Types of Treatment in Xanax Detox

According to a study from the British Journal of Addiction, “Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines is accompanied by a withdrawal syndrome” that can be particularly uncomfortable for those who have been long-term users or abusers of these substances. Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, and it is also commonly abused. Xanax detox may be necessary for anyone who has become physically dependent on Xanax, and there are different types of treatment involved that may be used based on their compatibility with the individual patient.

Tapering of Xanax as Detox Treatment

Couples therapy is offered in Xanax detox.

In Xanax detox, many patients are slowly tapered off Xanax in order to avoid the more intense withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, panic attacks, anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, nausea, and “muscular pain and stiffness.” While the individual takes smaller doses of Xanax, these symptoms are lessened (and may even be avoided completely in some cases). As the individual is gradually weaned off the drug, they experience fewer and fewer symptoms until they are successfully no longer dependent on Xanax.

Tapering off the drug is often used because there isn’t a particular medication given to patients as a Xanax detox treatment. For those who are addicted to the drug, there is also no pharmacological Xanax addiction treatment as well. This method is used because it “eventually wean[s] a person away from the effects of the drugs while attempting to decrease the severity of symptoms of withdrawal,” which is always the first goal in drug detox (UCLA).

For someone who is only dependent on Xanax, this may be all the treatment that is needed. But detox alone does not cure drug addiction, which is why Xanax detox often includes other types of treatment for those who need it.

Other Treatments in Xanax Detox

Patients who are addicted to Xanax also need therapy in order to create a solid foundation for recovery and to change the way they are currently living their lives. “Recovering addicts are encouraged to pursue psychological therapy, group therapy, and other programs to prevent the possibility of relapse.” These programs may be within the detox center itself or in another facility.

Patients are recommended to continue treatment with therapy and, in many cases, are asked to attend counseling sessions during their withdrawal period. This facilitates the process of moving patients from withdrawal treatment to addiction treatment. Some of the most common behavioral therapy types used for Xanax addicts in detox programs are:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Contingency management
• Family and relationship therapy

12-step programs are also often recommended by detox facilities as a way for patients to receive further treatment for Xanax addiction. If an individual attending detox does not go on to further addiction treatment if needed, they will risk the possibility of relapse. The types of treatment in Xanax detox often cover both the withdrawal symptoms endured by patients during the early stages of treatment and the addiction that they may still have to the drug which needs extra treatment beyond just the withdrawal stage.

For help finding Xanax detox centers in your area, search our comprehensive directory or call 800-996-6135(Who Answers?) to speak with a treatment specialist. 

Sources

1. British Journal of Addiction. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome.
2. Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA. (n.d.). Benzodiazepine Addiction.