People who consume Xanax in large quantities or for long periods of time are at risk of developing a dependency. Without the drug, a dependent person will struggle to function or feel normal. If someone is physically dependent on Xanax and stops taking it, withdrawal occurs.
Some people can experience withdrawal symptoms even after a short while and despite sticking to their prescribed dose. Due to its highly addictive nature, Xanax is only intended for short-term use.
Withdrawal symptoms occur quickly and usually kick in a few hours after the last dose of Xanax. Symptoms are generally more severe in line with frequency and quantity of use. The symptoms and duration of withdrawal are different for each individual but can be physically and psychologically distressing.
Addiction to Xanax can destroy your life and have a profound effect on the lives of those around you. Without treatment, your addiction will continue to deteriorate. As your body becomes less responsive to the effects of the doses you consume, you’ll need greater quantities to experience the same high. The more Xanax you consume and particularly alongside other substances, such as alcohol, the greater the risk of overdose.
It’s important to seek help as soon as possible and detoxification is the first, essential step on the road to recovery. The purpose of detox is to remove all traces of Xanax from your system while controlling withdrawal symptoms.
To be able to move forward in the recovery process, it’s essential to be free from the drug.
Years of heavy drug use alters how the brain functions. The withdrawal process involves the brain and body recalibrating its systems to function without Xanax. The resulting withdrawal sensations are often intensely uncomfortable.
Like many other substance addictions, Xanax addiction is difficult to overcome. Many addicts have multiple drug dependencies or suffer from a co-occurring mental health disorder. Addiction is complex and treatment and recovery require a high level of personalised care.
While detox addresses the physical dependency, it’s not sufficient alone to address the accompanying psychological addiction. A person who is psychologically addicted anticipates the feeling of unease that will occur without Xanax. In a way, it’s the fear of withdrawal symptoms and potentially, the return of those symptoms for which the drug was prescribed.
Following successful detox, various therapies can be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan to address the thoughts and behaviours surrounding Xanax use and addiction. This type of holistic approach offers a greater chance of successful recovery.
The detox process is different for every individual. From patterns of use to mental health, there are a number of factors that will influence how the detox and withdrawal process pans out.
Withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax addiction can be intense and, in some cases, potentially dangerous. A medically-monitored detox is the safest way to kickstart treatment for Xanax addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms generally last between five and seven days. They usually begin within hours of discontinuing or drastically reducing Xanax use. Symptoms will peak but generally dissipate after around two weeks. Some psychological symptoms can linger for several weeks. In some cases, protracted withdrawal can occur.
