How to Get Off Xanax Safely and Effectively

Xanax addiction can have serious implications. Read on to learn more about how to get off Xanax safely and effectively.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, which is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant in the class of medications called benzodiazepines. Xanax is used to manage conditions like panic and anxiety disorder. However, if you or a loved one are misusing Xanax, you may be wondering about how to get off Xanax safely.1

Is Xanax Addictive?

It is a potent drug that improves the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a calming neurotransmitter. However, the potency of Xanax makes it more likely for an individual to develop a dependence or addiction. Prolonged use also makes it easier for substance abuse to occur.

Consequently, Xanax must be used safely and discontinued promptly according to the instruction of a healthcare professional.

How to Manage Xanax Usage

In this article, we will consider the potential side effects and risks of Xanax use, including dependence and addiction. We will also look into how to get off Xanax the right way, along with safe options for managing sobriety and anxiety.

Why Should You Get Off Xanax?

PAlprazolam is usually prescribed for the short term management of panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorders. It is essential for the medical professional who prescribes it to put a plan in place to help the individual to stop the drug safely.

Reasons to Detox From Xanax Misuse

Since Xanax is potent, individuals can grow to rely on it to function normally. However, before side effects begin, learning how to get off Xanax safely is imperative. Here are some major reasons why you may need to get off Xanax include:

Tolerance: If you notice that you have to start taking increased doses of the substance to function, you have developed a tolerance, which can also lead to addiction.
Risk of addiction: Xanax has a high potential for dependence and addiction. Once you notice that you cannot function properly without the drug, you need to learn how to get off Xanax.
Side effects: The drug has numerous side effects like drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and others.2
Drug interactions: With the help of your physician and pharmacist, you can check whether Xanax will interact with your other medications. Sometimes, a new medication might cause a life-threatening reaction to Xanax.

How Can Xanax Use Affect Your Daily Life and Relationships?

It’s important to learn how to get off Xanax safely, as there are many side effects that can impact your daily life. Some examples of this include:

Impaired cognitive function: If used long enough, Xanax can reduce your cognitive function and memory. This may affect your ability to meet goals and remember important events and dates.
Fatigue: The sedative effects of Xanax can prevent you from engaging in fun activities and family or team-building programs without fatigue.
Mood changes: Xanax use can cause your mood to change abruptly over short periods.
Social isolation: The relaxing and sedating effects of Xanax use may cause you to isolate yourself and be disinterested in social engagements.
Risky behavior: Impaired judgment is a potential risk of Xanax use. This can cause you to engage in risky behavior unless you know how to get off Xanax safely.4
Addiction: The intense drug-seeking behavior associated with addiction can also cause you to prioritize drugs over relationships.

Xanax Addiction

People may become physically and psychologically dependent on Xanax when it is used for too long or not as prescribed. Due to its addictive nature, learning how to get off Xanax safely and effectively is imperative for overall health.

What Are Some Health Risks of Using Xanax?

Using Xanax can lead to a variety of short- and long-term risks. Knowing what these risks are can help you or a loved one know when it may be time to learn how to get off Xanax safely. Some short-term health risks of Xanax use include:

Sedation: While Xanax is supposed to help sedate individuals in some ways, it may also become life-altering or life-threatening in many situations.
Cognitive impairment: Xanax can affect your concentration, memory, and focus over a short period.3
Respiratory depression: High doses of Xanax cause pronounced respiratory depression.
Withdrawal symptoms: If you stop Xanax use suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These include insomnia, anxiety, and seizure.

What Are Long-Term Health Risks?

Long-term health risks associated with Xanax use and may indicate that you need to learn how to get off Xanax safely include the following:

Addiction and dependence: Psychological dependence may develop unless you know how to get off Xanax safely and effectively.
Cognitive decline: When the short-term cognitive impairment associated with Xanax use continues with more usage of the substance, this cognitive decline may become long-term.
Increased risk of accidents: Older adults who use Xanax for long periods can become more prone to falls and accidents.
Mental health issues: Long-term use of Xanax has also been associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Drug interactions: When used with other drugs like opioids and alcohol, the effects of Xanax can be more pronounced. This can lead to life-threatening events.

You should only use Xanax as prescribed by a healthcare professional. This reduces the potential for health risks. They can also help you learn how to get off Xanax safely.

What Is Xanax Withdrawal Like?

