Xanax

Xanax—a brand name for alprazolam—is a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

As one of the most common prescription drugs in the United States, The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that about 4.8 million Americans abuse Xanax and other benzodiazepines annually.

So How Does Xanax Work?

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which are central nervous system depressants.

They work by slowing down brain activity and increasing the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—a neurotransmitter that helps to produce a calming effect on the nervous system. Because of this, many people take Xanax as a way to treat anxiety disorders or panic attacks.

However, some people also use Xanax recreationally—which can lead to physical dependence and addiction if taken over an extended period or at high doses.

If you are addicted to Xanax and decide to stop taking it, your body will need time to adjust and heal from the impact of the drug. To help with this process, you may need a medical detox program to manage your symptoms.

What is Xanax Detox?

While there are several ways to treat addiction, detox is a necessary step in recovery from Xanax addiction.

Xanax detox is the process of ridding your body of all traces of this drug. It involves slowly tapering off so you can manage withdrawal symptoms.

To detox safely, you should always consult with your doctor first because sudden withdrawal may cause serious health problems or produce side effects.

What It Entails

The first step in any type of drug treatment program is detoxification. Detox helps patients safely stop using drugs by reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and other physical symptoms associated with addiction.

Your doctor may recommend that you taper off your Xanax dosage slowly, which can help reduce some of the most severe symptoms while allowing your body to wean itself off the drug. This method is often combined with other medications that ease withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures.

The time needed for an effective Xanax detox varies from person to person and may range from a few days to weeks after beginning treatment.

Make sure to inform your doctor about any issues you may have before the procedure so they can provide additional support as needed.

Now that you know what Xanax detox entails, here is an overview of Xanax withdrawal.

Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal refers to the physical and mental symptoms that occur when a person who has taken Xanax for an extended period stops taking the medication.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur even if the person takes Xanax responsibly, as the doctor prescribes. The severity of Xanax withdrawal will depend on a few factors:

• How much Xanax an individual has been taking
• The length of time that the person has been taking the drug
• Whether the person was using other drugs with Xanax (such as alcohol)
• Underlying health conditions

The drug’s half-life (or “elimination rate”) will often determine how fast a person will experience withdrawal symptoms. For example, Xanax has a short elimination rate compared to long-acting benzodiazepines like Valium—therefore, it takes a shorter time for withdrawal symptoms to set in.

Medical supervision can help manage the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal during detox treatment at an inpatient rehab facility. Here, you will receive medication to ease these symptoms until they subside on their own.

Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal

Xanax use can lead to physical dependence as well as psychological dependence.

Physical addiction occurs when your body becomes accustomed to having the medication in its system. If you suddenly stop taking it, your body will go through a period of readjustment as it adjusts to not having the drug anymore.

This process can cause unpleasant symptoms (withdrawal symptoms) that can make it difficult for you to quit using Xanax without seeking help from a medical professional.

The symptoms of withdrawal can include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Restlessness or agitation
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Depression
• Headache
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Tremors and shaking
• Heart palpitations
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

Withdrawal from Xanax can be life-threatening if you don’t detox under the supervision of medical professionals. If you are taking benzodiazepines like Xanax, it is important to get help from a detox center rather than attempting to stop using them on your own.

Let’s Take the First Step to Recovery

Xanax withdrawal can be hard to face, but it’s not impossible. With help from a medical professional, you can detox safely from Xanax to start on the road to recovery and get back to healthily living your life.

Our professional medical staff in Anaheim, CA, will create a customized detox plan based on your individual needs and circumstances. As part of our treatment program, we also provide counseling services to help address any underlying psychological issues associated with Xanax abuse or addiction.

We take an all-encompassing approach to helping you overcome your addiction and get back to living a happy and healthy life—so call us today. We’re here to help!

Xanax Detox Timeline

The timeline of your Xanax detox depends on several factors:

• How long you’ve been taking the drug
• How much of the drug you’ve been taking
• Whether you have other medical conditions and how severe they are
• Whether you’re receiving professional care during the process

On average, it can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to detox from Xanax, but some people can do so in less time than that—between four and six days.

Here’s a general overview of what you can expect during your Xanax detox:

Day 1 (Admission)

Once you arrive at the center, your procedure will begin with an intake assessment that includes a physical exam and a urine test.

You will also be asked about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may also order other diagnostic tests to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo detoxification.

Days 2-4

During this period, your treatment will continue with medications used primarily to reduce anxiety symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal.

These drugs may include anticonvulsants such as Valium or gabapentin (Neurontin). You will also receive any other medications or therapies needed to manage your withdrawal symptoms.

Days 5-7 (Discharge)

Once your doctor has determined that there are no longer any signs of Xanax in your system, they will discharge you from the facility.

Depending on the patient’s condition, they may be transferred to our Anaheim residential treatment center/ inpatient rehab, where they will continue receiving intensive counseling services and support as they work toward achieving long-term sobriety.

We’re Ready When You Are

Xanax detox is a difficult process, but the right treatment plan can make it safer and more effective.

Our Anaheim detox center offers private rooms, comfortable accommodations, and 24/7 medical supervision during your medical detox process. Our experienced staff will work with you so we can get you safely through your withdrawal period.

We also offer free consultations where we can discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have about our services.

Reach out today so we can talk about how we can help your detox go as smoothly as possible and help you start getting your life back in order.

Medications for Xanax Detox

Although there are no medications that can cure addiction to Xanax, several medications may be used during Xanax detox to help ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

• A common strategy in medication-assisted withdrawal from benzodiazepines is administering the drugs at decreasing doses. The process may take place over several days or weeks, depending on the circumstances and the patient’s tolerance for the medication.
• Sometimes, a patient will be switched to a benzodiazepine with longer-lasting effects to stabilize the individual during withdrawal—followed by gradual dose reduction over time. These benzos may include:
  • Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
• Medical professionals may also prescribe Flumazenil (Romazicon), a drug that can help manage severe withdrawal symptoms, and another medication, such as Buspirone (BuSpar) to treat extreme anxiety.
• Other drugs that can be used to prevent alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures include:
  • Gabapentin
  • Topiramate
  • Carbamazepine

Medications are used in the benzodiazepine withdrawal process to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. Our Anaheim medical professionals can discuss your options with you depending on your specific condition.

Beating Xanax Addiction, One Step at a Time

Are you ready to get off Xanax? If so, you’re not alone.

The journey of Xanax detox begins with a call to our hotline. Our professional staff will walk you through the process, answer any questions and help you find the best treatment option.

Our Anaheim Xanax detox program is safe and effective. With our medical staff monitoring your progress throughout the entire process, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands and get the care you need to beat this addiction.

If you’re ready to get started, we can help you detox from Xanax at our Anaheim-based facility. Call us today or fill out our contact form on our website.