Xanax Detox
Xanax Detox Program in Orange County, CA
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a sedative medication that is prescribed for people who are diagnosed with anxiety or who have trouble sleeping. It is a benzodiazepine (called Benzo, for short), like Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, and it can lead to physical and psychological dependency and ultimately, to addiction.
Xanax is a drug designed to be taken for short periods of time as an individual undergoes a hard time or upsetting experience, like the death of a loved one. Xanax is addictive, with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Even so, many people believe that it’s safe because it’s prescribed by a doctor. In reality, it’s easy to become dependent on Xanax even when you take it as prescribed.
The first step to breaking the cycle of Xanax addiction is getting clean and sober from the medication in a detox program. Detox treatment is typically a short program in which your body rids itself of Xanax and any other substances you may have used. The process is medically supervised and may include medication that alleviates some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. At True Life Recovery, we have a professional caring staff to help you through the detox process safely and as comfortably as possible.
Key Facts
New Cases per Year
3,000
People at Risk
2.9 Million
Most Common
80 - 90%
Median Age
18-25
01. What Is Xanax Detox?
What Is Xanax Abuse and Detoxification?
Xanax is a powerful benzo often prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders and insomnia. It is extremely addictive when used long-term. Xanax is the most prescribed psychiatric medication in the US today. Seventy percent of teens with a Xanax addiction first got the drug from a family member’s medicine cabinet.
Detox is an essential step to the recovery process. Individuals who go through it often view this process as a turning point in their lives, because for the first time in a long time they can think clearly. While withdrawal from Xanax can be challenging, the benefits can be life-changing.
02. Effects of Using Xanax Long-term
The Effects Of Xanax Abuse On The Body
Xanax, like other medications, comes with a risk of side effects that are more severe with excessive use or abuse. Prolonged Xanax use may cause the following:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, sedation
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Change in appetite and weight
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or irritability
The more serious side effects of long-term Xanax use may include:
- visual or auditory hallucinations
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Mania
- Suicidal ideations and actions
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Death
03. WITHDRAWAL SIDE EFFECTS OF DETOX
What Are the Symptoms of Xanax Detox?
Because Xanax has a high risk of abuse and addiction, it is only meant to be take for short periods of time. Some individuals experience withdrawal symptoms after taking Xanax for only a few weeks as directed. Those people who abuse the drug or take it for long periods of time will likely experience more sever withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms for Xanax usually occur suddenly and typically begin within a few hours after the last dose.
Xanax Withdrawal – 6-12 hours
Usually within six hours after the last dose of Xanax, the effects of the medication will wear off and withdrawal symptoms will start. You may experience irritability and anxiety that gets worse going forward.
Xanax Withdrawal – Days 1-4
Withdrawal symptoms tend to be the most severe doing these first few days. Insomnia and rebound anxiety peak during this time. Other physical symptoms, like excessive sweating, shaking, muscle and body pain, and flu-like symptoms are common during this phase.
Xanax Withdrawal – Days 5-14
Around the fifth day, most people begin to feel a big improvement in their withdrawal symptoms. During the second week, the worst of withdrawal is over, with physical symptoms being much less severe, though insomnia and anxiety may still be ongoing.
Xanax Withdrawal – Days 15+
After two weeks, any of the lingering withdrawal symptoms should be fairly mild. However, some people will suddenly begin to have protracted withdrawal symptoms, even when initial symptoms have disappeared completely. These late-onset withdrawal symptoms are called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. The symptoms of PAWS can fluctuate and last for as long as two years after quitting Xanax.
Common symptoms of PAWS include:
- Persistent anxiety and depression
- Body aches and pains
- Chronic insomnia
- Poor concentration
- Sexual problems
- Difficulty performing tasks
04. How Long Does Detox Take to Finish
How Long Will It Take To Detox From Xanax?
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine, which means that its effects are felt faster and are over faster than other benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax typically start as soon as the brain and body are deprived of the medication. As a result, symptoms may start as soon as a few hours within last being taken and last for about a week. However, individuals suffering with PAWS may have psychological withdrawal symptoms for much longer, even as long as two years.
How To Recognize if Xanax Detox May Be Right For You
If you are concerned that you may be addicted to Xanax, or you have someone in your life that may be, you can see if any of the following behaviors are present:
- You feel a strong need and urge to take Xanax.