If you don’t know how to get off Xanax safely, you may develop dangerous side effects or withdrawal symptoms. This usually happens when an individual has been taking Xanax at a higher dose for a long time. Some withdrawal symptoms associated with Xanax use may include:

Anxiety: Xanax withdrawal can cause intense anxiety symptoms to return.
Insomnia: As Xanax is also used to treat insomnia, this condition may return if an individual does not know how to get off Xanax effectively.
Seizures: People who have a history of seizures or have been on high doses may experience seizures during Xanax withdrawal.
Headaches: These headaches can range from mild to severe and last for a few to several days.
Nausea and vomiting: Xanax withdrawal may cause nausea and vomiting, which may also lead to dehydration.
Muscle pain: This is accompanied by stiffness. It can also make it harder to move and perform routine tasks.
Mood changes: People experiencing Xanax withdrawal can have serious mood swings.
Tremors: Xanax withdrawal can cause mild to severe tremors. These can affect your life activities negatively.
Hallucinations: Hallucination, delirium, and psychosis can feature in severe cases of Xanax withdrawal.5

How Can Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Affect You?

Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and life-threatening. They may also affect your life adversely in a lot of ways. Learning how to get off Xanax safely can help mitigate these symptoms.

How to Get Off Xanax Safely

Professional help can make the withdrawal process much safer. Some general steps on how to get off Xanax safely and effectively include:

Speak with your healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider is a great resource for all things concerning your health. They can give great advice on how to get off Xanax.
Dose tapering: This involves a gradual dose reduction over a few weeks or months. This is safer than stopping abruptly.
Medications: These are used to manage withdrawal symptoms like depression and seizures. They are prescribed depending on how severe your substance use and if you have any other co-occurring disorders.
Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and cope with risks for relapse. This is beneficial for recovery from Xanax withdrawal symptoms.
Support: A supportive environment can hasten your recovery process and prevent a relapse.

Reach Out for Professional, Medical Support During Withdrawal and Recovery

Discover how to get off Xanax safely with adequate professional help and support that can support you throughout the entire recovery process.

The Importance of How to Get Off Xanax Safely

Addiction and dependence can affect an individual’s life in numerous ways. Xanax leads to both short- and long-term side effects and health risks that can threaten your relationships and goals.

You may notice your cognitive skills declining and your focus level dropping gradually. The intensity of these issues usually correlates to the duration of use and the dose. It is important to learn how to get off Xanax safely as soon as possible to improve the quality of your life if you are struggling with symptoms.

How to Get Off Xanax?

If you’re trying to learn how to get off Xanax, professional help can give you the added guidance and support you may need. This can come in the form of an inpatient or outpatient program.

Professional and medical assistance is generally much safer than at-home detox, and can help mitigate any potentially dangerous side effects as well. There is also a higher chance of relapse with at-home detox.

A detox center can give you the added guidance to help you reduce chances of relapse. Some therapies to do this include support groups, psychotherapy, and aftercare plans.

How to Get Off Xanax With San Diego Detox

It can be difficult to learn how to get off Xanax effectively due to withdrawal symptoms you or a loved one may experience. If you need added help or assistance on how to get off Xanax safely to transition to a healthier life, our individualized treatment plans at San Diego Detox can help.

What Can We Offer?

San Diego Detox is a full-service detox facility. Our passionate and trained staff will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan for how to get off Xanax safely. Some treatment options we have available include:

Holistic therapies, such as art and music therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
12-step models
Medication-assisted treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment
PTSD therapy

Get In Touch With Us Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with Xanax side effects, you do not have to go through the process alone. We will be with you every step of the way. Reach out to San Diego Detox today.

Other Ways to Cope With Anxiety Symptoms

Opting for alternative methods on how to get off Xanax safely can assist during the detox and recovery process. These alternatives are not a substitute for professional detox, but can assist during the recovery process for holistic care. Here are some examples of coping strategies for anxiety:

Mindfulness Meditation

This is a meditation technique that teaches you to dwell in the present without judgment. This alternative has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It helps you to develop more focus and control in your life.

Exercise

Endorphins are chemical messengers that improve your mood and help you deal with stress and pain. These endorphins are produced in larger amounts when you exercise. Regular exercise also helps improve your energy levels and helps you sleep well.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises can also help with anxiety. Practicing deep breathing can slow down your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure, which also aims to reduce overall stress as well.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves contracting and relaxing different muscle groups. This helps to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) equips you to understand the thoughts and patterns that may exacerbate any mental health struggles. This type of therapy also helps you learn about any risk factors and develop coping strategies for anxiety.

Aromatherapy

Pleasant-smelling essential oils like chamomile, lavender, and bergamot are known to have calming effects. You can use diffusers or scented candles to create a relaxing environment.

How to Integrate These Practices

These practices are great for maintaining a solid state of health beyond helping reduce anxiety. You can work on slowly integrating one or two practices into your daily routine to see if it helps with anxiety symptoms. Work with a medical provider to make sure you get the added help you may need as well.