alleviating practices such as yoga, qi gong and meditation, many others begin taking benzodiazepines such as Xanax. Drug use like this may help in the short term, but without dealing with the root causes of stress, anxiety is sure to reappear once Xanax use is discontinued.

Worse, when Xanax is used over time it can increase tension, meaning these young people are worse off mentally than when they began using the drug.

Academic Pressure

It is not just adults who experience stress. Expectations of academic success are high in Hong Kong. Parents expect their children to perform well in exams, and this can be a heavy burden on young Hong Kongers.

A large percentage of school-age children now suffer from stress, and there is often little mental health support available. This anxiety can be enough to push young people in the direction of drugs like Xanax, which reduces anxiety temporarily.

Mental Illness

Conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder all increase the risk of a person becoming addicted to Xanax. It is common for people with these mental health conditions to self-medicate to reduce the symptoms they experience.

PTSD sufferers often resort to Xanax when they are not able to get treatment for their condition, as they experience nightmares and flashbacks that make coping with life challenging. People with Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorders may also turn to Xanax to reduce their anxiety symptoms.

The Cabin Chiang Mai: Your Solution for Xanax Addiction in Hong Kong

We contend that this leaves The Cabin Chiang Mai as the best residential drug treatment option for people addicted to Xanax in Hong Kong. The Cabin Chiang Mai offers luxury addiction treatment for a fraction of the price of treatment centres in Western countries and our counsellors hail from both the Western and Asian worlds, meaning you are sure to feel understood.

The treatment at the Cabin Chiang Mai is supervised by a qualified medical team comprising round-the-clock nursing care and under the guidance of a specialized psychiatrist.  The residential team has experience with detoxing thousands of cases including many for Xanax.  The treatment program is comprehensive and addresses the mind and body in a holistic approach.

The Cabin also offers outpatient treatment in Hong Kong where you can meet with one of our counselors in person to explore treatment options.