There has been an increase in pill-based drug addiction over the past thirty years. Treatments doctors once thought were less addictive have now been found to be the opposite. Many people become addicted to pills as they are readily available.
One of the most addictive is Xanax, an anti-anxiety and depression medication that is heavily abused all throughout the world. But how do detect if either you or someone you love is going through Xanax withdrawal? And how can you help?
Withdrawal Timeline
Xanax, otherwise known as Alprazolam, is one of the most known drugs to mankind. It also happens to be exceptionally addictive when taken regularly for long enough. Many people have been prescribed Xanax for anxiety and other mental health disorders every year and never become addicted. However, many others do become addicted due to the drug’s availability and euphoric-producing composition.
Once you become addicted to Xanax, you’ll start to experience withdrawal should you stop taking it. Withdrawal usually begins about 24 hours after your last dose, though mental withdrawal may begin sooner. Some people have reported feeling withdrawal symptoms as little as 12-16 hours after their last dose.
Symptoms can last a few days to even a few weeks. However, PAWS or post-acute withdrawal syndrome is also a concern. PAWS is a syndrome categorized by continuous withdrawal symptoms, with episodes coming and going unexpectedly.
Those who abuse drugs or alcohol for a long period of time are more likely to develop PAWS. For many people, however, once an acute withdrawal has ended, the symptoms will cease, and life can go on as normal before the addiction took place.
It should be noted that many people will need psychological care, usually in the form of counseling or group sessions, to help with the psychological changes and emotional stressors of newfound sobriety.
For many people, Xanax withdrawal will begin around 24 hours after the last dose and should be completed within two weeks. However, depending on the severity of the addiction, this may be longer or even less. Extra help is always recommended when dealing with any type of withdrawal, as withdrawal can sometimes be fatal.
Signs Of Withdrawal
There’s no argument that drug withdrawal is hard to endure. Depending on the type of drug, your withdrawal may be harder or calmer. Withdrawal from Xanax can be rather strenuous and difficult and can even be fatal. This is why it’s important to understand the symptoms and signs of Xanax withdrawal and how to help them. It’s always recommended that you seek professional help for your Xanax addiction treatment. By receiving professional help, you’ll be keeping yourself safe while also giving yourself the best chance of success.
There are many different physical signs of Xanax withdrawal, including:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Tachycardia or palpitations
- Nausea/vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Weight changes
- Muscle spasms or twitching
Other psychological symptoms are:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Foggy mind
- Aggression/irritability
- Insomnia
- Heightened senses
- Paranoia and fear
- Withdrawing from friends/family
- Trouble focusing
- Mood swings/changes
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
It’s important to keep in mind that Xanax withdrawal can be displayed in a variety of ways. Depending on your individual body chemistry and the severity of your addiction, you may experience more or less of these symptoms.
How To Help
Finding ways to get through withdrawal safely and with some level of comfort isn’t always easy, and that’s when getting professional help is always recommended.
There are a few things that you could do to make the withdrawal process a bit easier. Consider stocking up on easy-to-eat foods, such as Gatorade, soups, and other foods that you would eat while sick. It’s important to keep your electrolytes up, which is why Gatorade may be helpful.
To help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms, an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, may be used as directed. It is very important to the required amount of sleep daily, something that Benadryl may also help with. You may also wish to add other sleep aids. Try and stay comfortable and hydrated, taking OTC painkillers as needed.
Withdrawal is dangerous and uncomfortable, which is why professional help is always recommended. However, sobriety from Xanax is absolutely worth it. A drug-free life is possible if you want it bad enough, and Xanax addiction treatment is out there. It’s important to take it easy, and try to be as understanding as possible Addiction is a disease, but it can be beaten with enough care.
AUTHOR NAME : ALISON LURIE
