Xanax (alprazolam), like many drugs, is highly addictive. Many people become addicted to the drug’s sedative effects. Xanax dependency happens more quickly than most people realize. When the drug is taken regularly, withdrawal symptoms may appear once it leaves your system. Xanax detox is best managed under medical care at a rehab facility.
Many clients who have been through Xanax detox at Ridgeview say it has saved their lives.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax detoxification is not a pleasant experience. But, it is an important step in building the foundation for a lasting recovery. Xanax is a benzodiazepine (benzo) but enters and exits the body faster than other benzos. Thus, stopping the use of Xanax cold-turkey can cause severe reactions, including seizures. In some cases, Xanax withdrawal seizures can be fatal.
Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Heart palpitations
- Tremors
- Numb fingers
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Panic
- Seizures
- Paranoia
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
What are the Stages of Xanax Withdrawal?
Acute Xanax withdrawal symptoms usually start within 6-8 hours. Symptoms are the strongest on day two and tend to subside around day four or five. Post-acute symptoms, or protracted symptoms, can last anywhere from weeks to months. If not addressed with regular therapy, these symptoms could result in relapse.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The more dependent you are on Xanax, the longer your withdrawal symptoms will likely be. The time it takes to form a dependence and the strength of it depends on several factors. This can include:
- amount of use
- method of ingestion
- age of first use
- use with other drugs or alcohol
- length of time using or abusing Xanax
Medical Xanax Detox
Detox is best handled at a medical facility. There, you will receive professional supervision, monitoring, and support in a safe and controlled environment. Treatment includes both medical and mental health support to addresses all the client’s needs.
Generally, the treatment center will slowly lower the amount of Xanax you take over a period of time. This helps to reduce the severity of side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, longer-acting benzos, such as Valium (diazepam), may be substituted for Xanax during detox. Keeping a small amount of a benzo in the bloodstream reduces cravings and symptoms.
Additionally, other medications may be used to address specific Xanax withdrawal symptoms. These may include beta-blockers and antidepressants.
Choosing the Best Detox Facility
Look for a treatment center with years of proven experience. For over 20 years, Ridgeview has provided drug and alcohol detox and rehab.
Here’s what some of our clients have to say about their experience:
“Staff was awesome. Treatment was great. They really helped me with my detox and helped me learn how to live a life of sobriety. They also had family sessions on the weekend that educated my family on what I was going through. I want to give a shout out to counselor Laura for all she did for me. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today. You guys gave me my life back.”
-Bryan B.
“I just want to say thank you! I’ve been to treatment more than once and this place helped me so much. The detox was so smooth and my inpatient treatment really taught me how to live again. My counselor was so caring and really helped me identify why I relapsed before. The other clients that were there also helped so much, there was such a sense of community and everyone worked well together to find a new way to live. Thank you for saving my life!”
-Brittany H.
If you’re ready to start your lasting recovery, we are here to help. Call (614) 471-2552 today to speak with a recovery specialist. We are the place where recovery takes root, and the first step toward getting your life back.
