Xanax Withdrawal: The Hidden Dangers
In today’s world, anxiety and panic attacks are commonly treated through a variety of interventions. One of those methods is the use of a prescription called Xanax, which treats anxiety and panic disorders. However, the hidden dangers of Xanax can be unknown to many! Xanax withdrawal is a serious medical undertaking and requires treatment aftercare to ensure the best chance of recovery and freedom from Xanax. Centered Recovery is here to help you understand the hidden dangers behind Xanax withdrawal and the next steps to continue your recovery journey!
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Another common name for Xanax is alprazolam. Doctors typically prescribe this drug to treat a wide range of anxiety disorders. Whether you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, or even depression, Xanax is sought after for all these concerns. Xanax is so effective in treating anxiety-related disorders because it enhances the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the brain! When this chemical change occurs, the effects are calming on the nervous system. When used appropriately, Xanax can be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety, however, this medication is ideally used in short-term cases because the long-term consequences of addiction and withdrawal are large.
Before starting Xanax, it is important to be aware of the side effects and risks that are associated with this medication. Xanax is known to have physical side effects that increase with the length of time the medication is used. First, a person’s tolerance to Xanax will start to build. Tolerance means that the person will eventually need more medication to have the desired effect that they are looking to feel. When people start to take more than prescribed for their Xanax prescription, the risk of dependency increases even faster.
Even more, the body starts to feel the side effects, as does the mind! That can look like the individual having constant thoughts of Xanax or wanting to take medication. Physical side effects of Xanax may include euphoria, drowsiness, slurred speech, and memory impairments. Even when this medication is taken as a doctor’s prescription order, the risk of dependency on Xanax develops extremely quickly. Therefore, when a person no longer has access to Xanax or decides to come off the medication, Xanax withdrawal can be extremely dangerous.
Why is Xanax Withdrawal Dangerous?
Detoxing from Xanax is actually more dangerous than most people think! Xanax withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable physically and mentally, but it can have the potential for severe or life-threatening symptoms. Let’s look at a few of the dangers of Xanax withdrawal.
Risk of Seizures
Many people are not aware that Xanax withdrawal can trigger seizures! This is one of the most serious side effects of Xanax withdrawal and can easily occur with individuals who have taken Xanax for longer periods or in larger doses. If Xanax is stopped without tapering the medication safely, the risk of seizures after stopping Xanax increases dramatically.
Rebound Insomnia and Anxiety
Since Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, these original feelings and symptoms of anxiety and panic may return. This phenomenon is known as rebound anxiety, which can also lead to rebound insomnia, in which the person has difficulty sleeping due to the increase in anxiety. Unfortunately, when the medication is not in the body after taking it for some time, these rebound effects can be powerful.
Physical Symptoms
In addition to seizures and rebound anxiety, there are plenty of other physical and psychological symptoms that can happen during Xanax withdrawal. Common psychological symptoms can include rebound anxiety, insomnia, return of panic attacks, depressed mood and mood swings, and paranoia. From a physical standpoint, in addition to the risk of seizures, the person may experience tremors, sweating, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, and heart fluctuations. All of these symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity of Xanax withdrawal.
Confusion
When Xanax withdrawal is particularly severe, individuals can experience states of confusion, also known as delirium. This can include being confused, agitated, or having hallucinations. When not monitored safely, this side effect can be extremely dangerous when left untreated.
Risk of Death
In the most intense cases of Xanax withdrawal, individuals can risk their lives. If this medication is stopped abruptly after periods of regular use, withdrawal can be fatal. Since Xanax withdrawal can be a life-threatening situation, it is always advised to safely monitor coming off this medication under medical guidance.
How to Manage Xanax Withdrawal Safely
Now, knowing all the possible dangers of Xanax withdrawal, you or your loved one must manage Xanax withdrawal safely. Here are a few tips to help make sure your Xanax withdrawal is safe, monitored, and supported!
Obtain Medical Supervision
The most important aspect of Xanax withdrawal is having medical guidance and monitoring. Before attempting to reduce or stop Xanax, consult with a medical provider to either assist you or find you an appropriate method of detox. Typically, your doctor will recommend a tapering schedule to help limit and ease Xanax withdrawal. This means your Xanax dose will decrease slowly over time, which can help prevent more intense complications such as seizures and delirium.
Utilize a Detox Facility
Commonly, individuals who wish to reduce or stop Xanax will do so with the help of a detox facility. These facilities are experts with the proper knowledge and tools to assist in the Xanax withdrawal process. There are many options for detox now, including inpatient and outpatient facilities. If you have a more severe case and need constant medical monitoring, inpatient detox is a short and safe option. If your case is less severe and can be managed through an outpatient detox, you can comfortably manage your Xanax withdrawal at home with medical supervision and advice.
