Physical withdrawal—the uncomfortable symptoms that appear when a person suddenly stops using addictive substances—can stand in the way of recovery. Xanax withdrawal, in particular, is one of the most severe forms of physical withdrawal, and many people will need professional Xanax abuse treatment to break through this initial stage.
Fortunately, help is available with The Bluffs. Call our team today at 850.374.5331 to learn more about how we can help those experiencing Xanax withdrawal symptoms achieve recovery.
What Causes Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax, also called alprazolam, is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it slows down several of the body’s automatic and life-preserving functions.
Specifically, Xanax works by amplifying the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, a chemical in the brain that is responsible for calming the central nervous system down. This effect is what gives Xanax the ability to help people calm down, feel relaxed, and lower their inhibitions.
Xanax has short-term benefits for patients who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. Unfortunately, some people misuse Xanax, taking the drug without a prescription or taking it more often than they should. Overuse of Xanax can lead to physical dependence.
When someone uses Xanax for extended periods, their brain becomes accustomed to these depressant effects. In response, the baseline state of the central nervous system becomes more excitable.
When Xanax use stops suddenly, the central nervous system becomes dangerously overactive. This can lead to severe Xanax withdrawal symptoms and distressing physical effects.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
The overactivity of the central nervous system during Xanax withdrawal affects the body negatively. Some of these effects may even be fatal if left untreated.
Essentially, the effects of Xanax withdrawal run opposite to the effects of the drug. Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication, but withdrawal causes people to feel anxiety.
Other Xanax withdrawal symptoms include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Panic attacks
- Muscle spasms
In severe cases, people going through Xanax withdrawal may experience delusions, hallucinations, and seizures. Seizures from Xanax withdrawal can be fatal.
Anyone attempting to recover from Xanax addiction must receive targeted medical detox, followed by intensive addiction therapies to support their recovery.
Getting Treatment for Xanax Addiction
The first step in treating Xanax addiction is medical detoxification. At specialized facilities, medical health providers closely monitor physical withdrawal symptoms and administer targeted medications to alleviate withdrawal effects.
With effective medical treatment, the risks of Xanax withdrawal are vastly reduced, making recovering from Xanax addiction much safer and more comfortable.
But while medical detox is an important first step, it must be followed by intensive addiction treatment to help patients achieve lasting sobriety. The best Xanax addiction recovery programs take a multidisciplinary approach and include evidence-based treatments like the following:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention programs
- Medication-assisted treatment
Together, these treatments can help patients overcome drug cravings and withdrawals, learn the skills and tools necessary to stay sober, and build a strong social support base for their new lives in recovery.
A quality addiction treatment center may also offer life-skills training, co-occurring disorder treatment, and personal counseling for issues outside of substance use.
Call The Bluffs Today for Xanax Abuse Treatment
If you’re trying to quit Xanax addiction, it’s vitally important that you do so with the help of trained medical professionals. The Bluffs has the knowledge and experience needed to help you overcome addiction for good and support you through the withdrawal stage and into lasting recovery.
Overcoming addiction can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but recovery is possible. Don’t delay seeking treatment any longer. You can achieve sobriety with the help of The Bluffs. Contact our team today by calling 850.374.5331 to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.