The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During Alprazolam detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from an Alprazolam use disorder, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Alprazolam withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of Alprazolam detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is the generic name of the brand name medication Xanax — one of the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine medications in the country. According to the American Psychiatric Association and the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, roughly 30.6 million Americans over the age of 18 reported past-month benzodiazepine use, which equates to 12.6 percent of the total population. The study states, “25.3 million (10.4 percent) [took benzodiazepines] as prescribed and 5.3 million (2.2 percent) [engaged in] misuse. Misuse accounted for 17.2 percent of overall use. Adults ages 50–64 had the highest prescribed use (12.9 percent). Those ages 18–25 had the highest misuse (5.2 percent), and those ages over the age of 65 had the lowest (.6 percent). Misuse and abuse of or dependence on prescription opioids or stimulants were strongly associated with benzodiazepine misuse. Benzodiazepine misuse without a prescription was the most common type of misuse, and a friend or relative was the most common source. Adults ages 50 and older were more likely than younger adults to use a benzodiazepine more often than prescribed and to use a benzodiazepine to help with sleep.”

Is Alprazolam Addictive?

Alprazolam has a high potential for misuse, and even those who take the medication exactly as prescribed are liable to develop a physical and/or psychological dependence. For this reason, Alprazolam is typically only prescribed to be taken at the onset of an anxiety attack, and it is recommended the medication is not consecutively taken for more than two weeks at a time. If you or someone you love has been misusing a benzodiazepine medication like Alprazolam, it is a good idea to seek help as soon as possible. Addiction is a progressive condition, and related symptoms will only continue to grow in severity the longer they are left untreated. To learn more about your treatment options or to learn more about Immersion Recovery Center and our program of benzodiazepine addiction recovery, contact us today.

Signs & Symptoms of Alprazolam Addiction

If you believe you or someone you love has been suffering from a diagnosable Alprazolam use disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria used to identify the presence of an Alprazolam use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, seeking professional help from a medical detox center is likely a good idea.

1. Do you sometimes end up using a higher dose of Alprazolam than you originally intended, or do you use Alprazolam more frequently than you intend to?
2. Have you wanted to cut back on your dose or quit entirely, only to find you were unable to do so for any significant period of time?
3. Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining Alprazolam, using Alprazolam and recovering from its effects?
4. Do you often think of using Alprazolam/do you ever experience intense cravings?
5. Has your drug use interfered with your ability to fulfill personal obligations or negatively impacted your performance at work or at school?
6. Have you experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your Alprazolam use?
7. Have you given up activities which were once interesting or important to you in order to engage in Alprazolam use?
8. Have you been engaging in risk-taking activities more often than normal, like driving while under the influence of Alprazolam or combining Alprazolam with other substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics?
9. Do you continue to use Alprazolam despite physical or psychological health concerns directly related to the prescription medication?
10. Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
11. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when Alprazolam use is stopped abruptly?

Alprazolam Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

The Physical Symptoms of Alprazolam Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms of Alprazolam withdrawal include:

• Loss of appetite, which often leads to temporary weight loss.
• Body tremors/uncontrollable shaking.
• Severe and persistent headaches.
• Sleep-related issues (nightmares, trouble falling and staying asleep).
• Muscle aches and joint pain.
• Dizziness and unsteadiness/lack of coordination.
• Visual disturbances like blurry vision and light sensitivity.
• Ringing in the ears/tinnitus.
• In severe cases, grand mal seizures.

The Psychological Symptoms of Alprazolam Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms of Alprazolam withdrawal include:

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
• Changes to mood, usually marked by irritability and agitation.
• Strange sensations throughout the body.
• Depressed mood and suicidal ideation.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
• Feelings of disconnection from reality.
• Visual and auditory hallucinations.
• Delusions and delirium.
• Changes to perception (things feel different than they normally would).

Alprazolam Withdrawal Timeline

How long does Alprazolam detox last? The answer to this question depends heavily on several factors, including:

• What dose of Alprazolam was being taken on a daily basis.
• Whether or not Alprazolam was being combined with another chemical substance.
• The age, weight and gender of the client.
• Whether or not the client has been diagnosed with an underlying mental illness.
• How long the client was taking Alprazolam.

