Wherever you look in the newspapers, there are stories about people being arrested in possession of drugs. That an increasing number of these stories involve xanax should not surprise us. Xanax has been and remains one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, yet it is a controlled substance in most countries. People usually worried about the onset of anxiety or a panic attack naturally carry a bottle of pills around with them. They do not always remember to carry their prescriptions with them. This behaviour represents something of a culture shift. A few years ago, people would not have so openly carried anti-anxiety medication around with them. Now it is more socially acceptable (even if still illegal).

There have been no formal clinical trials to establish the safety of this medication in younger people so whether it is prescribed to children is left to the discretion of their doctors. Given the high profile of xanax, it would be surprising if those seeking help did not ask about taking it. Many celebrities like John Meyer are quite open about their use. Yet it would seem that Canadian doctors are cautious in prescribing it. Whether the teens themselves are as wise given the more general availability of the medication is unknown. There is considerable anecdotal evidence that teenagers are casual in their abuse of prescription medications. They reason that if regulatory authorities have approved them, the drugs must be safe.

Thus, in Canada at least, the medical profession is relying on counselling and therapy as a first-line response to the treatment of the walking wounded in schools. If their ability to cope declines or they harm themselves, the children will of course receive appropriate medication under supervision. But if they can continue to function, prudence dictates that they should do so for as long as possible without resorting to medication.