Medically Assisted
Xanax Detox

Are you or someone you love considering a Xanax detox? Xanax is a potent and habit-forming benzodiazepine — a class of central nervous system depressants that are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for several conditions including anxiety disorders, panic disorder, insomnia and the treatment of more severe symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Despite its propensity to be physically and psychologically addictive, Xanax is among the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. According to the 2020 National Health Statistics Report, the percentage of American adults with a benzodiazepine prescription increased from 4.1 percent in 1996 to 5.6 percent in 2013. The same report suggests that the number of overdose-related deaths directly linked to a benzodiazepine like Xanax increased from 0.58 per 100,000 adults in the year 1996 to 3.07 per 100,000 adults in 2010. In 2003 there were roughly 27.6 million American adults with a prescription for one or more benzodiazepines — by 2015, this number had jumped to 62.6 million.

The number of men and women who struggle with Xanax abuse and addiction continues to escalate on an annual basis. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of a Xanax abuse disorder of any severity, Guardian Recovery is available to help. Our comprehensive and highly individualized medical detox program offers a level of clinical care that cannot be found in any state-funded facility or traditional hospital setting. We believe that Xanax detox should be about more than physical stabilization and a safe and pain-free withdrawal. We believe in setting each of our clients up for continued success in sobriety.

More About Xanax Abuse

When it comes to Xanax abuse and addiction, medical detox is a necessary first step on an individual’s journey of recovery. This is because the symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal can be severe — even life-threatening — if they are not overseen and adequately treated. The symptoms associated with prolonged Xanax abuse can also be severe. According to a 2020 news report, the Food and Drug Administration added a “boxed warning” to the labels on prescription pill bottles, warning users of the inherent dangers involved in Xanax abuse. US FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn stated the following during a related news release, “While benzodiazepines are important therapies for many Americans, they are also commonly abused and misused, often together with opioid pain relievers and other medicines, alcohol and illicit drugs. [The FDA] is now taking measures and requiring new labeling information to help health care professionals and patients better understand that while benzodiazepines have many treatment benefits, they also carry with them an increased risk of abuse, misuse, addiction and dependence.”

If you are unsure as to whether or not your loved one is suffering from a Xanax abuse disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to look for.

Xanax Abuse & Addiction
Signs & Symptoms

Xanax abuse and addiction symptoms include:

• Using more Xanax than is prescribed
• Engaging in drug-seeking behaviors, which can include “doctor shopping” or stealing unused medication from the medicine cabinets of family members or friends
• Attempting to cut back on dosage but being unable to do so
• Continuing to use Xanax despite a wide range of personal consequences
• Becoming preoccupied with obtaining and using Xanax
• Spending a great deal of time recovering from the effects of excessive Xanax use
• An increase in risk-taking behaviors like driving while under the influence, stealing in order to support a Xanax habit or combining the medication with other chemical substances (like alcohol or opioids)
• Developing a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved
• Experiencing a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when Xanax use is stopped abruptly

While the symptoms associated with Xanax dependence vary on a person-to-person basis, developing a physical tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms with ceased use are always good indications that a diagnosable problem exists and a medical Xanax detox may be necessary.

Xanax Withdrawal
Signs & Symptoms

In most cases, withdrawal symptoms begin within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last dose, and continue for between one and two weeks (depending on the severity of the addiction).

Common symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal include:

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues
• Profuse sweating, shaking and body tremors
• Headaches
• Body aches and general feelings of extreme physical discomfort
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Feelings of detachment from reality
• Seizures

Studies show that up to 25 percent of men and women who abuse benzodiazepines like Xanax experience protracted withdrawal symptoms. This means that some symptoms (predominantly psychological in nature) can last for up to several months. This is partially why continuing on in a long-term program of recovery is so essential.

Medical detox is always necessary when it comes to Xanax abuse and addiction. The symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal can be severe and highly unpredictable. Attempting to quit cold turkey or withdraw in an at-home setting is never a good idea — and doing so can be life-threatening.

Xanax Detox
Treatment Options

Treatment options vary significantly depending on the severity of the Xanax abuse disorder and the presence of any underlying physical or mental health conditions. At Guardian Recovery we offer highly individualized care, and each personalized detox plan is developed based on ongoing clinical and medical assessments. When it comes to Xanax withdrawal we typically utilize a combination of tapering (slowly weaning the client off of the drug) and Medication Assisted Treatment. Some of the medications we use include antidepressant and anti-anxiety meds, anti-nausea medications, non-addictive sleep aids and over-the-counter pain medications and fever reducers.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

When the symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal are not adequately treated, the results can be severe. If you or someone close to you has been actively abusing Xanax for any period of time, our Tampa Addiction Center is available to help. Our dedicated staff members have combined decades of clinical and medical experience, and they are available to walk you or your loved one through every single stage of the early recovery process. The moment you pick up the phone and call us we can quickly assess if you are a good fit for our programs and discuss insurance options. If you are a good fit, we will conduct a pre-assessment to help our clinical team begin to craft an individualized treatment plan.

Once the pre-assessment is complete we begin exploring potential coverage options. Guardian Recovery’s Tampa Addiction Center works closely with most major regional and national health insurance providers in order to make our detox services as accessible as possible. If you are currently insured there is a good chance that some or all of our services will be covered partially or in full – in order to find out, we offer free, no obligation insurance benefit checks. Finally we set a date and a time for intake and help arrange safe and reliable transportation if need be. Getting started on your personal journey of Xanax addiction recovery – or helping your loved one get started – is as simple as picking up the phone and calling us today.