There is no question that regular use of Xanax can cause a physical dependence upon the drug, and that once physical dependence sets in, abruptly stopping use of the pills can mean withdrawal symptoms for the user. There are ways to circumvent these symptoms and/or to mitigate their effect, but ultimately, if your loved one is dependent upon Xanax, then withdrawal symptoms will be an ongoing threat. However, it’s also important to note that, your family member experiences withdrawal symptoms related to Xanax use, it is not recommended that he or she stop using Xanax without medical supervision.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms will occur during the detoxification process. However, they can begin whether or not the user intentionally stops using his pills or inadvertently misses a dose. That is to say, your loved one will certainly experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms should he decide to undergo a medically supervised detox. However, should he opt instead to avoid treatment, he will spend every day of active addiction staving off withdrawal symptoms.
Because they can begin within a few short hours of the last Xanax dose, withdrawal symptoms are a constant threat to those who continue in active addiction. If your loved one refuses to go to rehab because Xanax withdrawal symptoms are too much to deal with, point out that they’ll never have to deal with them again in sobriety – as much cannot be said about continuing to live with a Xanax addiction.
If you would like to learn more about your options for detox and treatment for Xanax addiction here at Axis, contact us today.
What Are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
The term “Xanax withdrawal symptoms” refers to a wide range of physical ailments that are a direct result of a lack of Xanax. Whether he runs out of his prescription or simply experiences too long of a period between doses, according to Medline Plus, your loved one’s Xanax withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Difficulty with focus
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sensitivity to light
Which Withdrawal Symptoms Will My Loved One Experience?
No two experiences in Xanax detox are exactly alike. There are a number of factors that can play a part in determining which Xanax withdrawal symptoms will be an issue and to what degree. Some contributing or inhibiting factors may include:
- Length of time spent addicted to Xanax
- Amount of Xanax dose at the time of cessation of use
- Use of other illicit drugs, including other prescription medications
- Underlying mental health disorders
- Underlying medical disorders
The longer one spends in addiction, the higher their dose of Xanax, the more drugs that person takes, and the more they struggle with symptoms of co-occurring mental health or medical issues, the more difficult and long lasting their withdrawal symptoms will be during detox.
Cold Turkey Detox
A “cold turkey” detox describes the process of immediately stopping all use of illicit substances, including the drug of choice. A Xanax cold turkey detox means that rather than slowly lowering the dosage of the medication over time and allowing for a slower detox, the patient instead stops using the drug – and all substances of abuse – altogether. This immediate form of detox is drastic and the only appropriate course for most patients, especially those who are diagnosed with a full-blown Xanax addiction, an issue far greater than a physical dependence.
Xanax Addiction
It takes more than a physical dependence upon Xanax to be diagnosed with a Xanax addiction. In addition to the physical issue, the patient must also struggle with psychological cravings, or a psychological dependence, upon Xanax. You may see the signs of this issue in your loved one:
- Cravings for the drug
- Obsession with getting and staying high
- Micromanaging their pill supply
- Scheming new ways to get more Xanax
- Irritable if they are unable to get high
- Feels unable to perform certain tasks without the pills
- Fearful of being without Xanax or considering the option of quitting
In short, if your loved one seems mentally or emotionally dependent upon their pills or keenly focused on their use of their medication, it can signify a psychological dependence that, when coupled with physical dependence, adds up to a full-blown prescription drug addiction.
Xanax Addiction Treatment: Is It Time to Make the Move?
If your loved one is dealing with withdrawal symptoms and an unhealthy psychological dependence upon their medication, a Xanax addiction treatment program is the most effective step. Learn more about our uniquely personalized treatment program here at Axis when you call the phone number listed above today.
