Effective Xanax Withdrawal Treatment
Whether you’ve been prescribed Xanax (alprazolam) for anxiety or muscle spasms or taken it recreationally, you may have found that stopping can trigger challenging Xanax withdrawal symptoms. Like other benzodiazepine withdrawal experiences, these effects can be uncomfortable and even dangerous without the right support.
If you’re worried about Xanax dependence in yourself or a loved one, this page explains what to expect during alprazolam withdrawal, how to manage symptoms safely and the Xanax detox treatment options available for long-term recovery. For confidential advice about our residential Xanax addiction treatment, call us on 01721 546 263.
Xanax Withdrawal Summary
- Despite being a prescribed medicine Xanax – also known as alprazolam – is highly addictive and you can develop a dependency after just three or four weeks.
- If you stop taking Xanax you may experience withdrawal symptoms which can range from sweating and fatigue to hallucinations and seizures.
- The severity of these symptoms depends on how long you’ve been taking Xanax, in what quantity and whether you’ve been taking it alongside alcohol or another drug.
- Withdrawal symptoms can be managed medically by gradually reducing the amount of Xanax you’re taking or substituting it with a less-addictive drug.
- It is very difficult to come off Xanax alone and without professional help. Fortunately, there is a great deal of support and addiction treatments available, so you can find one that suits you.
- Once you’ve overcome your symptoms, ongoing Xanax withdrawal treatment can help you deal with any triggers you might face and help you develop strategies to ensure you don’t relapse.
What Does “Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms” Mean?
Xanax withdrawal symptoms are the mental and physical changes that can occur when a person who has been using this benzodiazepine stops or reduces their intake. The brain and body adapt to regular use, so removing the medication disrupts this balance and may trigger uncomfortable reactions that require careful clinical management.
At Castle Craig we understand that withdrawal from Xanax, also known as alprazolam, can feel daunting. With professional support and medical supervision, this stage becomes safer and more manageable. We provide evidence-based detox and therapy to help patients move forward confidently into recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
What are Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms?
Because Xanax is prescribed by doctors, and classed as a Class C drug even when bought for recreational use, you might assume it isn’t addictive and any withdrawal symptoms would be minor. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Xanax slows down the central nervous system, reducing brain activity, which can help with short-term anxiety, panic or insomnia. It’s effects can linger, altering brain chemistry, and the more you take, the more harm it can cause.
Anyone taking Xanax can develop physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. While some may be mild, others can be severe or even life-threatening. Even at a low prescribed dose, withdrawal can feel as intense as coming off alcohol or barbiturates. Accepting you have an alprazolam addiction can be difficult, especially if you began taking it in good faith, but repeated failed attempts to stop and feeling unwell each time are strong warning signs.
Common Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs and Side Effects
Xanax withdrawal symptoms can appear whether you’ve been taking the drug on prescription or using it recreationally. As a potent benzodiazepine, alprazolam can cause both physical and psychological side effects during withdrawal, ranging from mild discomfort to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. Recognising the signs early is key to seeking safe Xanax detox and recovery support.
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Physical Side Effects of Tranquiliser Medication Withdrawal
Coming off tranquilliser medications can lead to a range of physical effects as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on dosage, duration of use and individual health factors.
- Muscle aches and tension
- Headaches or migraines
- Shaking or tremors
- Changes in appetite
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and low energy
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
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Psychological Signs of Anti-Panic Prescription Detox
When withdrawing from anti-panic prescription medication, the brain can take time to restore balance, often leading to psychological challenges. These can be temporary but may feel overwhelming without the right support.
- Heightened anxiety or nervousness
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Panic attacks
- Feelings of depression
- Restlessness or agitation
- Intrusive or racing thoughts
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Acute Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Because of its addictive properties, Xanax is usually only prescribed for a couple of weeks. If you have been taking it for longer than this, or in very high doses, you may find yourself suffering from acute symptoms once you stop.
This could mean tiredness to the point of being bedbound, depression to the point of feeling suicidal and ‘rebound anxiety’, which means your anxiety could be worse than it was when you were first prescribed Xanax. In serious cases, you may experience psychosis and seizures. Acute symptoms can last for up to six weeks. It can be very dangerous to manage these symptoms alone, and it is recommended that you have professional help in place before beginning a Xanax detox.
