Man with fist to mouth struggling through Xanax withdrawal.With prescription drug addiction on the rise, details about substance abuse related to these drugs can be found throughout the news. It’s a troubling trend that needs to be addressed. In recent months and years, Xanax has fast become a favorite prescription drug among people who are looking for the latest “feel good” substance. After months of abuse, we see an increasing number of people having to deal with Xanax withdrawal issues when they decide to stop using it.

Approved Uses of Xanax

Xanax or alprazolam, the generic name, is a benzodiazepine. It is classified as a mood stabilizing drug. Psychiatrists and medical doctors will prescribe its use for anxiety disorders, panic disorders and some forms of depression. Taken as prescribed, Xanax is very effective at regulating certain chemicals in the brain. By regulating the flow of these chemicals, patients are able to function in their daily lives.

Unfortunately, Xanax has become one of the most abused drugs in the US. It is used as a mood-altering drug by people who enjoy the relaxed feeling created when the drug is taken. It is a highly addictive substance that requires increased doses in order to get the desired effect. For this reason, the drug is considered dangerous when not used as prescribed.

About Xanax Withdrawal

When an individual makes the decision to stop taking Xanax after an extended period of abuse, there are significant Xanax withdrawal issues. In many cases, these withdrawal issues present a real danger to a person’s health and well-being. Notably, Xanax withdrawal lasts longer than withdrawal symptoms from most other substances, including heroin, painkillers, and alcohol. In some cases, it takes weeks and even months for the residual effects of the drug to work its way out of a person’s system.

The early onset of withdrawal starts hours after the most recent dose wears off. The initial Xanax withdrawal symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. They will linger for the first couple of days and can take up to a week to dissipate.

During the second and third days of withdrawal, serious withdrawal symptoms may start to appear. These could include restlessness, insomnia, the onset of psychological disorders and severe body aches.

Treating Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

While it’s not recommended, the addiction sufferer can deal with most of the withdrawal symptoms by taking directed, over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen, stomach soothers, and sleep enablers. It’s also possible to slowly taper the use of Xanax, but this could take time and presents unpredictable dangers.

A Xanax detox is the safest and fastest way to eliminate the substance from the body. Under the direction of medical staff in a safe environment, the patient will be given access to prescribed medications in order to minimize any discomfort from withdrawal. If a tapering method is chosen, doctors are able to dictate the doses to be taken.

Beaches Recovery – Treatment for a Xanax Addiction

At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, Xanax is one of the substance addictions we treat on a frequent basis. When detox is prescribed by our medical staff, the patient is referred to a reputable detox center in the area. As far as our treatment programs are concerned, we offer the following options:

  • Inpatient residential treatment
  • Extended care for severe addictions
  • Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
  • Partial hospitalization
  • Dual diagnosis treatment

If you have a Xanax addiction, we want to encourage you to get help and to avoid trying to go it on your own. That solution seldom works. By picking up the phone and calling our Beaches Recovery counselors at 8666050532, we can offer you the help you need. This is the opportunity you need to make your recovery last a lifetime.