Supportive Medications
When needed, doctors or detox facilities can prescribe supportive medications to ease the Xanax withdrawal process and symptoms. Sometimes these medications can include antidepressants to manage mood and anxiety, anti-seizure medications, or sleep aids.
Emotional Support
Reducing or stopping a medication that impacts your brain’s neurochemistry is bound to be accompanied by psychological and emotional impacts. Having emotional support through individual counseling or peer support groups can help with the mental aspects of Xanax withdrawal and increase motivation to continue your new treatment.
Remove Triggers
To safeguard your Xanax withdrawal, it will be essential to remove any triggers that may contribute to your Xanax use. To protect yourself, think about the environments or people that may trigger cravings to use or that increase your anxiety. Do your best to avoid these stressors during your Xanax withdrawal. It is always recommended to avoid other substances such as marijuana and alcohol during your detox.
Increase Daily Healthy Choices
It is always important to eat nutritious foods, eat plenty of water, move your body, and get enough sleep. However, during Xanax withdrawal, all of these aspects of self-care and health are even more important! Finding ways to move and nourish your body can help aid in positive moods and lessen the chances of rebound insomnia. Try to create a calming bedtime routine or meditate to help increase daily health choices.
Enter Continuing Treatment
Following your Xanax withdrawal, the journey is not yet over! Following your taper of Xanax, it is always a good idea to have continued treatment in some capacity. Continuing treatment can help manage lingering stressors and triggers following your new sobriety. Preventing a relapse and improving mental well-being requires tools and support. Whether you manage your cravings with your doctor or seek support with an outpatient treatment program, these extra steps can help you find your new path following Xanax withdrawal.
Treatment for Xanax Withdrawal
Whether you are looking for a medical detox facility, inpatient rehab, or outpatient program – there are plenty of options for Xanax withdrawal treatment!
Detox Facilities for Xanax Withdrawal
As mentioned before, detox facilities are a great first line of treatment for Xanax withdrawal. Inpatient detox facilities are available for those who need immediate treatment and round-the-clock medical supervision. If you are at a higher risk for seizures or have taken Xanax for a long time at a high dosage, this may be a good option for you. If your Xanax withdrawal case is milder, outpatient detox facilities can medically monitor your treatment while you stay in the comfort of your own home. There will be daily check-ins with medical providers and additional support from staff and specialists to guide you through your Xanax withdrawal.
Outpatient Xanax Treatment Programs
For additional support in your daily routine, outpatient programs are a great option for treatment following Xanax withdrawal. Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Outpatient (OP) programs involve several hours of group therapy and individual therapy each week, depending on your program level. These groups provide flexibility around your work and home life but still allow accountability and support! Psychological support following a detox stage is incredibly powerful in overall treatment outcomes.
Support Groups
If outpatient programs are not the right fit for you, there are plenty of free peer support groups to enhance connection and support following Xanax withdrawal. Maybe you prefer a 12-step approach? In that case, meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are available in person and online all over the world! If you prefer a non-12-step support group, SMART Recovery is a great peer support meeting that uses cognitive-behavioral tools and empowerment to guide your recovery.
Outpatient Treatment at Centered Recovery Following Xanax Withdrawal
Centered Recovery understands the need for support and connection after Xanax withdrawal. That’s why we are here to keep you on your path to mental and physical well-being! Our program offers various levels of care ranging from PHP, IOP, OP, and education-only. There is an option for you, no matter how busy you are! Learn more about each level of care here.
Can’t commute to our Roswell facility or have other obligations at home? That’s why we have a fully virtual program for your outpatient needs! Also, our group and individual therapy is flexible to include morning and evening schedules. We are here to help you customize your Xanax withdrawal aftercare treatment to your needs!
Even more, we offer free SMART Recovery peer support groups to help assist you in your Xanax recovery. Join us in Roswell at our facility on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:15 pm!
Contact Centered Recovery Today
While it may seem like a lot of information to digest in this Xanax withdrawal guide, Centered will do everything we can to help make your recovery journey smooth. Our intensive outpatient program has helped many on their road to recovery. The first step is always difficult, but it is worth it to create the health and life you deserve! All you have to do is pick up the phone and call us at 1-800-556-2966.
If you would like more information about addiction detox services in Georgia, residential addiction rehab services in Georgia, or residential addiction treatment rehab services in other states, please check out our detox guide page.
Our mindfulness program is life-changing and can enrich every aspect of your life! The gift of long-term recovery is only a small piece of what you get with mindful living. It will enrich your family, relationships, work life, and personal life. Call us at 1-800-556-2966 today to get started!
Written by Jennifer Lopes, BS Psy