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How Long Will Symptoms of Xanax Withdrawal Last?
It takes about two days for Xanax to leave your body completely, but you will likely start experiencing withdrawal symptoms before this. The length and severity of symptoms depend on the length of your alprazolam addiction, the depth of your Xanax misuse and whether you’ve been taking it alongside alcohol or another drug.
Alcohol and Xanax are both sedatives, and when taken together, their effects are multiplied. This can lead to excessive fatigue, extremely poor coordination and memory loss. While people with a less severe alprazolam addiction could recover from withdrawal symptoms in four days, those who have misused Xanax for a while can see their symptoms last for a prolonged period of time.
Xanax Withdrawal Timeline
- Six to 24 Hours: You may start feeling anxious and or unable to sleep, leading to the temptation to use Xanax again.
- One to Four Days: Headaches, insomnia and anxiety are common. You may feel as though you have the flu and experience nausea vomiting and diarrhoea. The risk of seizures starts 24 hours after your last dose.
- Four to 14 Days: Symptoms peak during this period and rebound anxiety can be particularly intense. You may also experience shaking, sweating, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations and a general feeling of being unwell.
- Fourteen Days to Six Weeks: While headaches and muscular aches should lessen by this point and your risk of seizures decrease, you may have more stomach upset during this period. Anxiety and insomnia are still present.
- Six Weeks to Months or Even Years: Around 10 to 15% of people with an Xanax addiction develop post-withdrawal syndrome in which psychological symptoms persist indefinitely and your cognitive function and ability to deal with stress are severely affected.
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Taking the first step and asking for help can feel daunting, but our team is here to assist you.
Xanax and Prescription Anxiety Medication Detox
When coming off Xanax or other prescription anxiety medications, choosing the safest and most effective prescription drug detox setting is crucial. While some may wish to attempt a home detox, the risks of severe withdrawal symptoms make medically managed detox a far safer option. In a supervised environment, Xanax withdrawal is closely monitored, symptoms can be eased and long-term recovery planning begins.
Where is the Best Place to Detox from Xanax?
Xanax detox can be challenging, and is best carried out in a professional, supportive and structured space. Many people feel embarrassed about needing detox, especially if their Xanax use began with a legitimate prescription, while others may know a loved one battling addiction but are too ashamed to ask for help.
If you are looking to overcome Xanax addiction, asking for help is the essential first step. Effective alprazolam withdrawal support is available, including medication to ease side effects and reduce discomfort. While physical symptoms may ease after a few weeks, the psychological effects can last much longer. Because Xanax affects the central nervous system and alters brain function, psychological support is a vital part of Xanax rehab recovery.
Can I Detox from Xanax at Home?
Detoxing from Xanax at home can be dangerous, particularly if you have been taking it for a long time or at high doses. Like other benzodiazepines, alprazolam can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including those that are potentially life-threatening. Without medical supervision, it is difficult to manage these risks, and the chances of relapse are high.
A safer option is to undergo Xanax withdrawal treatment in a professional drug detox centre, where medical teams can monitor your progress, provide medication to ease symptoms and offer emotional support. This structured approach greatly improves your chances of long-term recovery, helping you stabilise physically and mentally while addressing the underlying causes of Xanax addiction.
Medically Managed Anti-Anxiety Medication Detox
A medically managed detox from Xanax provides 24/7 care in a safe, structured environment where your withdrawal symptoms can be monitored and treated promptly. Medical teams adjust your tapering schedule (which can take up to 10 weeks), prescribe appropriate medication and watch for dangerous complications such as seizures or severe anxiety. This not only reduces discomfort but also helps prevent relapse during the most vulnerable stage of recovery.
In addition to physical stabilisation, medically managed detox offers psychological support from counsellors and therapists. As Xanax alters brain chemistry and affects emotional regulation, having immediate access to mental health care is vital. This combination of medical oversight and therapeutic input lays a strong foundation for long-term sobriety from benzodiazepine dependence.
Can Medicines Help you Detox from Xanax?
There are a number of medicines that can be prescribed to help reduce the severity of detox symptoms although these must be taken under medical supervision. You may even be prescribed a drug from the same family of benzodiazepines as Xanax, such as clonazepam.
