Xanax Detox
Xanax is a drug that is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of various types of anxiety disorder or panic attacks but they have a strong potential to be abused and to cause physical dependence. Xanax, when used either recreationally or as prescribed, can lead to addiction that is difficult to overcome. People who are addicted to Xanax will go through a series of withdrawal symptoms when the quit using and often require Xanax detox in order to kick start their recovery.
Signs of Xanax Addiction
The signs of addiction that a user will exhibit can differ greatly from one user to the next. Some feel intense cravings to use the drug while others will show serious changes in behaviors or attitudes as a result of their drug use. Some of the most common signs of Xanax addiction include:
- Increased tolerance to the drug
- Increased desire to use the drug
- Using Xanax even when you’ve had problems with Xanax in the past such as relationship problems or legal problems
- Using Xanax even though you know that it is bad, changes your behaviors or otherwise does not do well for you
- Blacking out when under the influence
- Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when you try not to take Xanax
People who become addicted to Xanax will feel an intense desire to use the drug no matter how much they know that using is not right. Xanax may interfere with personal relationships, finances, work, priorities or anything important in your life—yet you still decide to use. Often times, the user will even be approached by loved ones about his or her addiction, but he or she will deny the drug use or deny that there is a problem in an effort to mask the situation.
Causes of Xanax Addiction
Xanax detox centers can give you around the clock care.
Addiction to Xanax can result from using the drug as prescribed or from using the drug recreationally. Taking Xanax repeatedly, even if it is prescribed to you, can result in physical dependence. The calming effects that Xanax produces will gradually be reduced and the user will feel the need to take more of the drug in order to compensate for the tolerance that he or she has developed. This is the first step of addiction and this is where most addicts begin to spiral out of control.
Xanax Withdrawal
Sustained Xanax use that results in a physical dependence on the drug will lead to withdrawal symptoms when the user quits. Xanax withdrawal can be very difficult to cope with and may even pose serious threats to the user’s health. Physically, the user will feel agitated, anxious, and upset. As symptoms peak, there is a risk of hallucinations, insomnia, and seizures which can be life threatening.
The symptoms of Xanax withdrawal will continue until the user has eliminated all traces of Xanax from his or her system and allowed the body time to regulate back to normal or until the user takes more Xanax. This is where most users resort back to using drugs rather than coping with the pain, agitation or other discomforts associated with their continued abstinence from drug use.
Xanax Detox
Healthcare and treatment professionals recommend that anyone taking Xanax, either as prescribed or for recreational purposes, consult with a professional before attempting to detox. Xanax detox can have serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. The detoxification process, though challenging, is safe when it takes place in a hospital or inpatient detox facility.
Detox centers are able to provide patients with around-the-clock care that offers the safety and security of proper medical care in the event that intervention is necessary. Detoxing from Xanax can have fatal consequences for the user if he or she does not receive proper treatment when necessary. Xanax detox centers will monitor:
- Vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and other bodily functions
- Psychological well-being
- Physical health and comfort
By paying close attention to how the addict is feeling, monitoring vitals in a medical setting, and responding quickly to any adverse withdrawal symptoms that the user may experience during Xanax detox, detox centers are able to provide the safest method of initial treatment for users.
What Comes Next?
Once the patient has safely detoxed from Xanax, further treatment will be required to ensure that they continue to stay sober and do not fall back into the perils of substance abuse. Counseling and therapy methods may be used to help the addict control his or her anxiety or emotions that may have previously led to their drug addiction. Treatment is also provided for the underlying health or mental illnesses that a user suffers from to provide the greatest chance for long-term recovery.