Dangers of Xanax Detox
Xanax, a trademark name for the generic drug alprazolam, is a part of the group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is a legally prescribed medication for anxiety, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It is common for people who are prescribed to
Xanax as well as those who have gotten hold of it by illegal means (usually either by buying it on the streets or from a friend or family member) to become addicted to it. There is a trend in the US of increasing abuse of and dependence on Xanax and other prescription drugs.
If you are struggling with addiction or dependence you are putting yourself at risk of health related and psychological problems. This medication should be used in certain quantities and under certain circumstances, and its abuse can be very negative to your health. Getting off of Xanax can be difficult, however, and there are some potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Read on to get an idea of the dangers of Xanax detox.
The dangers of going ‘cold turkey’ and Xanax withdrawal
Xanax detox is generally the process of stopping use of the drug. You may think that the best way to stop using is to do just that – to not take any more once you have decided to quit. This is, in fact, extremely dangerous. Stopping abruptly can lead to very bad withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, uncontrolled bodily shaking, blurred vision, changes in your sense of smell and hearing, nervousness, aggressive behavior, vomiting, and more. These are especially dangerous if you are operating machinery or driving, or are taking care of children.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be similar to those associated with overcoming alcohol addiction. Seizures and delirium are common symptoms and are particularly dangerous as they may not be preceded by any other symptoms of withdrawal, and can happen very unexpectedly. Panic attacks and anxiety are also common symptoms.
Going cold turkey is extremely dangerous, and a better method of Xanax detox is to taper off, slowly using less and less of the drug so that your body can get used to not having Xanax. This may be a difficult thing to manage on your own, and treatment centers and support groups can help. You are much less likely to go through withdrawal and can safely manage your addiction.
Other disorders and Xanax detox
Having other psychiatric or physical disorders can complicate Xanax detox. Especially seeing as Xanax is a prescription drug and that it is intended to treat real disorders, going off of it may mean that your anxiety or panic disorders are left untreated. This is dangerous, as it can lead to the same symptoms that you had before you started using Xanax, and can hamper your ability to fully detox. This is something to consider and talk to your doctor about when beginning a Xanax detox.
These dangers of Xanax detox are very real, and it may be necessary to seek professional help when trying to get off of the drug. Exactly how you undergo Xanax detox may depend on personal factors such as your pattern of use and dosage, lifestyle, physical fitness, and other physical and mental conditions you may have. In all cases, a detox center will ensure that you go through Xanax withdrawal safely.