Xanax is a powerful drug prescribed to those suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. The drug increases GABA, a neurotransmitter, to calm an overexcited brain. While soothing to a person struggling with anxiety, drug therapy offers temporary relief. People with addictive personalities find themselves self-medicating any time a situation seems overwhelming, which can lead to addiction. When the drug is no longer available in enough quantity, the sufferer experiences Xanax withdrawal.
What is Xanax Withdrawal?
Xanax withdrawal is the onset of physical and psychological symptoms when the drug is no longer in the system. This occurs because the body has become dependent on the drug to feel normal. The symptoms of withdrawal will be different for each person depending on the time one has been abusing the drug, how much of the drug has been taken, and other variables.
Generally, Xanax withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, convulsion, hallucinations, insomnia, mood disorders, nausea, nightmares, panic attacks, tremors, and vomiting. Because Xanax is used to treat mental health disorders, withdrawing from the drug needs to be supervised as the original symptoms will return, often with more severity.
Why does Xanax Withdrawal Occur?
Xanax changes how the brain functions just like any other drug. Xanax increases the activity of GABA in the brain. Eventually, the brain will decrease the amount of GABA it produces because of the increased amounts the drug produces. Xanax causes the brain to become lazy in the production of GABA so not enough of the neurotransmitter is in the brain.
Then the person looking for help to feel calm will need to increase his or her Xanax intake to continue to feel normal. This cycle will continue with the person requiring more and more of the drug to feel normal. When the drug is not available in high enough quantities to produce the calming effect, withdrawal symptoms will occur and can be severe.
How to Prevent Severe Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
The best way to prevent withdrawal symptoms is to not take the drug in excess or increase the dose when it doesn’t seem to work like it used to work. Instead, look for alternative solutions to manage anxiety and panic attacks while using lower doses of the drug.
Alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, and journaling are very helpful in decreasing stress and anxiety. Many people have found a creative outlet like painting and music helps to calm and relax the mind. While others find a strenuous exercise routine their ideal therapy.
But, if you are reading this, you are probably looking for a way to manage Xanax withdrawal now. In that case, several ways are available to manage withdrawal symptoms. Contact your doctor or a withdrawal clinic at the first onset of symptoms. Seek medical supervision while detoxing since anxiety and panic attacks are common symptoms of Xanax withdrawal.
Your doctor may prescribe a taper plan to gradually reduce the amount of Xanax being used. This is often the safest method of detox but will still need supervision. If tapering is not possible, your doctor may enroll you in a partial-hospitalization plan where you can withdrawal from Xanax cold-turkey or with medically assisted detox.
Get Help for Xanax Addiction
If you or a loved one is experiencing Xanax withdrawal symptoms get help quickly. Symptoms can be severe and increase the anxiety and panic attacks the drug was suppressing. If you are ready to detox, call Aion Recovery at 888-811-2879. Addiction specialists can recommend the best treatment for your symptoms.
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