May 18, 2023

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs, & Treatment

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Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Medical supervision during the detox process can mitigate the most severe Xanax withdrawal side effects.

Read on to discover:

    • What does Xanax withdrawal feel like?
    • What are the most common withdrawal symptoms from Xanax?
    • How can you safely and comfortably detox from benzos like Xanax?
    • Do you need ongoing treatment following Xanax withdrawals?

    What Are The Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal?

    Withdrawal symptoms of Xanax, like all benzodiazepines, may vary from person to person.

    These are the most common physical Xanax withdrawal symptoms:

    • Convulsions
    • Muscle spasms
    • Tremors in the hands
    • Sweating
    • Sore, stiff muscles
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Weight loss or weight gain
    • Headaches
    • Heart palpitations
    • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
    • Menstrual complications for women
    • Xanax withdrawal symptoms

    These are the most common psychological side effects of Xanax withdrawal

    • Anxiety
    • Panic
    • Confusion
    • Depression
    • Irritability
    • Nervousness
    • Tension
    • Insomnia
    • Heightened senses
    • Fear
    • Paranoia

    Those who have been using benzodiazepines long-term may encounter protracted withdrawal upon discontinuation, with symptoms frequently involving new or worsening depression and anxiety. These are known as rebound symptoms.

    In addition to withdrawal from Xanax symptoms, benzodiazepine use can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, including memory and cognition problems.

    If you are experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal, it is crucial to seek medical assistance. A supervised medical detox program can provide support and guidance throughout the withdrawal process and help manage your symptoms. Beyond this, counseling and therapy can help you address the underlying reasons for your addiction and develop coping mechanisms for long-term recovery.

    A man sits on a couch with his hand on his head to represent the question, "can you withdraw from xanax?".

    Can You Withdraw From Xanax?

    Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are classified as CNS (central nervous system) depressants and are typically prescribed to alleviate anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and seizure disorders. That said, long-term use of Xanax and other benzodiazepines can result in dependence, making withdrawal a possibility when the dosage is reduced or stopped abruptly.

    Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can surface within a day after the last dose and can persist for several days or even weeks. Dependence on benzodiazepines, including Xanax, can develop in as little as 3 to 6 weeks, with about 40% of people experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms when used for more than six months.

    How To Get Through Xanax Withdrawal

    Although Xanax withdrawal can be uncomfortable and risky, there are steps you can take to reduce your symptoms and make the process as smooth as possible. It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to help you navigate the unpredictable and dangerous nature of Xanax withdrawal. They may recommend a gradual tapering schedule or medication-assisted detox to manage your symptoms.

    One of the most effective ways to alleviate Xanax withdrawal symptoms is to slowly taper off the drug. This gradual process allows your body to safely adjust to progressively lower doses, potentially reducing or preventing withdrawal symptoms altogether. It is vital to have a healthcare provider oversee your Xanax taper, as they can provide a schedule and dosage guidance. It’s worth noting that a doctor can assist with tapering your Xanax dosage, even if the drug wasn’t originally prescribed by them.

    Here are some tips for getting through Xanax withdrawal:

      1. Don’t quit cold turkey: Suddenly stopping Xanax can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Instead, your healthcare provider may recommend gradually reducing your dosage over a period of weeks or months to minimize your symptoms.

      1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush Xanax and its metabolites from your system and ease some of the physical signs of Xanax withdrawal.

      1. Get plenty of rest: Withdrawal from Xanax can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances but getting plenty of rest can help your body heal and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

      1. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress – exercise, yoga, or meditation, for instance. Eating a healthy diet can also help support your body during withdrawal.

      1. Seek support: Withdrawal from Xanax can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to friends and family for support or consider joining a support group for people in recovery.

    Withdrawal from Xanax may be demanding and uncomfortable, but it’s also a pivotal step in reclaiming your health and well-being. With the right support and strategies in place, you can successfully withdraw from Xanax and move forward in your recovery journey.

    Xanax Detox Symptoms

    Xanax detoxification, or detox, is the process of eliminating the drug from the body. The detox process can be challenging for individuals who have been using Xanax regularly or at high doses. Some common Xanax detox symptoms include:

      • Anxiety: During detox, anxiety is common and can be intense. Xanax is a potent anxiety-reducing medication, and its sudden withdrawal can lead to symptoms of rebound anxiety.

      • Insomnia: Xanax is often prescribed for sleep disturbances, and withdrawal can lead to an inability to sleep or trouble staying asleep.

      • Irritability: Individuals going through Xanax detox may experience irritability or mood swings.

      • Sweating: Sweating is another common symptom of Xanax detox, and it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

      • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea and vomiting are also routine symptoms of Xanax detox and can be quite severe in some scenarios.

      • Seizures: In rare cases, Xanax detox can lead to seizures, which can be life-threatening. This is more likely to occur in individuals who have been taking Xanax at high doses for an extended period.

    Detox from Xanax can be dangerous and should be conducted under medical supervision. A medical detox program can help manage withdrawal symptoms, provide support, and ensure the safety of the individual undergoing detox.

    A group of sober people are standing on a hill at sunset with their arms around each other to represent a successful recovery in community at Gratitude Lodge.

    Get Treatment for Xanax Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

    If you’re seeking the most effective treatment for Xanax dependency and addiction, look no further than Gratitude Lodge. Our facilities in Long Beach and Newport Beach provide a luxurious rehab experience that is welcoming to pets and promotes inclusivity. By eliminating distractions, temptations, and triggers, we offer a safe environment to begin your journey towards recovery.

    Start your path to recovery with our medically supervised detox program for Xanax addiction. Our committed team of medical professionals will guide you through a tapered Xanax reduction, streamlining the detox process and clearing benzodiazepines from your system.

    Following detoxification, you may choose to continue your journey with our residential rehab program or explore the option of an intensive outpatient program if you require more flexibility and affordability.

    At Gratitude Lodge, we are committed to offering a holistic approach to addiction treatment that includes a variety of evidence-based therapies. Our programs include MAT (medication-assisted treatment),  individual and group therapy, family therapy, psychotherapy, and holistic therapies, as well as a robust aftercare component.

    Contact our compassionate admissions team today at 888-861-1658 to begin your journey towards a safe and effective recovery from Xanax addiction.

    Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms FAQs

    Suddenly running out of Xanax, especially if you have been taking it regularly, can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and potential rebound effects. These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual and their usage pattern. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to develop a safe and gradual tapering plan if discontinuing the use of Xanax.

    Yes, Xanax withdrawal can cause fatigue as one of the potential withdrawal symptoms. When you abruptly stop or significantly reduce Xanax dosage, it can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to various symptoms including fatigue, lethargy, and low energy levels. These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual and their specific withdrawal experience.

    Yes, Xanax withdrawal can cause brain fog as a potential withdrawal symptom. Brain fog refers to a state of mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive function. During Xanax withdrawal, the brain is adjusting to the absence of the medication, which can contribute to cognitive symptoms like brain fog. The intensity and duration of brain fog may vary among individuals experiencing Xanax withdrawal.

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    Joe Gilmore

    Joseph Gilmore

    Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
    Jenni Bussi

    Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

    Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.

    Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

    Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

    Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

    Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
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    Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
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    An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.

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    Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
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    Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

    Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.

    Sober Living

    Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
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    Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.

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