As a general rule of thumb, those who take benzodiazepine medication for a longer period of time tend to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. If a benzodiazepine use disorder was particularly severe, acute withdrawal symptoms can last for up to two weeks. It is estimated that between 10 and 25 percent of people who take Alprazolam for longer than several months experience protracted withdrawal. Protracted withdrawal refers to ongoing psychological symptoms, like anxiety and depression, that can last for up to a full year.

In most cases, the Alprazolam withdrawal timeline looks something like this:

• 6-12 Hours After the Final Dose – Withdrawal symptoms begin to develop. The symptoms are not yet severe, and mostly include general feelings of physical discomfort, restlessness and irritability.
• 1-3 Days After the Final Dose – Within the first 24-72 hours after the final dose, more severe symptoms begin to develop. This stage of the withdrawal process is known as acute withdrawal. These symptoms can become dangerous or life-threatening if they are not closely monitored in a medical detox setting.
• 1-2 Weeks After the Final Dose – The more severe symptoms begin to subside, and the client is able to transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care.
• Several Months After the Final Dose – Symptoms of protracted withdrawal might linger. If they are particularly disruptive, they might need to be addressed with a combination of ongoing individual therapy, psychiatric care and medication. For example, if symptoms of anxiety, depression or insomnia persist, a short course of an antidepressant, anti-anxiety medication or sleep aid might be utilized.

Treatment Options for Alprazolam Withdrawal

The best way to minimize the severity of symptoms is by checking yourself into a medical detox center within hours after your final dose. Because symptoms associated with Alprazolam withdrawal can be severe or life-threatening when left untreated, 24/7 medical care is always recommended. If you do end up experiencing a more severe symptom of Alprazolam withdrawal — like a grand mal seizure — you will be treated immediately by a licensed professional. If you have only been taking the medication for a short period of time, you might be tempted to attempt detoxing at home. However, because the symptoms associated with Alprazolam withdrawal are so unpredictable, it is never a good idea to try detoxing without constant medical supervision.

What Causes Alprazolam Withdrawal?

Alprazolam works by increasing GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) activity within the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces feelings of stress and anxiety by actively reducing the effects of other brain chemicals. Over time, the central nervous system becomes accustomed to the presence of Alprazolam. A person who has been taking benzodiazepine medication regularly will be unable to effectively battle anxiety without its help. If a person stops taking the medication abruptly they are liable to experience what is known as a “GABA crash” — brain activity goes haywire, and a host of uncomfortable symptoms develop. The person experiences extreme anxiety along with a range of physical symptoms.

Medications Used for Alprazolam Withdrawal

One of the most effective treatment options for Alprazolam withdrawal is tapering. When a client is tapered off of a benzodiazepine medication, their dose is slowly reduced over the course of several days. This way, the central nervous system does not go into shock, and the more severe symptoms of withdrawal can be successfully avoided. There are several medications which might be utilized in moderate or severe cases of benzodiazepine withdrawal, including:

• Anticonvulsant medications. If a client has a personal history of seizures or if an Alprazolam use disorder was particularly severe, an anti-seizure medication might be prescribed as a precautionary measure.
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is a safe and effective type of antidepressant medication which might be utilized in the case of depressed mood and suicidal ideation.
• Beta-blockers. This type of medication might be used to prevent the more severe physical symptoms of Alprazolam withdrawal, like uncontrollable body tremors.
• Clonidine. Blood pressure medications like Clonidine might be used if withdrawal leads to a spike in heart rate and blood pressure.
• Over-the-counter medications. Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might be used to treat mild or moderate pain, and anti-nausea medications might be utilized to treat vomiting.
• Non-narcotic sleep aids. In some cases, sleep medication is utilized to treat insomnia.

Long-Term Alprazolam Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

• What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
• Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
• Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
• What dose of Alprazolam were you taking on a daily basis?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of Alprazolam withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the Alprazolam detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center. At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

• Medically Monitored Detox
• Residential Inpatient Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

Long-term Alprazolam addiction recovery is possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of addiction can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

Contact Us to Get Started

Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care, and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.