Xanax is a medication for anxiety and panic disorders but can also be highly addictive. If someone stops taking Xanax suddenly or reduces their dosage too quickly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. And those symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing Xanax withdrawal, it is vital to seek medical help. Texas Recovery Center offers detox and addiction treatment programs to support you through withdrawal. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more about our benzo rehab center and addiction treatment programs.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is part of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, or benzos—these work by raising the levels of a neurotransmitter in the brain to sedate the person. It is given to people with a generalized anxiety disorder or frequent panic attacks. Xanax helps to calm patients down and typically has a relaxing effect by slowing the central nervous system. Those taking Xanax will possibly experience the following:
- Relief from anxiety
- Easing muscle tension
- Relief from sleeping troubles
Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication, but it also has a reputation for being addictive. Xanax has a high “misuse liability,” which is the degree of how likely a substance will be misused or a person’s likelihood of becoming addicted to it. Because of the high misuse liability of Xanax, excessive use leading to substance use disorder is a growing problem in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and other metropolitan cities. Rural areas also see Xanax misuse, so it is not just a big city problem.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
What does Xanax addiction look like? This is hard to tell because everyone is different. Some physical signs may only show while a person is under the influence of Xanax. The psychological and behavioral aspects, however, are usually more noticeable. The signs of Xanax addiction may include:
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Inability to concentrate
- Taking more Xanax than prescribed
- Obtaining Xanax without a prescription
- Social withdrawal
These signs of addiction can be challenging to spot, but it is essential to be aware of them. Addiction can have dangerous consequences for the person suffering and their loved ones.
What Are the Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine medication that is often prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. However, Xanax can also be addictive, and people who stop taking the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
People may also experience seizures, hallucinations, or psychosis in severe cases. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after stopping Xanax, you must seek medical help immediately. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous, and a medical professional can provide the care and support you need to detox safely from the drug.
Signs of Xanax Withdrawal During Detox
As with many other substances, stopping Xanax requires a detoxification process. During the detox process, it is common for patients to have withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety can be a common symptom, even if the patient wasn’t prescribed initially the substance for anxiety. Here is a list of the physical and psychological symptoms of the detox process:
- Paranoia
- Trouble sleeping
- Night terrors
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Body aches
- Flu-like symptoms
The detox process typically happens for days. Doctors taper the patient off Xanax by reducing their regular dose by 30% on day two or three. The amount is then decreased by 10% to 25%, with those having trouble at this rate falling more slowly. The withdrawal symptoms usually are felt for one to two weeks. Xanax withdrawals are tough, but you can be stronger.
How Long Is Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax withdrawal length can differ for each person. First, anxiety and sleeping troubles may occur within the first six to 12 hours after stopping the substance. This is typically when the symptoms of the withdrawal process are at their worst. Next comes the “rebound” anxiety and more sleep disturbances within 1-4 days. The withdrawal symptoms will persist for 10 to 14 days, and during this time frame, the symptoms may worsen. Finally, the return of anxiety symptoms persists without treatment. While the symptoms are usually mild, treatment can be the best option.
Learn More About Xanax Addiction Treatment at Texas Recovery Center
Xanax addiction treatment can help you or a loved one overcome the physical and psychological dependence on Xanax. If you or someone you love is struggling with Xanax addiction, please know that help is available. At Texas Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders, including detox support and therapy programs to address the root causes of addiction. Our goal at Texas Recovery Center is to empower our patients. Contact us at 844.230.5931 to learn about our addiction treatment programs.
