Xanax Detox

Detoxing From Xanax

It’s time to face the facts: you have a problem with Xanax. Maybe you started taking the drug to treat anxiety disorders or panic attacks, or maybe you were prescribed it after a surgery or injury. Whatever the case may be, it’s now become clear that you can’t stop taking the drug on your own. But that’s okay—you’re not alone. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Xanax is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States.

If you’re ready to get help, then it’s time to consider a Xanax detox program. Detox is often the first step in recovery, and while many people try to quit Xanax cold turkey, it’s crucial that you detox in a safe and comfortable environment.

That’s where our team at Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada comes in. We specialize in helping people just like you get through medical detox from Xanax and start on the road to recovery. Read on to learn more.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. A benzodiazepine medication works by interacting with certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which have a calming effect. This makes them effective for treating anxiety disorders and panic disorder, as well as other conditions like insomnia, seizure disorders, and alcohol withdrawal.

Because it is a central nervous system depressant, it can create feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which can lead people to Xanax abuse.

What are the Side Effects of Xanax Use?

Like all medications, Xanax and other benzodiazepines come with a risk of side effects. The most common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, incoordination, slurred speech, impaired judgment, and memory problems.

Some less common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting as well as skin rash or hives. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, including difficulty breathing and seizures.

The Dangers of Xanax

There are several dangers associated with using Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Because it depresses the central nervous system, it can slow down your breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels if taken in large doses or combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids. This can lead to coma or death.

Additionally, because it alters brain chemistry, regular use of Xanax can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. And finally, because it impairs judgment and motor skills, Xanax users are at an increased risk for accidents, injuries, and other health complications.

Xanax Addiction

There are several warning signs that can indicate whether or not you are addicted to Xanax. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible:

• You’re taking more Xanax than prescribed
• You abuse Xanax by taking it more often than prescribed
• You’re using Xanax without a prescription
• You aren’t quitting Xanax even though it’s causing negative consequences in your life (e.g., job loss, financial problems, relationship problems)
• You’re losing interest in activities that were once important to you
• You’re neglecting responsibilities at work or home
• You are isolating from friends and family
• You’re experiencing legal problems due to Xanax use
• You’re spending significant amounts of time obtaining and using the drug
• You’re experiencing mental/physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax and other prescription medications (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, shaking).

If you have a Xanax dependence, help is available. There are many addiction treatment options available that can help you get your life back on track.

What To Expect During Xanax Detox

If you’ve decided to get help for your Xanax addiction, you may be unsure of what to expect during Xanax detox. This is especially true if you have never been through the process before. It is important to remember that everyone’s experience will be different, but there are some general things that you can expect.

During a medically assisted detox, you will be monitored by a team of professionals while you go through the process of quitting drugs or alcohol. This type of medical detox is usually done in a hospital setting or in a specialized addiction treatment center. The main goal of medical detox programs is to make sure that you are as safe and comfortable as possible while your body gets rid of all traces of the drug.

Another thing you can expect when you’re in medical detox for Xanax withdrawal is to be prescribed medications. This is often done in order to help manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms and to make the detox process more comfortable.

When you’re in the care of a medical professional, it’s unlikely that you will experience life threatening symptoms when you detox from Xanax.

The Risks of Tapering Off Xanax At Home

If you’re ready to wean yourself off of Xanax, congrats. It’s a big decision, but one that comes with a lot of rewards.

A life without Xanax is possible, and it’s waiting for you on the other side. Here are two important things to keep in mind about tapering off Xanax.

Understand the Xanax Withdrawal Process

The first step to tapering off Xanax is understanding what you’re up against. When you suddenly stop taking the drug, your body goes through withdrawal. Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can range from mild (anxiety, insomnia, sweating) to more intensified symptoms (seizures, psychotic episodes, death). You should always taper off the drug.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re feeling unsure about how to taper off Xanax on your own, set up an appointment with your doctor. They can develop a plan specifically for you that takes into account your unique situation. They may also be able to prescribe medications to help lessen the severity of Xanax withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering off Xanax is possible with the right approach, but you should always speak with a medical professionals and mental health professional first. Even when you don’t quit Xanax cold turkey, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can differ from person to person, but there are some common, unwanted symptoms that occur. These include:

• Anxiety/rebound anxiety
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cramping
• Sweating
• Muscle pain/muscle aches
• Seizures
• High blood pressure

While withdrawal from any drug has the potential to be dangerous, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of seizure and high blood pressure. If you aren’t under medical supervision, these withdrawal symptoms could be fatal.

How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Period Last?

