Xanax, a prescription medication known for its calming effects on the nervous system, has become a double-edged sword in today’s fast-paced world. While it offers significant relief for those battling anxiety and panic disorders, its potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction paints a concerning picture. The line between therapeutic use and misuse can blur quickly, leading individuals down a path fraught with challenges both physical and mental. As awareness grows around the complexities of Xanax dependency, so does the need for comprehensive treatment programs that address not just the symptoms but the root causes of addiction.
What is Xanax?
Xanax, known by the brand name Alprazolam, is a powerful, potent prescription benzodiazepine. It is most commonly used to treat insomnia, severe anxiety, and panic disorders. To date, Xanax is the top prescribed psychiatric drug in America. Conversely, it also accounts for some of the most medication-related hospitalizations. It is estimated that more than half of youth who develop an addiction to the benzo get it from their own family’s medicine cabinet.
Xanax is highly addictive and oftentimes is prescribed to be used as needed or for specific situations and circumstances. Xanax addiction can develop even when the medication is being used as prescribed. The body develops a tolerance to the drug extremely quickly, requiring the user to take more and more to receive any benefit from the drug. Discontinuing repeated and regular use of Xanax can be dangerous, and cause extreme withdrawal effects. Use can also enhance and increase the dangerous side effects of opioids.
Effects of Xanax
Prescription Xanax is in a simple, tablet format. On the street, it is typically referred to as “bars”. Because tolerance to the drug is quickly developed, a user with an addiction will typically take extremely high quantities of it in a day. Usually, the negative side effects of overusing Xanax are short-lived as it exits the body fairly quickly.
Short-term effects of Xanax abuse include:
- Mental impairment
- Amnesia and memory loss
- Rebounded insomnia after drug wears off
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness and confusion
- Birth defects if used during pregnancy
- Lethal if combined with other drugs and alcohol
- Fainting
Longer-term effects are usually only felt in the form of withdrawal – which, without professional assistance, can be extremely dangerous.
Should I Seek Treatment for Xanax Abuse?
While Xanax is a potent and great option for anxiety when used properly, abuse is extremely dangerous and common. About 40% of alcoholics regularly abuse Xanax, and it is not uncommon for meth or heroin users to also mix in Xanax to try and achieve a more intense high. Because Alcohol and Xanax are both depressants, the combination can lead to respiratory failure or death.
Because of the dangers of overdosing, or the dangerous withdrawal side effects, it is important that if you are going to seek cessation from Xanax, you see professional, medical support from an accredited facility such as Royal Life Detox.
Usually, the signs of Xanax abuse can be identified early. Here are somethings to look for when deciding if you need help with Xanax use:
- Taking multiple pills at a time
- Taking more than as prescribed by a doctor
- Snorting or injecting Xanax
- Combining use with other drugs or alcohol
- Drug seeking behavior
Xanax Withdrawal
Like any substance dependence, withdrawal can be extremely painful and dangerous. That is why medically assisted detox and 24-hour supervision are so important.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Heart palpitations
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Panic, anger, or hate attacks
- Irrational fears
- Attention deficit & confusion
The more one uses Xanax, the more one experiences the aforementioned side effects associated with Xanax withdrawal. Many treatment professionals consider addiction to prescription and street Xanax to be the most difficult to overcome. In fact, unsupervised, abrupt withdrawal from Xanax can lead to seizures or toxic psychosis and sometimes death.
Xanax Detox
When joining our Xanax detox program at Royal Life Detox, individuals can anticipate a carefully structured process designed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and pave the way for recovery from addiction. The onset of the program typically involves a comprehensive medical assessment, ensuring that the detox plan is tailored to meet the specific needs of each person. This initial phase is crucial, as it helps in identifying any co-occurring mental health conditions and determining the most effective approach for detoxification. Following this, patients may expect to undergo a gradual tapering off of Xanax under close medical supervision, minimizing the discomfort associated with withdrawal and reducing the risk of severe complications.
