Xanax is a benzodiazepine, a frequently prescribed medication used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. But even when used according to the doctor’s instructions, Xanax is highly addictive. Tolerance to the drug quickly develops, followed by dependence and full-blown addiction. This dependence means that you must go through Xanax withdrawal before recovery is possible.

What is Xanax Withdrawal?

Crying woman next to window suffering with Xanax withdrawal.Your brain undergoes chemical and physical changes as you keep using the drug. Because Xanax increases your GABA levels for intense relaxation, your brain slows its own production. This results in greater need for your drug, in order to feel “normal.” This is physical dependence.

After dependence sets in, you only feel good when you take Xanax in your normal dose. If you stop using the drug, your brain goes into overdrive and cannot regulate its own overactivity. This causes the ill and uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, ranging from irritability to seizures.

Is Xanax Withdrawal Dangerous?

Most people do not experience life-threatening effects from Xanax withdrawal. But this does not mean you won’t have those dangerous symptoms. At the very least, withdrawal is physically and mentally uncomfortable. This is especially true when seizures occur.

This is why it is important to go through withdrawal under the experienced supervision of addiction specialists. There are no promises for your withdrawal experience. Slight symptoms that are merely uncomfortable can quickly become life-threatening. Detox professionals know how to keep the worst symptoms under control, also providing safety, security, and comfort for you as you go through Xanax withdrawal.

The biggest risks in withdrawal from Xanax include serious falls, delirium, seizures and intense anxiety.

Xanax is short-acting. This means the drug wears off more quickly than long-acting formulas like diazepam. It also means your withdrawal symptoms start quickly, within two days of your last dose, and last as long as a month. Like the symptoms Xanax treats, its withdrawal symptoms are mostly internal and mental.

Withdrawal effects include:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, and agitation
  • Attention, memory and concentration problems
  • Depression and sleeplessness
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Muscle aches and tension

How long your withdrawal lasts depends on many factors. These factors include how much Xanax you used as a dose, how long you used the drug, whether you used other substances with Xanax and your physical and mental condition. Some people experience long-term Xanax withdrawal effects, called PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome).

Treatment for Addiction to Xanax

As for any drug, to end your physical Xanax addiction you need Xanax detox. An accredited, supervised detox facility provides the comfort, supervision, and support you need for your safest withdrawal. Through professional support, withdrawal is not as uncomfortable as it is at home or without experienced help.

Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter, Florida provides accredited detox programs in a safe, secure, monitored environment. Programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery include:

If you or someone you love needs help and support to end physical dependence on Xanax, other drugs or alcohol, Serenity House Detox & Recovery will provide that help. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery now at 866-294-5306 to learn more about how to take part in your healing.