Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans, making them the country’s most common mental health affliction. Subsequently, doctors write benzodiazepine prescriptions, such as the popular brand Xanax, at more than 66 million appointments each year to help ease anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines (benzos) activate the neurotransmitters in the brain, producing calm and relaxation. Therefore, it’s no surprise that benzos like Xanax have become among the most prescribed drugs in the country.
While Xanax has helped millions with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, the drug is highly addictive. Prescription drug misuse can develop quickly into a Xanax addiction with several adverse side effects affecting one’s overall health and well-being. Our Xanax detox in Nashville helps clients begin their recovery from addiction.
What is Xanax?
Developed in the 1960s and FDA-approved in 1981, Xanax is classified as a Schdule IV benzodiazepine. Other common benzos include Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium. These drugs provide short or long-term relief to those struggling with anxiety disorders.
In the benzo categories, Xanax is the most highly prescribed of these medications because of its effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders.
Xanax tablets are small, oval-shaped white, peach, or blue pills. Some common slang names for Xanax include Xannies/Zannies, Z-bars, and footballs (due to the shape). Xanax is for oral use; however, those who misuse the drug often crush or snort the pills.
While Xanax is typically only prescribed for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. Other medications are more effective for long-term anxiety treatments. However, when used as prescribed short-term, Xanax can help those with anxiety issues by helping even out the GABA activity in the brain.
The effectiveness of Xanax is one of the reasons it is so addictive. The relief Xanax provides lasts only about 6 hours. Consequently, the short-lived nature of Xanax dramatically increases the development of addiction.
When someone no longer needs or wants to take Xanax, but they can’t stop, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a medical professional or treatment center specializing in Xanax addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
Those who misuse benzos take more than the recommended dosage to create a feeling of euphoria. Benzos usually work very quickly, primarily when crushed and snorted. The effect typically lasts between 6 to 24 hours.
When taken as prescribed for no more than a few weeks, benzos are pretty safe. However, when misused, the side effects mimic symptoms typical of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Additionally, many people who are struggling with an addiction to Xanax may experience changes in their behavior, such as:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Doctor shopping (using multiple doctors to get Xanax prescriptions)
- Suspicious and secretive behavior
- Tendency to isolate from others
- Slurring words
- Mood changes, erratic behavior
- Strained relationships
When the issues noted above become apparent, it signals that Xanax addiction has become a bigger problem. Even though some of the effects of Xanax abuse may be obvious on the outside, the damage happening on the inside may not be as noticeable.
Your journey toward healing begins today.
Brentwood Springs Detox is a leading drug and alcohol addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one are in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (615) 208-6264 to speak with us.
How Long Does It Take to Detox From Xanax?
For those struggling with Xanax addiction, it’s tough to stop using on their own. A benzodiazepine detox is necessary, and with that comes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, the withdrawals will start as early as 6 hours after using on the first day or as long as 12 hours. Symptoms commonly felt on the first day include restlessness, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
These symptoms also typically continue on the second day. On the third day, and continuing to the sixth day, more symptoms occur, and the previous ones increase in severity.
These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Blood pressure increase
- Heart rate increase
In addition to these symptoms, one may also experience changes in their behavior due to withdrawals. Xanax detox in Nashville can help with behavioral symptoms of withdrawal, such as:
- Irritability and moodiness
- Hallucinatory thoughts
- Heightened anxiety
From the seventh day onward, the same withdrawal symptoms may be present, but they will gradually decrease in strength.
The severity of the withdrawals experienced due to Xanax addiction differs depending on the situation. For example, someone addicted to Xanax alone versus someone combining Xanax with alcohol will have different symptoms.
Some commonly reported symptoms include the following:
- Frequent headaches
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Mouth dryness
- Feelings of nausea and vomiting
- Decreased energy levels
- Weakness
- Vertigo
Ultimately, detoxing from Xanax varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as dosage, length of use, and personal metabolism. Overall, symptoms typically taper off after 1-2 weeks. However, some people may experience psychological effects, such as anxiety and moodiness for months.
Importance of Professional Xanax Detox
To effectively combat Xanax withdrawal symptoms, one should seek help from a Xanax detox treatment center.
The intensity of withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with. Without professional detox help, the cycle of Xanax addiction can begin again, causing some to start using again to avoid withdrawal.
Relapses can occur even after someone tries to stop on their own. During Xanax detox at Brentwood Springs Detox in Nashville, the patient’s health and well-being are the top priority.
Additionally, to ensure the best quality care, clients can expect professional consultation throughout the following treatment steps:
- Assessment
- Establish commitment
- Recommend types of treatment
- Aftercare planning
It is important to remember that progress towards sobriety is always achievable, no matter the circumstances. Patients are never alone.
Importance of Detox for Xanax Withdrawal
In order to effectively combat withdrawal symptoms from Xanax, we recommend seeking help from a detox treatment center. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This is why the cycle of addiction can, unfortunately, begin again, as some will start using again to avoid withdrawal.
Relapses can occur even after someone tries to stop on their own. During Xanax detox in Nashville, the patient’s health and well-being are our number one priority. Additionally, we follow carefully planned treatment steps to ensure the best quality care for each client.
Those steps include the following:
- Assessment
- Establish commitment
- Recommend types of treatment
- Aftercare planning
We pride ourselves on providing people-focused care. We also offer safe and effective detoxification procedures for our clients. Our team of dedicated and professionally trained staff members helps them every step of the way, ensuring patients’ personal recovery goals are being met.
Additionally, both during and after treatment, we will support people through medical assistance. To add, we help them through post-recovery programs. It is important to remember that no matter the circumstances, progress towards sobriety is always achievable. Our patients are not alone.
Get Xanax Addiction Treatment in Nashville Today
For those looking to undergo a Xanax detox in Nashville, TN, Brentwood Springs Detox is here to help. Our trained and compassionate staff dedicate themselves to making your recovery process as safe and effective as possible. Through our services, you can complete the Xanax detox process comfortably and safely while you prepare to embark on your journey to full recovery.
At Brentwood Springs Detox, we pride ourselves on providing people-focused care with our safe and effective detoxification procedures. Our team of dedicated and professionally trained staff members is with you every step of the way, ensuring your personal recovery goals are being met.
Reach out today. For more information about the Xanax detoxification process and our recovery support programs, visit our admissions page.