Throughout the detox process, support extends beyond medical intervention. Emotional and psychological support plays an integral role in helping individuals navigate through the challenges of withdrawal. Therapy sessions, both individual and group-based, are often incorporated into the program to address underlying issues contributing to addiction and to foster coping strategies for a life free from dependence on benzodiazepines. Nutritional guidance and physical activity may also be included as part of a holistic approach to healing. As guests progress through the stages of detoxification, they are guided toward developing a foundation for long-term recovery, emphasizing relapse prevention strategies and planning for continued care post-detox.
Medication-Assisted Detox for Xanax Addiction
At Royal Life Detox, our expert medical team is dedicated to helping individuals safely overcome their addiction to benzodiazepines like Xanax. With withdrawal symptoms often being severe, seeking professional support is crucial for a safe and effective path to recovery.
During medication-assisted detox programs for Xanax, medical professionals often prescribe medications like pregabalin due to benefits including:
- Are not addictive
- End the likelihood of a grand mal seizure
- Decrease craving
- Decrease Xanax-seeking behavior
- Decrease worry and increase relief
- Decrease agitation and increase calm
- Decrease restlessness and increase tranquility
- Decrease fatigue and increase ambition
- Improve concentration
- Decrease irritability and increase serenity
- Decrease muscle tension and increase comfort
- Decrease panic, anger, or hate attacks
- decrease irrational fear and increase sustained endurance
Medications such as pregabalin are used to assist Xanax addiction recovery during aftercare for coexisting conditions such as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia
- Insomnia
While medication can assist in Xanax detoxification and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions, this alone is not enough for a successful recovery from addiction. Effective Xanax detox programs must incorporate behavioral therapy and addiction counseling to address the root causes of dependence.
Do Detox Programs Use Benzos?
However historically significant, Xanax detoxification with another benzodiazepine or “benzo” is rarely used today. This is because there are concerns about using a different benzo for Xanax withdrawal:
- All benzos, like Xanax, are addictive drugs that are associated with a life of misery, potential grand mal seizures and death, just like alcohol.
- Using another benzo during Xanax withdrawal sends the addiction-replacement-message that it’s okay to substitute one benzo with another; as silly as detoxing a scotch drinker with gin.
- Non-addictive detox medicines that also prevent seizures, are frequently used in place of addictive ones whenever possible (i.e. pregabalin in place of a non-Xanax benzo)
What To Expect In Xanax Rehab?
At Royal Life Detox, we guide guests through a transformative journey toward lasting recovery, beginning with medical detox and progressing into comprehensive inpatient and outpatient Xanax rehab programs. Our holistic approach prioritizes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, offering a wide range of treatment options that address addiction and co-occurring disorders. During Xanax addiction treatment at Royal’s detox and rehab centers our goal is to empower individuals to build a sustainable, sober lifestyle that extends far beyond their time with us.
Our highly skilled team, including therapists, case managers, and dedicated facility staff, is committed to delivering exceptional care and unwavering support. We use a holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy, blending individual and group sessions with innovative methods like art, music, and animal therapy. These creative outlets encourage self-expression, improve communication skills, and foster emotional healing, which we believe is as vital as physical recovery. Additionally, we integrate state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create a well-rounded program that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
The recovery journey at Royal Life Detox often begins with our residential inpatient program and continues seamlessly through PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program), IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), OP (Outpatient Program), and sober living in our graduate housing residences. Our focus is always on the guest—ensuring they receive the tools, support, and care needed to achieve lasting change. At Royal Life Detox, we are deeply committed to helping individuals lead healthy, fulfilling, and sober lives long after their time with us. This is not just our goal—it’s our purpose.
Xanax Detox in Arizona
Xanax addiction is a complex issue and recovery will require ongoing support. At Royal Life Detox, we offer comprehensive benzo addiction treatment programs to ensure long-term success in maintaining sobriety. Our team will work with you to create an individualized plan that includes therapy, support groups, and other resources that can aid in your recovery journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax abuse, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Detox admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
