Xanax is the brand name for a substance known as alprazolam. This drug belongs to the benzodiazepine class, which are substances that are known to cause sedative and hypnotic effects. Additionally, Xanax is a psychoactive substance that is known to be habit-forming and extraordinarily addictive.
Because Xanax is addictive, individuals dependent on this medication will experience symptoms of withdrawal if they attempt to cut down or quit using it completely.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “many prescribers consider alprazolam to have high misuse liability and it is shown to result in a more severe withdrawal syndrome than other benzodiazepines”.[1]
A Xanax detox center can help individuals detox safely and comfortably.
Why is Professional Detox Necessary?
Xanax addiction is a chronic, severe, and progressive condition that can lead to an array of adverse health, social, psychological, and financial effects. One of the adverse effects of regular Xanax abuse is severe symptoms of withdrawal associated with the cessation of the substance.
The symptoms of withdrawal associated with this drug can be extremely uncomfortable and severe, sometimes resulting in life-threatening seizures when left untreated. This is why individuals should seek help from a benzodiazepine detox program when attempting to quit alprazolam use.
Thes symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include:[2]
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Jaw tension
- Body tremors, especially in the hands
- Muscle pains, aches, and stiffness
- Nausea, dry heaving, and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Decreased appetite
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Delirium
- Seizures
Individuals who do not receive proper care during withdrawal from alprazolam could develop an array of adverse conditions.
For example, the symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating could cause individuals to become extremely dehydrated. Additionally, individuals who are suffering from a severe addiction are at a high risk of experiencing seizures that could be life-threatening.
Xanax detox centers in New Jersey can prescribe medications and provide supportive care to help patients avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
What to Expect During Xanax Detox in New Jersey
Detox centers are designed to help individuals overcome their withdrawal symptoms in an environment that allows them to be comfortable and safe. Qualified medical staff is available to ensure the safety and health of each patient throughout the process.
Detox typically involves:
Intake and Assessment
When patients enter a detox program, they will undergo the intake and assessment process. This means that their condition – including their medical, drug use, and family history – will be assessed to determine their treatment needs.
What does the intake process include?
- An assessment of the patient’s history of substance abuse
- Information about the patient’s medical history
- Information on the patient’s family history of mental health, physical health, and substance abuse
- Physical health evaluation
- Psychological evaluations to determine the patient’s mental health needs
- Paperwork regarding medical history, health insurance, emergency contacts, and more
Gathering this information allows the medical and mental health staff to determine a treatment plan that suits the individual patient’s needs.
Medication-Assisted Detox
Once the intake and assessment process is completed, the individual will begin the process of Xanax detox.
Because the symptoms of withdrawal can become painful and life-threatening, each patient’s vital signs will be monitored. This involves ensuring that an individual’s pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and body temperature are in a safe and healthy range. If any abnormalities are detected, the patient will be treated and monitored for improvement.
During medical detox for Xanax addiction, patients are usually tapered off of benzodiazepines. Rather than using the substance the individual is addicted to, doctors usually provide them with a long-acting benzodiazepine like diazepam. This ensures that the individual’s symptoms will not become severe or life-threatening and keeps their cravings to a minimum.
People can expect the withdrawal process to take anywhere from 6 to 15 weeks. How long this takes depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Age
- Bodyweight
- Gender
- Health conditions
- Severity of use
- Duration of use
- Whether polysubstance abuse was a factor
24/7 Support and Mental Health Assistance
Lastly, alprazolam withdrawal can be an emotionally draining process. Some individuals might be depressed, anxious, frightened, or even angry. It is common to experience a range of emotions and even mood swings throughout the withdrawal process, as the patient’s coping mechanism is being taken away.
Reputable detox programs in New Jersey provide their patients with 24/7 access to mental health support. Oftentimes, this includes individual therapy sessions and group counseling. While these are required during residential treatment, detox programs allow these services to be optional because of the physical demands of withdrawal.
Providing patients with mental health support prevents them from relapsing while teaching them how to cope with their emotions. This sets them up for success in their inpatient or outpatient treatment programs by giving them an idea of what addiction recovery looks like.
Get Connected With a Top-Rated Xanax Detox Program in New Jersey
If you or a loved one suffer from Xanax addiction, it’s time to attend medical detox. The symptoms of withdrawal can become serious and life-threatening, making it extremely dangerous for you to attempt to detox at home.
Thankfully, New Jersey Interventions is here to help. Contact us today for more information on how to get connected with a top-rated Xanax detox program near you.
References:
Medically Reviewed: May 23, 2022
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.