A Brief Guide to the Xanax Detox Timeline by Rehab Recovery Centers

Xanax is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the United States. It is a great option for treating anxiety when used in small doses. However, it is also a highly addictive substance that can lead to dangerous dependency.

If you are addicted to Xanax and are looking to start treatment, you must begin with a detox. This can be an overwhelming process, and you’ll want to learn how long does Xanax detox last.

Being prepared for what to expect will ensure a smooth recovery, so keep reading to learn about Xanax detox duration.

Xanax

Can I Detox on My Own?

You may be wondering why you can’t just try to quit Xanax cold turkey. That’s because it is a very dangerous thing to do.

Your body develops a chemical dependency on Xanax. When you deprive it of this drug, it can cause your body to shut down. This causes your brain to look for ways to produce a normal amount of neurotransmitters.

That’s when you put yourself at high risk for experiencing critical withdrawal symptoms. This can include everything from tremors, feelings of mania, and full-body convulsions.

These are life-threatening effects, and that’s why it’s important to enter into a medically-supervised detox program, especially if you’re a long-term user of Xanax.

Not only will you be able to get the help you need, but you’ll also be under the supervision of supportive staff. The access you have to medical doctors, licensed counselors, and nursing staff will ensure that your condition is being monitored and that any issues are addressed. This decreases your chances of a painful detox significantly.

There are different settings for detox, but inpatient detox is highly encouraged. You can’t beat the extensive medical oversight for the withdrawal duration, with staff conducting regular checks and prescribing the right medication as needed. This is particularly true for people who have been using Xanax for a long time since their body is more accustomed to the pills.

How Long Does Xanax Detox Last?

There is a typical timeline for acute Xanax withdrawal, although post-acute withdrawal can be less predictable.

The duration and severity of these symptoms depend on a variety of factors. This includes:

  • How often you take Xanax
  • How long you’ve been using it for
  • If you have any mental or physical health conditions
  • How much Xanax is used each time
  • If there are any other substances, you’re mixing them with

Taking higher doses more often and over extended periods of time can cause withdrawal symptoms that last longer.

You’ll likely begin noticing these symptoms anywhere from two to ten days once you stop using Xanax.

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

Xanax Detox Timeline

Stages of Xanax Withdrawal

So, how long can you expect the Xanax detox to last? The truth is, Xanax withdrawal can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Some people experience symptoms years after their last dose.

Let’s take a look at a timeline that will give you a better idea of what to expect.

First Stage

This is around six to twelve hours after your last dose. You’ll begin to start feeling symptoms during this time.

Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine; this means it is rapidly absorbed and expelled from the body. There’s a chance that you might have felt the symptoms of withdrawal from Xanax between your scheduled doses. This can affect your dependency on them, especially if your side effects are particularly bothersome.

They might start mild, mainly just anxiety and insomnia.

Second Stage

This occurs around one to four days after your last dose. That previous anxiety and trouble sleeping are likely to get worse. If you started using Xanax to treat anxiety, you might experience a rebound.

This means that your symptoms might be worse than when you first had them. There might also be flu-like side effects, like diarrhea and nausea. The good news is that those symptoms will decrease after the third or fourth day.

Third Stage

Congrats, you have made it past the peak of your symptoms! This is around five to fourteen days after your last dose. Although you’ll still have anxiety and trouble sleeping, any headaches or muscle aches should improve.

There’s a chance you’ll start feeling more stomach discomfort at this point.

Fourth Stage

The final stage is around two weeks to several months after your last dose. You’ll begin to feel normal again slowly. An upset stomach or mood swings are common.

Knowing the timeline of a Xanax detox can be frightening but the right addiction center can help you adjust to a plan that will keep these unpleasant symptoms at a minimum.

Not only does your personal usage and duration of Xanax determine how your detox process will be, but the environment you’re in can also have a big effect. That’s why you need to find the right rehabilitation center, free from any triggers or temptation.

You’ll receive a customized treatment plan that will alleviate your negative symptoms from withdrawal, and you’ll also have different counseling options to keep you on track.

Get the Help You Need

Having a Xanax addiction can often feel isolating. But the truth is, you don’t have to go through it alone. There is always a community and support system that is eager to help you overcome substance abuse.

The first thing you need to do is take a step toward recovery, which means going through a detox. With all of the potential side effects, it’s normal to wonder, “how long does Xanax detox last?” and although the answer might vary, there are ways to estimate a timeline.

If you’re ready to take control of your life and get the help you need, be sure to check out our facility locations by state!

Get Help Today

Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. There are people who can help you with the struggle you’re facing. Get in touch with one today.