Complete Xanax Detox & Withdrawal Guide

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Detoxing from Xanax is quite similar to other Benzodiazepines (Benzos). Xanax is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to reduce anxiety and panic attacks and general anxiety disorders. The problem however is that Xanax and Benzodiazepines, in general, are highly dependent forming and can become addicting before you know it. A full-blown Xanax addiction can completely destroy your life and the life of loved ones if not taken care of as soon as you can. Xanax detox is the first step towards lasting recovery. This complete Xanax detox and withdrawal guide will help you better understand the Xanax withdrawal timeline, and how to actually get help. If you need immediate treatment for Xanax addiction, call us 24/7 for nationwide Xanax addiction help at (800)387-6907

Why Xanax Addiction is Dangerous


Addiction to Xanax and any substance, in general, is dangerous. It is well known taking to many Xanax, getting Xanax bars of the street and or combining Xanax with other substances often leads to overdose and or death. What is not well known is that quitting Xanax on your own can be fatal. To safely get off of Xanax you should be medically supervised through the withdrawal process.

Addiction to Benzodiazepines are especially dangerous because Benzos are tricky drugs to quit. As your tolerance builds and the habit forms, addiction to Xanax can lead to:

  • Using more Xanax than prescribed
  • Stealing or lying to get more scripts
  • Illegally buying Xanax on the street
  • Stealing Xanax from medicine cabinets
  • Frequent drowsiness and nodding off during the day
  • Painful withdrawal symptoms when you run out

Small group of people all talking together and motivating each other to stop using Xanax

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Xanax withdrawal symptoms can vary slightly depending on; how long you have been using them, your frequency of use, amount of use, body weight, height, and overall medical history. When you enter a Xanax detox facility like ours at Beginnings Treatment Centers, it’s important that you discuss all of this information openly and honestly as this will help us to determine the best course of action to reduce the dangers of Xanax withdrawal. As with other Benzos, there are both short term and long term withdrawal symptoms that affect both your physically and mentally. Some of Xanax mental and physical withdrawal symptoms can include the following.

Physical Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Muscle spasms & tremors
  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Vomiting/Nausea
  • Excessive perspiration (sweating)
  • Migraines
  • Seizures

Mental Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleeplessness
  • Enhanced Cravings
  • Irritability
  • Stress
  • Memory Fatigue

These withdrawal symptoms can be extreme and last up to several weeks if not dealt with. Supervision while in an effective Xanax detox treatment center, is a necessity to safely detox and get through the withdrawal phase of Xanax addiction.

Xanax Detox Timeline


Woman holding many pills in her hand
Your exact Xanax detox timeline may vary greatly depending on your length, amount and duration of use. Many people experience Xanax detox and withdrawal symptoms differently, and your own experience and overall detox timeline may be different than others based on the above information and the suggestions from trained detox specialists. We at Beginnings Treatment Centers always create for you a personalized detox program, updating it as progression and symptoms appear, to ensure that every patient receives the best and most comfortable care possible. Here is a standard Benzodiazepine and Xanax detox timeline for your awareness. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your own Xanax usage please call us 24/8 at (800)387-6907

First 6-12 Hours

Most Xanax users begin to experience initial withdrawal symptoms after the first 6 hours when they stop using Xanax. These typically include increased cravings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. These symptoms appear and continue to worsen over the duration of the detox from Xanax period.

1-5 Days

You may experience increased perspiration, panic attacks, and anxiety, nausea and/or migraines. Most people are irritable during the Xanax detox process, have significant mood swings, and can even lash out with violence because of the symptoms. That’s why sleep is such an important aspect of detoxing. You have an increased risk of seizures and psychosis or hallucinations during this time-frame as well. These withdrawal symptoms typically peak after the first 4-5 days.

5-15 Days

Xanax Withdrawal symptoms typically plateau and then begin to slowly taper off from here. This can typically last for approximately 2 weeks.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS is a fairly common occurrence to long-term Xanax users where withdrawal symptoms last up to months after the final dose. PAWS occurs most frequently when there is a prolonged history of Xanax or drug use, especially with those who are very heavily dependent and have been taking large doses of Xanax. These post-acute withdrawal symptoms can last several months after quitting, creating lengthy and agitating withdrawal symptoms. Due to this fact, it is highly recommended to reach out for help from a trained detox facility.

After you have successfully detoxed Xanax and any other drug you are using from your system, we strongly encourage other levels of treatment. These levels of treatment include:

Your treatment case manager will help you decide what the best course of action is for you to take. These levels of treatment for Xanax addiction help you completely reset your negative habits and address underlying issues such as dual-diagnosis and even your environment that trigger using. During your time at a Xanax addiction treatment center, you will learn coping strategies that will help you prevent relapses. You will also form friendships and bonds with others in recovery who understand your journey and are there to help you stay on top.

Finding The Best Xanax Detox

Residential treatment home used to help people detox from Xanax
No matter where you are in the country, we want you to know that you can find a quality Xanax detox center. In order to find the best detox center, you should look at their staff credentials to first make sure they have experienced employees who can actually help you recover. From there, look online at reviews for centers. You also want to make sure that the treatment center can accept your medical insurance. We at Beginnings Treatment Centers for instance accept most private and employer policy medical insurances. If you would like to verify that your insurance covers Xanax detox, you can fill out this handy form. Overall, we are confident that we can help you and/or your loved ones fully recover from Xanax addiction. We are so confident that we offer a 90-day treatment pledge for you. Call us today to get admitted into a world class Xanax detox and treatment center.