Many people with a Xanax addiction wonder if the withdrawal process is dangerous. Yes, Xanax withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. You should never try to detox from this drug without expert supervision. If you or a loved one has been struggling with Xanax addiction and are ready to get proper treatment, reach out to our Xanax detox center to take the first step towards recovery. Learn more about the symptoms and why they could be harmful.
Why You Experience Xanax Withdrawal
When you take Xanax in high doses or for longer than your doctor prescribes, you increase your risk for dependence. This condition develops as your brain adjusts to the effects that the drug has on your central nervous system.
Xanax abuse also raises your risk of dangerous withdrawal when you try to stop using it. Withdrawal occurs because your brain depends on the drug to work correctly.
When you have an addiction but do not take your usual dose of Xanax, you do not feel normal and can not function well. Instead, you experience Xanax withdrawal symptoms as your body goes into a shock-like state. You likely have mental disturbances and physical pain. Some life-threatening complications may even develop.
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Xanax causes some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms among benzodiazepines (benzos). Also, the drug is more than ten times as strong as Klonopin and Valium. It has a short half-life, so it leaves the body faster than longer-acting benzos.
Because of these facts, Xanax has a high potential for addiction. Some people develop tolerance and experience withdrawal in just a few weeks. If you take it for longer than that and abuse the drug, your withdrawal experience may be severe.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms usually manifest in a few hours and occur suddenly. The most common include headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, poor concentration, and muscle aches. Others include sweating, uncontrolled shaking, and weight loss. Heart palpitations, panic attacks, seizures, and suicidal thoughts can also occur.
Some of these symptoms do not sound life-threatening, and they are not on their own. It is the domino effect that they cause that makes them dangerous. For instance, vomiting can lead to choking in your sleep or a lung infection. Both of these can lead to death.
In addition to these effects, you might also have rebound symptoms. These are the same symptoms for which you initially started taking Xanax. However, now they are more intense. They can even persist for a week.
Where to Get Help
Because of the symptoms, it is tough to overcome Xanax addiction without help. The symptoms are so extreme that you will likely take more pills for relief. It is crucial that you seek a medical detox program to start the healing process. Detox centers can provide medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications.
The detox process may be lengthy because tapering down is the most efficient and safest method. It involves gradually reducing your Xanax dose over a period of time. A detox center may also switch you to less potent benzo to aid the process.
Seek Xanax Treatment Today
If you have been abusing Xanax, help is available at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. We offer a range of medical detox programs, including:
- Marijuana detox program
- Heroin detox program
- Alcohol detox program
- Meth detox program
- Cocaine detox program
Addiction does not have to control your life forever. There are ways to get healthy again. Fight back against your Xanax problem so that you can live a healthy life. Start with detox at our residential facility. Call our expert staff at 866.516.8356 for more details.
