Important Considerations to Make When Detoxing from Xanax
When you have been taking Xanax for a while, there may come a time when you may want to stop using it. Abruptly quitting can cause withdrawal and possible health complications. Detoxing from Xanax should be done under medical supervision to prevent serious side effects. Some of the effects of withdrawal can result in life-threatening seizures, and may require immediate medical attention. Long-term use or abuse can result in permanent physical or psychological damage.
According to the journal of Behavioural Neurology, chronic use and high dosages of Xanax can result in drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lack of coordination, poor vision, weakness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, headaches, and coma.
Get help for Xanax addiction by calling 800-483-2193(Who Answers?) today!
What Important Considerations Should Users Make When Detoxing from Xanax?
Anxiety can worsen when you detox from Xanax.
Xanax is a potent drug and can produce major changes in the brain and body while experiencing withdrawal symptoms during detox. Not all users will have the same reactions, but the longer the drug was used, then the more complicated withdrawal symptoms can become. Some considerations to make when ready to detox from Xanax include:
- Length of time using the drug: This matters as the more Xanax that is in your body, the more dangerous detoxing can be if not done right.
- Amount that was used during this time: You should consider the size of the doses taken. Some take the recommended dose, others will take larger doses, and do it more often than necessary.
- Other drugs or alcohol use: Also very important to note is the use of other substances that may have been taken along with Xanax. Some individuals have been known to take certain medications –such as Xanax- along with alcohol, and other drugs. This can be dangerous and the body accumulates toxins from all these substances, not just Xanax.
- Anxiety and panic can be worse: For those that attempt to detox from Xanax -the anxiety and panic that the drug may have been intended to treat- may rebound and seem worse than ever before, and can be accompanied with extreme depression. Detoxing on your own is dangerous.
The effects from detox can vary from one person to another and can include factors such as age, weight, height, and overall health of the individual. These considerations are also important when detoxing from Xanax.
Other Thoughts to Consider
Other factors can affect the overall detox process. It can depend on how much Xanax is in your system, and how much it has already affected you both physically and psychologically. Some other decisions you might want to consider include:
- Cold turkey: When you suddenly stop taking Xanax in an attempt to detox from it on your own, it can cause serious health problems and life-threatening complications. A user can experience seizures, uncontrollable tremors, extreme depression, suicidal thought, and even coma.
- Outpatient detox treatment: Some individuals may have the option of tapering off from the drug. A doctor will supervise and monitor your progress closely as the doses are decreased, and until you no longer need to take Xanax.
- Inpatient detox treatment: You can expect to stay at a detox facility for a varied amount of time. Depending how much drug is in your system, and other factors. Under medical supervision, symptoms are monitored throughout your stay to assure safety. This is the safest choice to consider when detoxing from Xanax.
An aftercare plan should also be considered. Xanax can cause serious mental effects that can often linger on for months or years even after the drug has been out of the system. Counseling therapies can be very helpful, and can address not just the psychological effects caused by Xanax, but the anxiety and panic that may still be present.
To find Xanax detox centers, search our directory or call us at 800-483-2193(Who Answers?) to speak with a treatment specialist.
Sources
- Behavioural Neurology. (2016). The Effect of Chronic Alprazolam Intake on Memory, Attention, and Psychomotor Performance in Healthy Human Male Volunteers.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2017). Alprazolam.