The Dangers of Quitting Xanax Cold Turkey
Xanax is a medication that falls under a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. “Benzos” are generally prescribed as anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, and anticonvulsants to help people recover from certain types of muscle-related injuries.
Because it is fast-acting and quickly metabolizes out of the body, Xanax in particular is often prescribed for anxiety problems or panic disorders. People who take Xanax experience a sense of relaxation and well-being, but with prolonged or excessive use, they can become addicted to the drug.
To treat Xanax addiction, the addicted person first needs to undergo Xanax detox. Because some of the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be serious and even life-threatening, it’s generally recommended that at least the early stages of Xanax detox be undertaken with medical supervision. Our Florida rehab offers a safe environment for Xanax detox and a variety of programs to help patients succeed in recovery.
SYMPTOMS OF XANAX WITHDRAWAL
Because Xanax is such a short-acting drug, many of its withdrawal symptoms will only last a week or two after the final dose. People who began to use Xanax to treat an anxiety disorder are more likely to experience rebound anxiety when they go off the drug.
For people who weren’t addicted to Xanax for very long, or who used small dosages, the most common withdrawal symptoms may include:
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- Insomnia and other sleep problems, including nightmares
- Anxiety and depression
- Hyperventilation and panic attacks
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
For people who were addicted to Xanax for several months or years, or who used Xanax in large doses, withdrawal symptoms can last longer and may be more severe. Long-term abusers are also at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms such as:
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- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Intense confusion or delirium
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
How to Detox From Xanax
Wondering how to detox from Xanax? You’re not alone. Like other drugs, Xanax creates a physical addiction within the body, where the physiological systems develop a genuine dependency on the presence of the drug. For this reason, the first step in treating Xanax addiction is undergoing detox.
Because Xanax detox can be dangerous, it’s recommended it be done under medical supervision. By going to professional Xanax substance abuse rehabilitation centers like Beachway Therapy, addicts can undergo a carefully monitored detoxification to help them overcome the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe.
Xanax addicts often ask themselves, “Can I quit taking Xanax cold turkey?” The answer is generally no. The best treatment plans feature a tapering process, during which patients take increasingly smaller doses of the drug to help their body adjust and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The full detox process may need to happen in an inpatient setting, or medical professionals may determine whether the patient can complete the tapering process at home. In terms of medication, a patient may be prescribed vitamins, anti nausea medications, and minor painkillers to help deal with the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Xanax?
Several factors can impact how long it will take to detox from Xanax, including how long you used the drug, your genetics and unique body chemistry, and the use of other prescribed medications during detox. In general, however, most minor symptoms of withdrawal will go away within 1 to 4 weeks after the last dose, although in rare cases some symptoms can last up to a year or longer.
The process of tapering off a drug like Xanax, or using increasingly smaller amounts to lessen the withdrawal symptoms, can take several weeks. When tapering off a benzo, the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder recommends that the initial decrease in benzo use should be between 25% and 30% of the habitual dose. From there, the dose should be decreased by between 5% and 10% on a daily or weekly basis.
Learn More About Xanax Detox at Beachway Therapy Center
Xanax is a highly addictive prescription drug, and getting rid of an addiction to it can be challenging. The first step is Xanax detox, which will typically last between 1 and 4 weeks. Because some of the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be serious and even life-threatening, this should happen under medical supervision.
Looking for Xanax detox near you? At Beachway Therapy Center, our Florida rehab offers unique and personalized detox and rehab programs focused on a multiple-therapy, holistic approach that takes into account dual diagnosis and all facets of the person. If you or a loved one is interested in getting help, contact us today.