When someone wants to discontinue Xanax use, they can experience different withdrawal symptoms. Whether they were prescribed the medication or were taking it illicitly, withdrawal is a common side effect. Being able to recognize Xanax withdrawal symptoms can help people determine when they need to seek professional help.
Why Is Xanax Addictive?
Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is considered a depressant. The medication is also prescribed to help people address specific alcohol withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox treatment. Other uses of Xanax are to treat insomnia and seizures.
Xanax increases the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA helps people feel relaxed and calm. When someone has an anxiety or panic disorder, it helps reduce associated symptoms. It also helps lower stress and anxiety levels.
Xanax is only meant to be used short term due to its highly addictive nature. People taking Xanax often find its effects are short-lived. The longer Xanax is taken, the more the body builds up a tolerance to it. As a result, people no longer experience the effects of the drug, even though the drug is still working.
Unfortunately, this leads to self-medicating and taking higher doses to achieve the desired effects. When used illicitly, people still build a tolerance to the calming and euphoric effects they experience. Why Xanax is addictive is because increasing dosages leads to dependence, which leads to addiction.
As the effects of Xanax wear off, people experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range in severity and intensity based on the dosage taken, duration, and frequency of use. Common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include insomnia, rebound anxiety, muscle spasms, panic attacks, and confusion. Headaches, muscle aches, muscle spasms, tremors, and flu-like symptoms are also common. In severe cases, people can experience seizures, hallucinations, and delirium.
Early Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal (24 – 48 Hours)
The early symptoms of Xanax withdrawal start to occur within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last dose. At first, the symptoms can seem mild, such as mood swings and fatigue. However, anxiety and panic attacks can also occur the longer someone goes without the drug.
Acute Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms (Days 2 – 6)
Acute Xanax withdrawal symptoms begin to occur over the next several days. During this time, the intensity and frequency of symptoms increase until they peak. Common symptoms during days 2 to 6 can include muscle aches and spasms, sweating, flu-like symptoms, and tremors.
When someone has been addicted to Xanax for a long time, they may also experience hallucinations, seizures, confusion, and delirium. Once the symptoms peak, they gradually start decreasing in intensity and frequency.
Late Withdrawal Symptoms of Xanax (1 – 2 Weeks)
The late withdrawal symptoms of Xanax refer to the lingering psychological symptoms that remain over the next week or two. By this time, most people have recovered from the physical withdrawal symptoms. However, they can still experience symptoms such as cravings, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Xanax Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
People who have taken Xanax long-term or have a long history of abuse can experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is where psychological withdrawal symptoms persist for several more months or even years.
Common PAWS Xanax withdrawal symptoms people could experience are anxiety, depression, and irritability. It is also normal to experience increased stress, cravings, and cognitive problems. Some people may even engage in obsessive-compulsive behaviors or lose interest in activities and hobbies. Fortunately, with the right treatment and support to manage PAWS, the symptoms do eventually subside.
The Importance of Medically Assisted Xanax Detox
Medically assisted Xanax detox is important because people are the most vulnerable during the first 6 days. The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal during this time can become so unpleasant and uncomfortable. Without medical help, they relapse and start using Xanax again to make the symptoms stop.
Additionally, there is a risk of dehydration from vomiting during Xanax withdrawal. Most people will not remember to drink fluids. Severe dehydration can become life-threatening when not treated immediately.
Another reason medically supervised detox for Xanax is recommended is because of the risk of seizures. While most withdrawal symptoms of Xanax are uncomfortable, seizures are life-threatening.
There are other benefits of supervised detox aside from reducing the risk of relapse and medically managing withdrawal symptoms. Part of a comprehensive Xanax detox treatment program can include medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medical professionals can prescribe FDA-approved medications to help alleviate the more severe withdrawal symptoms. MAT is commonly used short term. People are also carefully and safely weaned off MAT medications.
Another benefit of medically supervised Xanax withdrawal is access to evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. People in detox have access to individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions help them identify the causes of their addiction and triggers.
They also learn how to develop healthy coping techniques to deal with cravings, triggers, stress, and anxiety. Some holistic therapies may include yoga, meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and nutritional counseling. These therapies help promote faster healing and provide additional coping skills.
Co-Occurring Disorders
People with co-occurring disorders are equally at risk of benzo addiction. Co-occurring disorders are the presence of two or more disorders, such as substance use and mental health disorders. People with mental health disorders may self-medicate using benzos to bring temporary relief to their symptoms.
Conversely, people with substance use disorders may turn to benzos to experience their euphoric and pleasurable effects. Continued use can eventually lead to the development of a mental health disorder.
You Don’t Have to Endure Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Alone
When you want to quit Xanax, you do not have to ensure Xanax withdrawal symptoms alone. At Retreat of Broward, our Xanaax withdrawal detox center in Pompano Beach offers comprehensive medical supervision. Our caring and supportive team creates a personalized Xanax detox treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start your recovery journey to a Xanax-free future.