- Your thoughts are consumed with taking Xanax.
- You cannot relax or feel calm without Xanax.
- You fear trying to function without Xanax.
- You obsess about obtaining and using Xanax.
- You have tried to stop taking Xanax on your own and failed.
If you recognize any of the above behaviors, it may be time for you to consult with your doctor or an addiction professional. If you are addicted, every day that you continue your use you will be more at risk for suffering the long-term side effects and negative consequences that accompany addiction to Xanax.
05. Detox by Drug Type
What Are the Different Types of Detox?
At True Life Recovery, we have a caring and dedicated staff available to clients around-the-clock for support and medical intervention. During the detox process all clients are monitored regularly, checking vital signs and their overall medical condition. Besides Xanax, we offer detox from various substances, including:
We offer detox for drugs and alcohol including:
06. Getting Help
Getting Help & Xanax Detox
Treatment for and recovery from Xanax addiction is possible. Inpatient or residential, addiction treatment programs are often recommended when a person is addicted to benzodiazepines like Xanax. The first step to recovery from Xanax is detoxification (detox). During detox, which is the period of time that it takes for your body to rid itself of a substance, it’s important that you are medically supervised. Withdrawal symptoms for benzodiazepines typically set in within hours of the last use, and they can be very uncomfortable, but also dangerous.
Because of the seriousness of some of the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal, it is crucial that you have medical professionals monitoring your vital signs until the symptoms pass. It may become necessary to use small dosages of benzodiazepines, instead of discontinuing them abruptly, to make detoxing more tolerable, and that can only be managed when you are medically supervised.
Detoxing from Xanax is a great first step toward recovery, but it’s often recommended that individuals continue on to residential addiction treatment, which will give you the best chances for a successful, long-term recovery. At True Life Recovery Orange County Detox, we help people with addictions to benzodiazepines and all other substances. Contact us to get started on the path to recovery today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complicated, irrational and multi-faceted disease. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is persisting, recurring and difficult to stop. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of will power. Nobody chooses to be an addict. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol may lead to addiction in certain people. People basically use drugs or alcohol to relax, escape or reward themselves. A potential addiction occurs and is more likely in people who have an addictive personality caused by biology, environment or socially or are predisposed through heredity. These people don’t just feel good after using they feel so good they chase the feeling and the substance.
Signs of Addiction:
- Increased Tolerance & Intense Urges
- Physical or Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms
- Negative Consequences
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
- Too Much Time Spent Seeking Next High
- Addiction without the proper professional help can be terminal.
If you cannot control or stop using alcohol or drugs and your use is affecting your life adversely regarding health, self-esteem, family, employment, friends even law enforcement it’s probably time to consider a recovery program for yourself.
The first step after deciding to take control of your life back is to detox. Detoxing from an addiction is the first step in changing your life.
A “cold turkey” approach is not recommended because of the physical problems that may arise. In our experience people who try going cold turkey usually disappoint themselves and relapse. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox treatment facility.
At True Life Recovery, we medically manage your detox stay and provide you with as pain-free and safe experience as possible. We manage the physical effects of withdrawal, give you a safe comfortable supportive environment with proper food and emotional support.
When an individual determines to live life clean and sober the first step is detox.
The next phase is adjusting to abstinence. Lasting recovery means behavioral changes that support your journey. Talking it out in a private or public support system will assist in recovery.
Active involvement in support groups such as AA or NA are recommended.
There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers also available to assist individuals to learn new coping skills and focus on their recovery. As well, your religious organization may be of great support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, therefore the goal is a long-term successful management of the disease.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol varies depending on the type, the level of abuse, and the individual client’s health.
In general, detox will take 3 to 10 days.
When you speak with one of our True Life Recovery representatives they will begin to assess your dependency and will give you a good idea of what timeline to expect to stay.
Costs include 24-hour supervision and monitoring, room and board in a private or shared room, intake evaluation, counseling and therapy sessions as well as nutritious food freshly prepared daily.
For anyone worried that the wrong person will find out that you are going through a detox program – don’t be. Deciding to become clean and sober is a very personal issue and we highly respect individual rights. We do not give out personal information, have and maintain a very strict confidentiality policy.