Xanax Detox: Orange County Services

A Safe and Comfortable Detox from Benzodiazepines

When it comes to substances that require an intense medically-assisted detox, you’d probably guess items like heroin or fentanyl. Alcohol might have been somewhere on your list if you were asked this question. However, many people don’t expect to see legal prescription medications at the top, above all of the aforementioned substances.

Xanax addiction plagues a large portion of the nation and is often overshadowed by the inflated number of fentanyl and methamphetamine users. Many of those with Xanax addiction don’t realize the consequences of their abuse until it’s too late, making Xanax withdrawal even more dangerous.

If you or someone you know suffers from Xanax addiction, you must get help right away through a professional Xanax detox. Our offerings at South Shores Detox are the safest course of action and are accredited at both the state and national levels.

What exactly is Xanax, and why is it so dangerous? In this article, we go over the workings of a Xanax detox and what to look for in places that provide them, in case you can’t make it to South Shores Detox as your first choice for treatment.

Xanax Abuse: An Epidemic in its Own Right

Xanax was first introduced in the 1960s by the pharmaceutical company Upjohn (now part of Pfizer). It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Initially, Xanax and other benzodiazepines were formulated as an alternative to the infamous barbituates, which, at the time, were causing widespread overdose and their unique withdrawal symptoms.

Over the years, Xanax gained popularity as a potent anti-anxiety medication. Xanax works by acting on the chemical in the brain known as GABA. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it has calming and relaxing effects on the central nervous system.

GABA and the Brain Chemistry of Relaxation

GABA plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal excitability and maintaining the balance between excitement and inhibition. It acts by binding to specific receptors called GABAl, which are present on the surface of neurons. When GABA binds to these receptors, it enhances the inhibitory signals in the brain, which leads to a decrease in neuronal activity.

However, due to its potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction, Xanax is classified as a controlled substance in many countries. Misuse or excessive use of Xanax can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, memory problems, and even respiratory depression when taken in high doses or combined with other substances.

The most concerning portion of Xanax addiction includes the infamous Xanax withdrawal symptoms. Xanax withdrawal is widely known among the addiction community to deliver the most devastating effects – and even the most seasoned of drug users cringe at the risk of experiencing Xanax detox.

Let’s take a closer look at Xanax addiction about panic disorders and how a daily regimen turns into Xanax abuse.

The Roadmap to Xanax Addiction

Those who end up experiencing Xanax addiction don’t always reach this point by illicit means. A great majority of users enter Xanax addiction through the regimen of their legal prescription medications. It’s not uncommon to hear about users who have been prescribed Xanax for extended periods – years, even decades, at a time – who suddenly, for one reason or another, refrained from using the medication and were suddenly propelled into violent withdrawals with no idea what was causing them.

Alternatively, even those who used Xanax illicitly may not be educated regarding Xanax detox and withdrawal symptoms. A large portion of those who obtain and use Xanax illegally aren’t searching for a means to get high but instead self-medicating against a self-diagnosed panic disorder. Regardless of the reason, there remains a massive need for Xanax detox facilities like South Shores Recovery.

What goes into the Xanax addiction treatment process? To first understand what our inpatient treatment consists of, it helps to have a general idea of Xanax addiction overall and the Xanax detox timeline.

Understanding Xanax Addiction and the Xanax Detox Process

In the following section, we’ve outlined in detail the process and withdrawal symptoms after abusing Xanax or taking it for an extended period for anxiety and panic disorders. As stated before – even if the intended use wasn’t nefarious or recreational, the result is typically the same no matter what.

Before Withdrawal Symptoms

The onset of Xanax withdrawal symptoms typically occurs within a few hours to a few days after the last dose. The timing can depend on factors such as the dosage, duration of use, and individual metabolism. Normally in the case of Xanax, the withdrawal symptoms are fairly rapid to kick in. However, other benzos, such as Klonopin, have a much longer half-life, thus leading to a longer waiting period to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Early Withdrawal Symptoms

Initially, individuals may experience rebound anxiety, which can be more intense than the original anxiety symptoms. Irritability, panic attacks, and other symptoms will emerge first. They may also have trouble sleeping (insomnia), feel irritable, and have mood swings. Physical discomforts, such as headaches and muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea and stomach cramps, can manifest. This is just the onset phase, as withdrawal symptoms gradually worsen as time goes on. This step is generally somewhere between days 2 and 3.

