Xanax is the brand name for a drug known as alprazolam, which belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class. This substance is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety disorders in adults.
Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it produces a calming and sedative effect on the brain. While this substance is effective in treating anxiety disorders, it has a high risk of causing addiction in people who abuse it. This is especially true when Xanax is taken in high doses or mixed with other substances like alcohol or opioids.
Because alprazolam use can lead to addiction, it can also cause symptoms of withdrawal if a dependent individual abruptly stops taking it. This occurs as the body begins to adjust to the absence of the drug and the central nervous system attempts to stabilize. The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal can be extremely dangerous, making it imperative that people seek professional help from a detox program in West Palm Beach.
What are the Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?
After someone stops taking Xanax, withdrawal symptoms can begin 24 hours after the person’s last dosage. It is important to note that even short-term abuse of Xanax can lead to dependency, causing the emergence of withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation. According to research, 40% of people who took the drug for 6 months or more reported experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug.[1]
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include the following:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hyperventilation
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased or total loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
- General pain and discomfort
- Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Feeling as if one is detached from their body
- Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and delirium)
- Seizures
The symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be severe, including the development of psychosis and seizures. Because of this, attempting to quit alprazolam cold turkey could result in life-threatening medical emergencies.
What to Expect During Xanax Detox
During a Xanax detox program, patients will receive treatments that prevent them from experiencing the severe symptoms of withdrawal associated with this drug. This helps to keep individuals safe and medically stabilized throughout the entire process. Detoxification involves:
Assessment and Intake
Before a patient is admitted into detox, they will undergo a clinical assessment to determine their treatment needs and goals. This assessment will take a look at a person’s substance abuse, mental health, medical health, family history, and anything else that can help the staff members gather information about what the individual needs.
This information allows a customized and individualized treatment plan to be created, providing the patient with all of the treatment modalities they will need throughout their stay.
Withdrawal Management
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal will be managed through the use of medications, keeping the patient safe and comfortable during their detox journey. Oftentimes, the tapering process is used for individuals who are addicted to benzodiazepines, as this is the best way to avoid life-threatening symptoms like seizures.
This means that a patient will gradually receive less and less benzodiazepine medication to slowly detox them off of the drug. Most of the time, a long-acting benzodiazepine like clonazepam, diazepam, or chlordiazepoxide will be used as a tapering medication for Xanax withdrawal.[2]
Holistic Treatments
In addition to medication management and tapering, some patients may opt to use holistic treatments to cope with their mild symptoms and cravings. For example, mindfulness meditation may be used to create a connection between the mind, body, and spirit. This allows individuals to stay in the now, alleviating symptoms of drug cravings.
Another form of holistic treatment that may be used during detox is physical therapy. Many individuals experience general discomfort or pain during the withdrawal process. Physical therapy can help people alleviate body discomfort, joint pain, muscle pain, and stress that is being held in the body.
Vital Monitoring
Because Xanax is a central nervous system depressant, individuals who are addicted to this drug will have lowered blood pressure, decreased heart rate, and a depressed respiratory system. When someone is coming off of Xanax, their central nervous system will attempt to stabilize. This can cause abnormalities in vital signs like body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
Because of this, a person’s vital signs must be monitored consistently during the detox process. Thankfully, Xanax detox centers in West Palm Beach have nurses on staff who monitor each patient’s vital signs on a 24/7 basis to ensure medical stability.
Get Connected With a Xanax Detox Center in West Palm Beach, Florida
If you or a loved one suffer from Xanax addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. The withdrawal symptoms associated with alprazolam dependency can be life-threatening, making it extremely important for you to attend a detox program.
Mandala Healing Center is here to help you or your loved one overcome the symptoms of Xanax withdrawal. Contact us today for more information on our holistic drug and alcohol detox program.
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