Detox, also known as detoxification, is the first stage in the recovery process for most drug and alcohol addictions, where the body is cleansed of the substances that are polluting it.
One of the biggest obstacles to recovery is fear of the withdrawal process. Many drug and alcohol addicts will continue their addictive behavior long after they want to quit, simply to avoid the detox process and painful symptoms that accompany the withdrawal. Some even try to detox from their addictions at home, suffering through days of discomfort and violent withdrawal only to go back to abusing drugs and alcohol to relieve the pain. This is where a Medical drug detox is necessary.
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Can You Detox from Xanax At Home?
This is not to say at-home Xanax detox isn’t possible, it’s just not recommended. Today prescription drugs are prescribed every day for pain, mental, emotional, or other illnesses. They are given a set of directions from the doctor for how much and how long to take them. After the prescribed dosage is up, the user is supposed to stop taking the drug for that initial incident. Some patients get dependent on the drug whether they had more refills than necessary or they took more than the recommended dosage.
What is Xanax?
One very popular prescribed drug is Xanax, which is a brand name for alprazolam. Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine or benzo that is only recommended for use for up to six weeks. This drug usually is for those who suffer from anxiety and get relief when used as prescribed.
According to the National Health Statistics Reports, during 2014–2016, benzodiazepines were prescribed at approximately 65.9 million office-based physician visits. The rates for women being prescribed the drug were also higher than the men (at 34 visits per 100 women).
Some of those that get dependent on Xanax may have never been addicted to a substance before. They may just happen to think since the prescribed dosage worked so well that taking more couldn’t hurt. This is where it can become very dangerous due to the fact benzos only take about a month or less to become dependent upon. They don’t realize they’re addicted to it till it’s too late.
People may try to detox “cold turkey,” but this is not often safe. Safer options include at-home Xanax detox with the support of a physician or medical detox in a rehab facility.
Thinking About Xanax Detox from Home?
At-home detox may be more common for people taking Xanax with a prescription who need to stop taking it for one reason or another. A person may be dependent on Xanax, but this does not mean they are addicted. They will benefit from a doctor slowly tapering their medication, but addiction treatment is not necessary.
If someone decides to undergo at-home detox, you want to make a checklist so you are prepared so there are no complications.
- Inform their loved ones.
- Seek help from a medical professional, such as a doctor or a nurse, to keep an eye on the process. Friends, family, and medical professionals can provide critical support to ensure medical detox continues as planned.
- Have basic nutritional and health needs, such as healthy food, ibuprofen, and something for an upset stomach – things you would have in case of a cold. Your body is detoxing toxins and may feel like you are sick depending on the withdrawal symptoms.
While at-home Xanax detox is an option, people living with a severe addiction should seek professional treatment. Alprazolam withdrawal can cause serious complications.
The process typically involves medical support while the body clears the drug. The half-life of Xanax is about 11 hours, so it takes the body 50 hours to completely clear it.
Xanax Detox at Our Clinical Facility
If you or a loved one are dependent on Xanax, Allure Detox can help. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery.
We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.