Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax, or generic alprazolam, is a type of short-acting anti-anxiety medication that belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. As a central nervous system depressant, it has a sedative or calming effect. It is highly effective for anxiety disorder and panic disorders, however, it also has a high potential for misuse and dependence. Once physical dependence develops, people may experience benzo withdrawal, including anxiety rebound effects, when they stop taking it.
Xanax is intended for a short period of time because of its higher addiction potential. However, some people have experienced withdrawal from Xanax after taking it for only a few weeks and at the prescribed dose. Those who have abused Xanax for larger doses or longer periods of time may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations and seizures.
Withdrawal symptoms usually occur within a few hours after the last dose and can appear suddenly. Some signs of Xanax withdrawal include:
- Anxiety rebound effects
- Panic attacks
- Sleep disturbance
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Suicidal thoughts
- Muscle spasms
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- A sensation of being detached from your body
- Psychosis includes delusions, hallucinations, and delirium
- Seizures
What Helps with Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Attempting to quit Xanax usage cold turkey is highly discouraged, especially if there was benzo addiction because of the potential of more dangerous and intense symptoms of withdrawal. One of the most effective ways to avoid benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms is to gradually taper down to lower dosages. However, attempting to pursue prescription drug addiction recovery alone increases the likelihood of relapse.
There are several medications that can help with benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. One common drug is Valium, or diazepam, which acts similarly to benzodiazepines but is slow acting and leaves the body slowly over time. This allows the user to gradually adjust to the reducing level of benzodiazepines. There are other benzodiazepines that are also used to substitute Xanax and reduce withdrawal from Xanax, but a full assessment and medical diagnosis are needed to prescribe the right ones. Your best chance to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to enter a medical detox where you have access to medication-assisted treatment.
Why Choose Medical Detox When Quitting Xanax
Medical detox at a drug rehab treatment facility can greatly reduce Xanax withdrawal symptoms and increase your chances of completing the detox process. Medically assisted detox is highly recommended for Xanax prescription drug addiction because of dangerous withdrawal from Xanax symptoms that a user might experience when attempting to stop using such as seizures, suicidal tendencies, and hallucinations.
When you enter detox programs in a rehab center, a team of medical professionals will give a thorough physical and psychological assessment to create a personalized detox treatment plan. Once you are checked in, you will be monitored around the clock and given medications to ensure your safety and treat withdrawal symptoms.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Xanax Addiction
Medical detox for Xanax physical dependence is just the first step in prescription drug addiction, especially if you started taking Xanax for a panic disorder or anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment at a rehab center can not only treat your Xanax addiction but can also treat underlying mental health disorders. Evidence-based addiction treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are used to create an individualized treatment plan for co-occurring disorders and heal the root causes of benzo addiction. Other treatment methods that may be used included medication-assisted treatment, holistic therapy, and group therapy.
Xanax Detox and Rehab at Sylvan
Sylvan Detox in Los Angeles California is a luxury rehab facility with medically assisted treatment for detoxing from Xanax and other substance use disorders. Our dual diagnosis treatment program aims to treat Xanax addiction and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety disorders and panic disorders with evidence-based addiction treatments and our holistic therapies. If you or someone you love is dealing with benzo addiction or other alprazolam use misuse, Sylvan Detox recovery center can help you through benzo withdrawal in comfort. Please give us a call today to learn more about our detox programs.