Rising rates of anxiety in all age groups over the past decades has caused some experts to sound the alarm. Rates of anti-anxiety medication use were previously thought to be around 5% of all US adults. But this percentage fails to account for those who use these medications without a prescription. When the survey questions were re-worded between 2013 and 2015 to include non-prescription use, the percentage more than doubled.
Many with anxiety do not seek medical treatment, and instead, attempt to self-medicate with substances such as alcohol. The truth is that drinking causes some similar brain changes as anti-anxiety mediations. This may be why those with anxiety are more likely to drink, and why heavy drinkers are about 15% more likely to be taking anti-anxiety medications. Alcohol and anti-anxiety medications should not be used in combination because they increase one’s risk of severe side effects and overdose.
The leading type of drugs used for anxiety is a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or “benzos” for short. Benzos are depressant drugs, just like alcohol. Both substances activate many of the same receptors in the brain, reducing how excitable your brain cells are. These are mild sedatives that reduce alertness and calm the body. Other common benzos include Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and others. They are mostly prescribed for anxiety but also sleep issues that often accompany anxiety.
Researchers have tracked benzo use in the US. For instance, in 1996 almost 8 million individuals were taking benzodiazepines, but by 2013, that number had increased to 14 million. What’s more, the amount of the drug prescribed more than tripled, meaning that more people were taking them and they were taking higher doses.
By 2015, 13% of all US adults say they use a benzo drug regularly. It’s not all due to prescriptions, because many users say they get them from friends or relatives.
The overall prescription rate for benzos is almost 6% of all US adults, but some age groups have especially high prescription rates. For example, benzo prescriptions are very common for adults aged 50-64. In that group, 13% of adults in the US are prescribed benzos to combat anxiety and sleeping issues. Almost 9% of all adults 65-80 years of age have also been prescribed a benzo. These are worrisome trends because some of the side effects of benzos include an increased risk of falls, bone fractures, car accidents, and a steeper mental decline.
Often benzos are prescribed in combination with antidepressants, to help the patient feel some sense of relief until the antidepressants kick in some weeks later. More than 11% of Americans had a prescription for antidepressants in 2020, but rates of use are far higher for women and older adults. For example, 19.1% of adults over age 60 took antidepressants in the last month, and women are twice as likely to take them compared to men.
Even though these rises in medication use are alarming, it does suggest mental health challenges are becoming destigmatized. It is a sign that more older individuals are comfortable reaching out for help. As one psychiatrist, Dr. Maust explains: “About 20 years ago, we were all talking about the undertreatment of mental illness in older adults, so it’s progress to see older patients more open to discussing mental health issues with their doctors,” he said.
Looking at the trends of medication use can help us understand the scope of the issue. But one of the crucial elements of successful recovery from stress-related mood disorders is to develop healthy coping skills. In combination with psychoactive medications like benzos and antidepressants, coping skills can help individuals gain a better sense of control in their lives. These skills help us connect with hobbies and to practice mindful activities.
In many instances, programs that provide guidance and reminders around desirable stress coping activities can help us stick with our plan for self-care. These activities should be personalized to the preferences of each individual. This ensures they have a sense of autonomy in selecting their strategies for handling stress. Whether engagement in religion or meditation, or adopting the habit of regular physical activity, the solutions for managing stress are as varied as our interests. Although there exists much debate about which stress coping strategies are best, medications are not usually sufficient to address all our mental health issues, so these skills should be purposefully targeted.
Many of us struggle with carving out time in our day to focus on pleasant hobbies and engaging activities. Self-care activities are able to improve our relationship with stress and are associated with a higher quality of life. This may be imperative for those with busy lifestyles or who have fast-paced jobs or childcare duties.
One size does not fit all when it comes to stress management. Your specific answer to stress relief may be a solution that does not work for others. That’s why Treo’s member experience includes an emphasis on building mental resilience. We help members incorporate habits related to stress management that are customized. Some identify meaningful activities such as prayer or time with pets. Others may incorporate gardening or housework as a stress releasing activity.
Regular practice of enjoyable self-care activities appears to be especially important. It’s often difficult to turn to stress releasing activities if they are unfamiliar or rarely practiced. Regular practice is what makes these moments meaningful, so that when stress rises there are clear routes to relief. If you want to learn more about Treo’s approach to mental health support, let’s get in touch! Contact us at info@treowellness.com
As Treo’s Global Wellness Researcher, Karlie uses recent research findings to support healthier daily habits. Karlie earned her doctorate in Neuroscience and Behavior and bachelors in Health and Exercise Science.
© 2024 Treo Wellness.