The Peak of the Detox Process

The peak intensity of Xanax withdrawal symptoms is usually experienced within the first week. During this time, symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability may be at their most severe. Some individuals may also have sensory disturbances and cognitive difficulties.

It’s during this phase that most clients experience life-threatening side effects. Seizures are the most intense symptoms during this stage, and if no treatment is administered during these seizures, an inherent risk of brain damage exists.

Seizure and Fall Risks Can Occur

Aside from this, many of those experiencing physical and psychological dependence on Xanax could also encounter Vertigo as one of the intense withdrawal symptoms. This leads to a significant risk of falling and other challenges, as users are unable to maintain any sort of balance. In addition, by no means should anyone going through the recovery process drive or operate machinery.

What is the Duration of Withdrawal from Xanax?

Withdrawal symptoms can persist for several weeks or even months, but their intensity typically diminishes over time. However, it’s important to note that each person’s experience is unique, and the duration can vary.

As a general rule, it’s best to prepare for addiction treatment – at least the detox portion, for a minimum of three weeks. Xanax addiction treatment, at least during detox, tends to last longer than opioids due to the intensity of the withdrawals. Our Xanax rehab at South Shores in Orange County can help you take every precaution needed and keep you stable during the detox process of addiction treatment.

Options for Detoxing at Our Xanax Addiction Treatment Center In Orange County

Generally, there are two options you have for your medical detox at our addiction treatment programs. During the initial addiction treatment at our Xanax rehab, the focus is on the physical portion of the recovery.

Tapering

To minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms, healthcare professionals often recommend a gradual tapering process. This involves reducing the dosage of Xanax slowly over weeks or months. The tapering schedule is personalized based on the individual’s specific needs and may be adjusted throughout the process.

At South Shores, we offer a rapid taper as part of our Xanax rehab centers’ detox program. At our treatment center in Orange County, you’ll be monitored over 1 to 2 months while we gradually decrease your dosage of Xanax, ultimately removing the substance altogether and allowing you to enter inpatient rehab without the anxiety and panic that comes with withdrawal.

Medical Detox: Safely Overcome Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Medical detox takes place more rapidly and involves completely removing Xanax from the system with no tapering. This requires more attention to each client about their stability and overall health. Medications may be administered to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the client’s safety.

During this form of detox, you may receive antidepressants, blood pressure medication, and other helpful medicines (Gabapentin, etc.) to help keep you comfortable during this vital period. Medical supervision is mandatory 24/7, but rest assured you’re in the right hands of specialists in Xanax dependency who regularly help clients detox from anti-anxiety medication.

How Can I Continue to Treat Anxiety After Orange County Detox?

After the detox process at South Shores in Orange County, we take measures to help you treat conditions like bipolar disorder and other illnesses with severe symptoms without the use of anti-anxiety medications or central nervous system depressants.

This takes place using medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy – individually or in combination, depending on your personalized treatment plan.

If you reside in Orange County, consider visiting the following locations as a relaxation technique or break from the stress of life:

• Heisler Park
• Crystal Cove State Park
• Newport Beach
• Balboa Island
• Dana Point Harbor
• Sherman Library and Gardens
• Corona Del Mar State Beach

These beautiful locations are excellent for relaxing and gathering your thoughts, and most of them won’t cost you a dime.

Get Lasting Recovery in Orange County at South Shores

At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we send you home with a post-treatment plan that includes holistic therapies, outside sources, addiction specialists for continued care, and locations of group therapy and other meetings to help shape your support system.

Our goal is to free you from Xanax dependence and show you a way to treat anxiety disorders without the use of prescribed medications like benzodiazepines. Remember, the detox program is only the beginning – but it’s the right step toward recovery, and we’ll be at your side the entire time.

For more information on how we can help you achieve long-term recovery in Orange County, contact a member of our Admissions team today!