Misusing Xanax, whether by taking the drug without a prescription or exceeding the dosage recommended by a medical professional, can lead to substance dependency. This increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms when you finally choose to quit, which can be physically and psychologically distressing.
You need to learn about the dangers and risks if you’re thinking about quitting Xanax cold turkey or abruptly stopping using it. Educating yourself ensures safe and effective withdrawal management and recovery.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is the brand name for the generic drug alprazolam, a sedative-hypnotic substance used to reduce tension, generate calmness, and induce sleep. This medication belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and works by slowing down brain activity in the central nervous system, primarily by enhancing signals in the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Xanax is commonly prescribed to treat panic attacks, sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders, and other anxiety-related mental health disorders. However, some patients use the drug recreationally due to its disinhibiting and euphoric effects. Despite its therapeutic benefits, Xanax can cause problematic side effects, including memory issues, confusion, trouble concentrating, difficulty speaking, and worsening depression.
Dangers of Quitting Xanax Cold Turkey
Xanax addiction can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when a person uses the drug to seek pleasure, escape stress, or numb emotional pain. On the other hand, being physically dependent on Xanax means the body has adapted to the substance, leading to tolerance and withdrawal syndrome.
Xanax is a more toxic drug compared to other types of benzodiazepines. Even when taken as prescribed, tolerance can still develop as early as one month into use. As tolerance builds up, people require increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. Over time, this dependency can make it difficult to stop using Xanax without experiencing withdrawal.
Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal
It is dangerous to quit Xanax cold turkey, as abrupt cessation can bring about potentially fatal consequences, especially when detox is done on your own. Below are some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal to watch out for.
- Irritability
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Palpitations
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle pain or stiffness
Patients who take high doses of Xanax may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, and suicidal ideation, while those who take standard doses may develop temporary rebound symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or withdrawal symptoms, seek help immediately.
How Addictive is Xanax?
Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine medication, meaning it significantly affects the brain quickly and calms the body right away. Because of this, it can be very easy to get addicted to. Once dependence has formed, it can be very challenging to quit.
What’s also concerning is that benzos are involved in approximately one out of three cases of intentional overdoses or suicide attempts, and are often taken in combination with other drugs, making them even more dangerous and addictive.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
Xanax withdrawal can follow different patterns, and symptoms can vary for every person. It can last from weeks to months, or even years, after discontinuation. Like other benzodiazepines, it is known for how unusually long it takes to detox. Although it differs among patients, a general timeline for benzodiazepine withdrawal is commonly observed.
- 6–12 Hours After Last Dose: Initial withdrawal symptoms emerge within this timeframe. These may include anxiety, insomnia, and headaches, signalling the onset of withdrawal.
- 1–4 Days After Last Dose: You may experience a short-lived rebound of anxiety symptoms, which may become more and more intense. Severe withdrawal symptoms may also appear; hence, medical supervision is critical.
- 10–14 Days After Last Dose: Symptoms of withdrawal may lessen following their peak, although they may unexpectedly worsen, improve, then repeat. Anxiety, restlessness, and other physical symptoms may still be present.
- Months After Last Dose: While acute symptoms tend to resolve within weeks, they can still linger for months and years. Therefore, receiving ongoing professional support is crucial to keep symptoms manageable.
Factors that Affect Withdrawal or Detox From Xanax
The length of time it takes to detox from Xanax and the intensity of the withdrawal process may depend on several individual factors. These include how long Xanax has been used, the amount taken, the overall duration of use, whether other drugs are also being used, medical history, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions.
How to Stop Taking Xanax Safely
Suddenly stopping Xanax is possible, but it is not strongly recommended, as the risks of quitting Xanax cold turkey outweigh the potential benefits. Detoxing from Xanax is an instrumental step involving the gradual removal of toxic substances from the body while allowing it to adjust to the absence of the drug. Hence, it is a sensitive process that requires careful planning and consideration.
Tapering off is the ideal option rather than abruptly stopping Xanax use. A detox done under medical supervision ensures that withdrawal symptoms are managed in the safest way possible, with mental health professionals providing constant monitoring and support. This approach minimises the risk of complications, helps manage symptoms more efficiently, and promotes comfort and stability throughout the recovery process.
Addiction Treatment Options You Can Consider Alongside Xanax Detox
Medical detox is only the beginning of quitting Xanax safely. It is important to know that ongoing support, commitment, and addressing the psychological, emotional, and behavioural aspects of addiction are pivotal to achieving long-term recovery. Below are some options you may want to navigate to minimise the risk of complications and to aid your healing journey.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard of psychotherapy. It is widely known as an effective treatment for drug abuse and various mental health conditions. CBT works on the principle that identifying and altering unhealthy and unproductive thought patterns can lead to positive behavioural changes. During sessions, a patient will challenge irrational beliefs, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and manage triggers that contribute to addiction.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe symptoms or those who require comprehensive addiction treatment in an environment free from distractions or potential triggers. This treatment plan provides round-the-clock supervision and incorporates several evidence-based approaches, such as traditional and holistic therapy.
Outpatient Treatment
An outpatient program is suitable for people with mild Xanax dependence, as it does not require 24/7 monitoring or staying in a rehab facility overnight. It offers a structured approach to treating addiction while allowing individuals to carry on with their daily routines and stay in touch with the community.
Family Therapy
The effects of Xanax addiction not only impact the patient but also their loved ones. It’s essential to involve the family members for them to understand better the gravity of the addiction and how to give appropriate support without enabling. Family therapy can also address conflicts or underlying causes that contribute to substance abuse, while strengthening communication and fostering a household where addiction is not misunderstood.
Aftercare Treatment
Aftercare is crucial for lasting recovery, as relapse is very common for patients addicted to Xanax or any benzodiazepine. This program happens after completing a treatment program and involves continued support and assistance, such as access to relapse prevention groups, therapies, and exercises to maintain long-term sobriety.
Where to Get Help for Safe Medical Detox and Rehab?
If you or a loved one wants to stop taking Xanax but is unsure of what to do or where to start, The Orchid is here to help you. We offer comprehensive, compassionate care and several evidence-based treatments for people suffering from addiction and mental health issues. You are not alone in this battle, our treatment centre is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do for Xanax withdrawal?
Withdrawal is dangerous and should be done under the medical supervision of a qualified healthcare professional to ensure maximum safety and comfort throughout the process.
What are the side effects of withdrawal from alprazolam?
Withdrawal symptoms progress, and the severity may depend on how much and how often Xanax was misused. Examples are irritability, panic attacks, tremors, sweating, nausea, palpitations, headache, and anxiety, among others.
How long does it take for Xanax to completely leave the body?
Though it varies for every person, the half-life of Xanax is about 11 hours in healthy adults. In simpler terms, it takes about 11 hours to cleanse half the dose of Xanax, and an average of 2 days to fully eliminate it. This is shorter than that of many other benzodiazepines.
Does Xanax withdrawal make you itch?
Yes. Xanax may make you feel itchy, with strange tingling and prickling sensations, numbness, and burning pain. Although these sensory symptoms may persist in rare cases, they are usually harmless and nothing to worry about.
