Detoxifying Your Body from Xanax

The Importance of Xanax Detox

Withdrawing from Xanax under the care of medical professionals in a rehab facility specializing in Xanax detox reduces the risk for complications and helps the client experience a safer, more comfortable recovery.

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information [1], Xanax is the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine.

Xanax usage should not be stopped immediately; a tapering dosage and supervision from a Xanax detox center is safer.

Xanax intake may slow down heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. In addition, it minimizes anxiety, stress, and panic. It may also help reduce the risk of epileptic seizures.

Xanax is the most widely prescribed psychotropic medication in the U.S. This accounts for more than 48 million prescriptions dispensed in 2013. However, when abused, misused, or used for an extended period of time, Xanax can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

In addition, reducing or stopping the use of this drug can lead to withdrawal, which can cause complications such as insomnia, panic attacks, and seizures.

Warnings & Danger of Misusing Xanax

You can use the drug safely and effectively when administered appropriately, after thoroughly evaluating the risks and benefits of treatment.  Unfortunately, all benzodiazepines carry a risk of misuse, diversion, tolerance, and physical dependence.

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers. Familiar names include Valium and Xanax. Xanax detox is available in holistic rehab centers as well to avoid life threatening withdrawal symptoms once you discontinue using the drug or want to fight a form of benzo addiction with Xanax.

Abuse and diversion are more common in patients with a personal or family history of alcohol or drug misuse.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with alprazolam discontinuation seem to be more severe than other benzodiazepines, probably due to its shorter half-life and high potency causing severe rebound anxiety.

Alprazolam is significantly more toxic than other benzodiazepines in cases of overdoses. Therefore, it should be avoided in patients at increased risk of suicide or using alcohol, opioids, or other sedating drugs.

The use of benzos with opioids doubles the risk of respiratory depression and death.  In the rare instance that patients require both an opioid and benzo, or during the tapering phase;  patients should have a warning to the risk of death and be offered a prescription of the opioid antagonist naloxone. [2]

Benzodiazepines are implicated in approximately one-third of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts.  [3]

Xanax Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

During the Xanax detox process, withdrawal symptoms can be both physically and psychologically severe, and sometimes life-threatening.

Seizures caused by Xanax withdrawal can be fatal. Therefore, an individual that is physically dependent on Xanax may require professional help in order to safely manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax detox centers and substance abuse treatment programs may also include holistic treatment methods, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy, to relieve stress and encourage healing.

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can begin to occur hours of the last dose, and they can peak in severity within 1-4 days. It is highly recommended to look for a medical-assisted facility for Xanax detox.

During Withdrawal, People Can Experience

Factors That Affect the Length of Withdrawal

Dangers of Quitting Xanax Cold Turkey

Many people think they can stop using a drug just as easily as they began taking it. This is not the case when benzodiazepines like Xanax are concerned. Few people who misuse benzodiazepines are aware of how dangerous they can be, even when taken as prescribed.

Sudden onset of Xanax withdrawal can cause uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, side effects, including:

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline

Medically-Assisted Xanax Detox

If a person decides to undergo at-home detox, they should inform their loved ones and seek help from a medical professional, such as a doctor or a nurse, to supervise the process.

Friends, family, and medical professionals can provide critical support to ensure medical detox continues as planned. While at-home detox is an option, it is NOT recommended.

Xanax detox not only helps with withdrawal management but also teach coping skills to avoid relapse as you progress further in the process of recovery.

People with a severe addiction to any benzodiazepine should seek professional treatment. Xanax withdrawal can cause serious complications.

Xanax detox will usually be extended for those using a taper plan. Detox may take as long as several months because the process is based on the presence of the drug in the body.

If a person has been abusing large amounts of Xanax, the tapering process may take a bit longer. A person may be able to taper faster while in a medical detox facility. The process typically involves medical support while the body clears the drug.

The half-life of Xanax is about 11 hours, so it takes the body 50 hours to completely clear it. There is only one recommended method for coming off Xanax and that is to taper the dose under medical supervision.

Since medical detox is the only safe method, any other form of withdrawal from Xanax is not recommended.

Benefits of Professional Xanax Detox Treatment

Inpatient treatment is always recommended in the case of benzo addiction, and are at risk for dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient treatment offers 24-hour care during treatment to maintain a safe, consistent environment with available medical intervention.

If you or someone you care about has been struggling with addiction issues, don’t hesitate. Reach out to an addiction specialist by calling us 24/7.