Xanax is a prescription medication that’s used to treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of benzodiazepines, which are often prescribed for treating symptoms of insomnia, panic disorders, and anxiety. Arcsfl is one of the best valium addiction treatment centers.
Xanax works by binding to receptors in the brain that cause feelings of relaxation, reducing anxiety symptoms. It’s not entirely understood how Xanax works for this purpose; it’s thought that the drug enhances the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). The GABA system moderates mood, anxiety, and stress levels.
Xanax is a habit-forming medication and can be addictive if used for long periods. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking Xanax and never stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first. Quitting Xanax cold turkey can lead to seizures and other serious health problems.
If you’re trying to get off Xanax, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. First, consult with your doctor about reducing your dosage of Xanax. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice on tapering off the medication. Do not skip any doses or stop taking Xanax without talking to your doctor first, as doing so can increase the risk of severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
How to Get-Off Xanax
The most important thing to remember is to do it gradually. Quitting cold turkey can lead to seizures and other serious health problems.
Begin by consulting with your doctor about reducing your dosage of Xanax. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice on tapering off the medication. Do not skip any doses or stop taking Xanax without talking with your doctor first, as doing so can increase your risk of severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
When you start reducing your dosage, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. These symptoms can be reduced or eliminated by gradually tapering off the medication.
It’s also important to stay busy and distracted when getting off Xanax. Keep a busy schedule, avoid isolating yourself, and participate in activities that keep you occupied and distracted.
Finally, seek out support from friends and family. Let them know you’re trying to quit taking Xanax. Having good friends and family support can make your recovery process more manageable.
Determine the Reason for Your Xanax Use
Before attempting to get off Xanax, you’ll need to determine why you started taking the medication in the first place. If it’s for a short-term condition such as insomnia or anxiety related to a specific situation, talk with your doctor about other treatment options that won’t be as addictive.
If you began using Xanax due to chronic anxiety over a long period, you might consider working with a therapist who can help you address the root cause of your stress. It’s essential to recover from Xanax addiction prepared with healthy coping skills that will allow you to handle life without turning to medications for relief.
The most common reasons people seek treatment for Xanax addiction are due to issues related to the following:
- Tolerance to Xanax (the effects of the drug aren’t as strong)
- Dependence on Xanax (unable to function without medication)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug (sweating, shaking, irritability, etc.)
There are different treatment options for people addicted to Xanax. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven effective for many patients with Xanax addiction, especially those who also suffer from anxiety.
Emotional support groups such as Al-anon and Narcotics Anonymous are another option for patients who want to recover from Xanax addiction. These groups provide an environment where addicts can receive peer support and share their experiences with others going through a similar struggle.
If you’re considering getting off Xanax, it’s essential to consult with your doctor first. Quitting Xanax cold turkey can be dangerous, so it’s best to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions to taper off the medication. There are many ways to get help when you’re ready to quit taking Xanax, but the most important thing is to take that first step. Asking for help can be difficult, but it will ultimately improve your quality of life in the long run.
People who successfully recovered from an addiction to Xanax or other benzodiazepines typically experienced fewer relapses than those who never sought treatment in the first place.
Make a Plan to Wean Off of Xanax
When you’re ready to quit taking Xanax, it’s essential to make a plan and stick to it. Consult with your doctor about the best way to wean yourself off the medication. There are many ways to taper off Xanax, so find one that works best for you.
Some people find it helpful to reduce their dosage by 1 milligram every two to three weeks. Others prefer to reduce their dosage by 10 percent every few days. Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to be patient and take your time. Reducing your dosage too quickly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor about options to help ease those symptoms. For some people, slowly increasing your dosage as you taper off of Xanax can be very helpful in avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Other patients find that an antidepressant such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) helps ease withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
In some cases, doctors may recommend Clonazepam (Klonopin) to help with the detox process. This drug is a long-acting benzodiazepine that can prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that Clonazepam should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Make Sure You’re Ready Before You Quit
The most important thing to remember when planning to stop taking Xanax is that it’s crucial to be entirely confident you can handle the withdrawal process. This medication has a high potential for abuse and dependence, so do not consider getting off Xanax without consulting your doctor first. You should also ask your doctor about alternatives that can be used to treat your anxiety.
If you’re ready to quit taking Xanax, it’s essential to have a robust support system in place. Talk with your loved ones about the detox process, so they understand what you’ll be going through as you get clean. It’s also beneficial if you attend an emotional support group meeting such as Al-anon or Narcotics Anonymous after you stop taking Xanax.
Use other methods to help with anxiety andstress, such as exercise, meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. You may also want to consider cognitive-behavioral therapy, which effectively treats patients with benzodiazepine dependence.
Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
If you decide to stop taking Xanax under the supervision of your doctor, they will help manage your detox process by prescribing medication if necessary. Many options can help ease withdrawal symptoms and make the detox process more manageable. As mentioned above, antidepressants such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) may be prescribed to help with withdrawal from benzodiazepines. In some cases, doctors will prescribe Clonazepam (Klonopin) to treat withdrawal symptoms.
It’s important to note that Clonazepam should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Some people find it helpful to slowly increase their dosage as they taper off of Xanax to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Other patients find that an antidepressant such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) helps ease withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
If you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor about options to help ease those symptoms.
Remember to consult with your doctor before trying to get off Xanax and be patient as you taper off your dosage. There are many options available to help manage withdrawal symptoms, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for help.
Seek professional help if you have trouble stopping on your own or managing your withdrawal symptoms.
For some people, slowly increasing your dosage as you taper off of Xanax can be very helpful in avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Other patients find that an antidepressant such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) helps ease withdrawal from benzodiazepines.
Make sure you’re ready before you quit. The most important thing to remember when planning to stop taking Xanax is that it’s crucial to be entirely sure to handle the withdrawal process. This medication has a high potential for abuse and dependence, so do not consider getting off Xanax without consulting your doctor first. You should also ask your doctor about alternatives that can be used to treat your anxiety.
Get rid of all Xanax in your home, so it is out of reach.
Avoid triggers such as people who make you angry or sad, places where you used to abuse Xanax, and things that remind you of taking the drug.
If You’re Ready to Quit, Make a Plan and Stick to It
Many people find it helpful to slowly increase their dosage as they taper off of Xanax to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Other patients find that an antidepressant such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) helps ease withdrawal from benzodiazepines. In some cases, doctors may prescribe Clonazepam (Klonopin) to help detox. This drug is a long-acting benzodiazepine that can prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that Clonazepam should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Make sure you have a solid plan before trying to get off Xanax. This includes being entirely sure you can handle the withdrawal process and consulting with your doctor about alternatives that can be used to treat your anxiety. You should also avoid triggers such as people who make you angry or sad, places where you used to abuse Xanax, and things that remind you of taking the drug.
Quitting Xanax can be a complex process, but it’s doable with the right support system in place. It’s important to remember that addictions involving benzodiazepines usually require formal treatment to stop taking the drug safely. If you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor about options to help ease those symptoms.
Seek professional help if you have trouble stopping on your own or managing your withdrawal symptoms. For some people, slowly increasing your dosage as you taper off of Xanax can be very helpful in avoiding withdrawal symptoms. Other patients find that an antidepressant such as Brintellix (vortioxetine) helps ease withdrawal from benzodiazepines. In some cases, doctors may prescribe Clonazepam (Klonopin) to help detox. This drug is a long-acting benzodiazepine that can prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to note that Clonazepam should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Can Exercise Assist with Quitting Xanax Use?
In 2014, a large study was published in the journal Addiction that analyzed the effects of exercise on benzodiazepine withdrawal. The study included 88 patients dependent on benzodiazepines and who were not currently taking medication for their anxiety disorders. The participants in this study were instructed to begin exercising three days after they stopped using Xanax. The researchers analyzed the participants’ progress for 12 months after they quit taking the drug. This study found that 32 percent of patients who began an exercise program could remain benzodiazepine-free.
Going for a run or lifting weights may not be your idea of fun, but it can help ease withdrawal symptoms when quitting Xanax use. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and make you feel better overall. It also helps distract you from cravings and may reduce feelings of anxiety or depression.
If you’re not sure how to get started, consult with a personal trainer or look for beginner classes at your local gym. Start slowly and work your way up to longer and more strenuous workouts. If you’re not a fan of working out, try doing something active that you enjoy, such as hiking, biking, or swimming.
If you’re struggling with quitting Xanax use, consider seeking professional help. Many addiction treatment centers specialize in helping patients’ detox from benzodiazepines. There are also support groups available, such as Narcotics Anonymous, to provide you with peer support and advice.
Can Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Help in Getting Off Xanax?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a standard treatment for people who abuse benzodiazepines. This type of therapy helps patients with their anxiety and stress levels by addressing destructive thought patterns and behaviors. Some research studies support using CBT to help quit Xanax use.
In one study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, patients who reported using CBT had a higher abstinence rate than those given an antidepressant medication. The patients taking antidepressants also relapsed more often during the three-month follow-up period of this study.
Another study published in Behavioral Brain Research found that CBT helped reduce anxiety symptoms and cravings six months after treatment.
CBT often involves working with a therapist one-on-one or in a small group. A typical CBT program can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the patient’s drug use and how many sessions they need for recovery.
This type of therapy can be effective by itself, but it may also help to join a support group. Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programs use CBT principles to help patients maintain abstinence from substances such as Xanax.
