Xanax Detox Center in Port St. Lucie, FL
Xanax or alprazolam is a powerful benzodiazepine that’s frequently prescribed for the treatment of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Due to its highly addictive nature, Xanax is not considered a suitable, long-term solution for anxiety disorders. Many people who are addicted to Xanax have never abused drugs before. However, given just how fast-acting and effective Xanax is, it’s easy for people to become reliant upon it. As tolerance is built, more Xanax is often needed to achieve the same results. Worse still, stopping Xanax outright or decreasing how much is taken can lead to the development of psychological withdrawal symptoms that mirror the very same panic or anxiety for which this drug was initially prescribed.
At Agape Detox Center, we know just how uncomfortable and even dangerous Xanax detox can be when it’s performed alone. That’s why we offer needs-specific detox plans and access to a diverse range of medical and therapeutic interventions. Our aim is to help people overcome their physical and psychological dependence on alprazolam safely and comfortably. At our Xanax detox center in Port St. Lucie, FL, you’ll be surrounded by compassionate, knowledgeable professionals who can help you establish a solid foundation for recovery. You’ll also have the benefit of a gorgeous, vacation-like setting, ample options in recreation, and the opportunity to place your entire focus on getting well.
What Is Xanax?
As a benzodiazepine drug or benzo, Xanax is a potent sedative that produces a deeply relaxed, euphoric state. Unlike other drugs that are used for the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders like:
- General anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
Xanax works right away. People who take alprazolam only need to wait mere minutes before the drug’s calming effects kick in. Like all other benzos, Xanax ramps up the production and distribution of gamma-Aminobutyric acid or GABA. GABA is a “feel good” neurotransmitter that slows activity in the nerve transmitters responsible for feelings of anxiety and panic.
Xanax Addiction and Abuse
When taking Xanax for anxiety or panic attacks, it’s easy to reach for a pill whenever you feel fear, stress, or even mild apprehension. People often start abusing Xanax by taking more of this medication than their doctors have prescribed. They may take additional doses when dealing with unexpected stress, or they may raise their doses to account for greater tolerance. Changes in how a person’s body reacts to Xanax can lead to additional behaviors that indicate a fast-developing addiction including:
- Lying about how much Xanax they’ve taken
- Lying to get more Xanax
- Buying Xanax illegally
- Pairing Xanax with alcohol or other substances to intensify its effects
- Searching for new doctors to obtain new Xanax prescriptions
When a person cannot stop using Xanax without experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms, they have become physically dependent upon this drug. Unfortunately, even short-term Xanax abuse can have a significant impact on the brain’s chemistry, its ability to regulate GABA production, and its ability to perform many important functions without Xanax.
Negative Effects of Xanax Abuse
Xanax abuse can cause a range of serious and potentially long-lasting problems. In addition to setting the stage for addiction, it also creates an incredibly high risk of overdose. This is especially true for people who pair Xanax with alcohol. Both alcohol and Xanax trigger surges in gamma-Aminobutyric acid and both substances negatively impact basic respiratory functioning.
Long-term Xanax abuse can also lead to:
- Extreme mood swings
- Aggressive and even hostile behavior
- Balance and coordination issues
- Speech troubles
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Binge eating episodes
When people take excessively high doses of Xanax over long periods of time, they are also at an elevated risk of sustaining permanent brain damage and developing chronic, degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Xanax Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms
Stopping Xanax cold turkey without medical supervision can cause the body to send out a number of uncomfortable distress signals. Several hours after the last dose, you may see:
- Sweating
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle pain
- Heart palpitations
People taking Xanax for panic attacks or anxiety will also experience a rapid return of these same issues. Throughout the benzodiazepine withdrawal process, it’s additionally common to battle insomnia, depression, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. If Xanax withdrawal symptoms are not mitigated early on, they can lead to seizures, and in some instances, death.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
At Agape Detox Center, we’re committed to giving each of our patients the individualized treatment they need and deserve. Each person’s Xanax detox plan is designed and implemented after we’ve performed careful physical and psychological evaluations. We consider factors such as patients’:
- General health
- History of addiction
- Likelihood of co-occurring disorders
- Comfort levels and pain tolerance
- Past or recent trauma
and more. Some patients fare best with structured weaning programs that gradually ease their bodies off of alprazolam and give their brains ample opportunity to rebound from this drug. Others require interventions that include the use of alternative medications for promoting deep and restful sleep, alleviating panic, anxiety, or depression, and supporting overall healing. No matter which method we choose, we work hard to ensure that detoxing is both safe and unlikely to create new dependencies.
Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine. Thus, in most cases, initial withdrawal symptoms manifest within just one to two days of a person’s last dose or within one to two days of any significant decrease in Xanax dosing. Absent support, most symptoms will peak within two weeks and will fully abate by week four. Xanax cravings, behavioral changes caused by Xanax, and psychological symptoms such as depression can take months to resolve completely. Fortunately, we have effective support tools that we can leverage every step of the way.
When Do You Need Detox for Xanax Addiction?
If you’ve been using Xanax as a sole management tool for recurring panic attacks or chronic anxiety, it’s important to seek help from medical professionals. Benzodiazepines are incredibly addictive and they are not meant for the long-term treatment of anxiety. In fact, it’s possible to become addicted to Xanax and other benzos like it after just three to four weeks of continuous use. You should definitely seek medically assisted detox for Xanax if you:
- Are unable to stop using Xanax without feeling mentally or physically unwell
- Have been abusing Xanax for a month or more
- Are using more Xanax than your doctor has recommended
Xanax Detox at Agape Detox Center
Xanax detox frequently goes hand-in-hand with dual diagnosis treatment. When you initially sought your prescription for Xanax, you were likely dealing with overwhelming fear and angst. At Agape Detox Center, we believe that efforts to get better should make you feel better. With dual diagnosis treatment, you can have co-occurring anxiety disorders diagnosed and treated along with your substance use disorder. We’ll share healthy, sustainable strategies for managing anxiety and panic right away. We’ll also show you how to manage your mental health with proper:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Self-care
- Nutrition
Our whole-health approach to addiction recovery makes detoxing much easier. Best of all, given that this approach supports the brain and body in healing, in some instances, it can also make Xanax detox significantly shorter.
What to Expect During Detox
Your care will start as soon as you walk through the doors of our Port St. Lucie facility. During your physical and psychological evaluations, our team will ask you questions about your current pain levels, your mood, and more. We’ll provide early interventions to stabilize your vital signs and keep you calm. We’ll then take you on a tour of our facility, introduce you to our staff, and show you to your room. Your case manager and doctor will give you a brief overview of your customized medical detox plan.
Throughout your stay, you’ll be constantly monitored by our team. As new withdrawal symptoms present or as existing withdrawal symptoms peak and abate, we’ll make modifications to your detox plan as needed. When you feel up to it, you can start taking part in a variety of on-campus addiction treatment activities. These include private therapy sessions, stress management workshops, group counseling, art therapy, life-planning and skill-building classes, and more.
Why Choose Agape for Xanax Detox?
We offer a comprehensive suite of on-campus services. We know that addiction recovery is a challenging, ongoing process. Not only is our team committed to making Xanax detox safer and easier, but we’re also committed to providing our clients with the skills and tools they need for lasting success. At Agape Detox Center, you can seamlessly transition from your medically assisted Xanax detox into our highly successful inpatient rehab.
Contact Agape and Get Started Today
Agape Detox Center is located in gorgeous southern Florida. Our campus offers a resort-like environment, plenty of ways to relax, and a chance to start your life anew. We can show you how to safely, and healthfully manage your anxiety or panic disorder over the long term We’ll help you build the skills you need for avoiding relapse. Call us today to get started.