The severity of the mental and physical symptoms depends on how long you’ve been taking Xanax, how much you took, and how often you took it. If you’ve been taking Xanax for a long time or if you have been taking a high Xanax dose, then you’re more likely to experience severe symptoms. However, everyone’s experience with withdrawal is different so it’s important to be prepared for anything.

The Xanax withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, but there are some general guidelines you can follow. For most people, symptoms peak around two days from the last dose and then start to improve by six days of the last dose. However, some people may continue to feel some symptoms for weeks or even months after they stop taking Xanax. It’s important to be patient and understand that this is a process that takes time. There is no “quick fix” when it comes to detoxing from Xanax.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

Once you’ve detoxed and gotten sober, you may still experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS can last for only a few weeks, months, or even up to a year after you’ve stopped using drugs or drinking. Protracted withdrawal symptoms can be frustrating, but they will go away.

PAWS are the result of your brain and body adjusting to life without drugs or alcohol. When you’re dependent on drugs or alcohol, your brain chemistry changes, and quitting suddenly can cause rebound symptoms, or post acute withdrawal syndrome.

Anxiety and Depression

Two of the most common intense withdrawal symptoms include rebound anxiety and depression. For many patients, an anxiety disorder was the reason they were prescribed Xanax in the first place. When they try to quit taking the medication, they may experience rebound anxiety that is worse than ever. This can lead to feelings of depression and despair, which can be difficult to overcome.

Insomnia

Another common one is insomnia. Many people who take Xanax find that it helps them sleep better at night. However, when they try to quit taking the medication, they may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. This can lead to fatigue during the day and make it difficult to function properly.

Irritability

Withdrawing from Xanax can also cause irritability and mood swings for months after Xanax detox. Many people report feeling on edge and irritated all day long during withdrawal. This can make it difficult to concentrate on work or other tasks and make social interactions more difficult than usual.

Panic Attacks

Finally, for some patients withdrawing from Xanax, panic attacks are one of the most difficult, uncomfortable symptoms to deal with. These sudden episodes of intense fear can be debilitating and make it difficult to go about your normal activities. If you’re struggling with panic attacks during the post-acute withdrawal phase, hang in there. They should ease over time.

How to Develop a Treatment Plan After Xanax Detox

Making the decision to detox from Xanax is incredibly brave. However, detox is just the first step on the road to recovery. In order to maintain your sobriety, you’ll need to find a treatment plan that works for you. For many people, that means going to an inpatient treatment center.

Inpatient Treatment Facilities

Inpatient treatment facilities provide around-the-clock care and supervision in a safe and controlled environment. This can be especially helpful when you’re first starting your recovery journey, as it can be difficult to resist temptation and triggers when you’re living at home. Inpatient treatment facilities also offer a variety of therapeutic options, such as individual and group therapy, that can help you address the underlying causes of your Xanax addiction.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

If you’re unable to attend an inpatient treatment facility, an outpatient option is a good choice. Outpatient treatment programs provide more flexibility than inpatient treatment facilities, as they allow you to live at home while attending therapy sessions during the day or evening. Outpatient treatment programs can be especially helpful for people who have obligations at home, such as children or pets, that they can’t (or don’t want to) leave behind. However, outpatient treatment programs may not be appropriate for people with a more severe addiction, as there is a greater risk of relapse when you’re not receiving constant supervision.

Finding the Right Treatment Process for You

The best way to come up with a plan for quitting Xanax for good is to talk to your doctor or a professional rehab counselor. They will be able to assess your particular situation and make recommendations based on what has worked for other people in the past. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to addiction recovery; what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is that you’re taking active steps to improve your situation and build a better future for yourself.

Whether you go to inpatient or outpatient treatment program after detox, you should take the following steps once you’re living at home.

Find a Therapist or Counselor

One of the most important aspects of your treatment plan will be finding a therapist or counselor who can help you address the underlying issues that led to your addiction. This is not something that you should try to do on your own. A therapist will be able to help you identify any mental health disorders that may be contributing to your addiction and develop a plan to address them.

Find a Support Group

Another important part of your treatment will be finding a support group. This is essential for maintaining sobriety after you have detoxed from Xanax. A support group will provide you with accountability and encouragement as you navigate the challenges of early recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon are all great options for support groups.

Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

Finally, it is important to develop a healthy lifestyle as part of your treatment plan. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. These things will help you physically and mentally recover from your addiction and improve your overall health.

Contact Icarus Nevada Today For Proven Support to Quit Xanax

If you’re struggling with Xanax addiction, know that help is available—and that Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada is here for you. Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you have a successful detox experience.

We understand how difficult this time can be, but we promise that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Contact Icarus Behavioral Health in Nevada today to learn more about our detox program and get started on your journey toward recovery.

Phone calls and information you provide to our admissions team is always confidential, and is used only to help you get started in treatment.