Detoxing from alcohol or another addictive substance can be difficult. This is why many people wind up ending their detox early or not even starting the process. However, postponing or denying detox can be even more devastating, as many people first require a detox if they are going to have any hopes of fully recovering. This is often the case with people struggling with Xanax addiction.
Better Understanding Xanax Misuse and Xanax Addiction
Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. For many people struggling with these issues, this prescription medication is essential and helps them function in their day-to-day lives.
Unfortunately, Xanax is also a highly misused and abused substance. Many people use Xanax because they enjoy the euphoric feeling it provides them, especially when combined with alcohol and other drugs. This can be extremely dangerous and ultimately lead to a Xanax addiction that can be very difficult to beat on one’s own.
The Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Xanax addiction has many signs and symptoms that can help alert friends and family members that their loved one may have a problem that requires professional support to overcome. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Appearing jittery, shaky, and nervous
- Exhibiting excessive and aggressive mood swings
- Constantly oversleeping and regularly appearing sedated and, or drowsy
- Appearing overly anxious and/or depressed
- Experiencing gastrointestinal problems, especially continuous constipation
- Having trouble putting together thoughts and communicating
- Experiencing both short-term and long-term memory loss
- Extreme weight loss
- Showing unusual skin rashes
- Exhibiting slurred speech
Another sign of Xanax addiction is “doctor shopping,” which is when an individual tries to get multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors and pharmacies. This also includes trying to obtain the substance illegally online.
Does a Loved One Require a Xanax Detox?
If someone is addicted to Xanax, it is highly recommended that they seek a safe and secure professional Xanax detox. This is because a Xanax detox (depending on the severity of the addiction) can potentially be deadly.
Xanax detox also causes something known as “Alprazolam withdrawal syndrome.” According to the Journal of Addiction Medicine, “Alprazolam withdrawal syndrome may also feature unique clinical symptoms compared with other benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes. There are several case reports of delirium and psychosis caused by alprazolam withdrawal, whereas there are scant reports of these symptoms in cases of other benzodiazepine withdrawal.” Alprazolam withdrawal syndrome has also been known to be so severe that it can send people into intensive care.
Why Require a Xanax Detox for Addiction Recovery?
It is important to understand that Xanax detox can be very taxing. While many people can get through a Xanax detox on their own, it is very dangerous and much more uncomfortable than it would be in a professional setting.
Individuals may endure a variety of distressing physical and psychological symptoms during Xanax detox. According to Addiction, “Physiological dependence on benzodiazepines is accompanied by a withdrawal syndrome which is typically characterized by sleep disturbance, irritability, increased tension and anxiety, panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, difficulty in concentration, dry retching, and nausea, some weight loss, palpitations, headache, muscular pain and stiffness and a host of perceptual changes. Instances are also reported within the high-dosage category of more serious developments such as seizures and psychotic reactions.”
Yet another reason for promoting Xanax detox is that a proper professional Xanax detox can also connect individuals to the next steps needed to make a full recovery. This may be residential care, a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
What Does a Successful Recovery From Xanax Addiction Look Like?
Successful recovery from Xanax addiction is going to look comprehensive with a focus on long-term healing. Most likely, a successful Xanax recovery plan will include continued psychotherapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and some holistic wellness coping techniques like breathwork exercises, mindfulness meditation, and yoga.
Successful recovery from Xanax should also include a connection to a recovery community, like that found in a 12-step program. A community like this can hold an individual accountable to their recovery goals while also helping them serve other people in need of recovery. Helping others is a great way to stay sober.
The Importance of Long-Term Recovery at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term recovery over short-term “fixes.” That is part of the Phoenix difference. We remain part of the recovery journey after a client leaves our recovery center doors.
Recovery from Xanax addiction can be challenging, but with the right recovery help, we know that it is not only possible but probable. This is because we help make it happen daily here at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
There are many benefits of a safe and secure Xanax detox. It is also critical to understand the importance of detoxing with professionals, as detoxing from benzodiazepines on one’s own can be deadly. Are you ready to discover the Phoenix difference? If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of Xanax addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. For more information on what a good Xanax detox looks like (nutrient replenishment, round-the-clock monitoring, and ease of transition to treatment), please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