Antidepressants can be prescribed to help with the low mood you might feel as part of the detox and there are medicines to help with other symptoms such as stomach upset. The anticonvulsant carbamazepine has been proven to minimise Xanax withdrawal symptoms, especially the serious ones such as seizures.
Contact Castle Craig Xanax Detox Centre
Castle Craig is located in West Linton, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH46 7DH. Our serene surroundings in the Scottish Borders provide the ideal privacy for a focused recovery from Xanax misuse, while the secure and private environment supports your progress towards a healthier future.
Ongoing Professional Help and Xanax Withdrawal Management
Ongoing professional help for Xanax withdrawal treatment ensures you have continued medical oversight and therapeutic support long after the initial detox. This sustained approach helps manage lingering symptoms, strengthens relapse prevention strategies and addresses the emotional and behavioural aspects of benzodiazepine dependence for lasting abstinence.
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Residential Rehab Following Alprazolam Detox
Once the initial alprazolam detox is complete, moving into a residential rehab programme can provide the structure and support needed to sustain recovery. Living on-site in a safe, drug-free environment removes access to triggers and allows you to focus fully on your mental, physical and emotional health. Daily schedules combine therapy, education and activities to build resilience.
Residential rehab also offers the opportunity to address the underlying causes of addiction through evidence-based treatments for Xanax like cognitive behavioural therapy, group support and family counselling. At Castle Craig, our personalised programmes are designed to prepare you for life after treatment, with relapse prevention planning and aftercare support to help you transition back into everyday life with confidence.
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Counselling and Therapy Support for Xanax Withdrawal
Therapy plays a vital role in overcoming dependence on Xanax by helping you understand the emotional and psychological triggers behind your use. Addiction counselling provides a safe, confidential space to work through anxiety, stress or trauma while developing healthier coping strategies for the future.
At Castle Craig, we offer a range of therapies including one-to-one counselling, group therapy and specialised trauma and addiction treatment. These sessions not only support you through the difficult withdrawal period but also equip you with long-term skills to manage cravings, handle stress and maintain sobriety well beyond your time in treatment.
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Outpatient Rehab for Benzodiazepine Medication Addiction
Outpatient rehabilitation offers structured drug addiction treatment for benzodiazepine dependence while allowing you to live at home. Day or evening treatment programmes for Xanax may include individual counselling, group therapy, medical check-ins and relapse prevention training, giving you professional support without the need for a residential stay.
Outpatient Xanax rehab services are ideal for people with mild to moderate dependence or those transitioning from inpatient care. Flexible scheduling means you can continue work, education or family responsibilities while still addressing the root causes of addiction and building strategies to maintain long-term recovery.
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Support Groups for Prescription Sedative Dependence
Support groups provide a safe, non-judgemental space to connect with others who understand the challenges of prescription sedative dependence. Sharing experiences, listening to recovery stories and offering encouragement can reduce feelings of isolation and help maintain motivation.
These groups are often free, widely accessible and can complement formal private rehab treatment. Whether in person or online, they offer peer-led insight, accountability and a sense of belonging that can make a significant difference in staying free from sedatives long-term.
How to Get Help with Xanax Withdrawal Management and Treatment
Coming to terms with an addiction to Xanax can be difficult, particularly if you began taking it on medical advice. If you bought it illegally, believing it was a relatively safe way to enhance your mood, you may feel ashamed to now be facing dependence and the harsh withdrawal symptoms that can impact both mood and behaviour.
Getting help is essential. Understanding the underlying causes of your Xanax addiction is the first step towards recovery, whether these involve mental health challenges, alcohol misuse or other substance dependencies. Once alprazolam detox is complete, ongoing support is crucial to help you manage triggers, avoid relapse and develop personalised strategies for long-term recovery.
Contact Castle Craig Inpatient Xanax Addiction Rehab
At Castle Craig, we understand that seeking help for alprazolam addiction takes courage, and we are here to guide you through every step of the recovery journey. Our inpatient Xanax rehab offers a safe and structured environment where you can focus entirely on your healing, supported by a compassionate team who understands both the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal.
If you or a loved one is ready to take that first step, call us today on 01721 546 263. Together, we can create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your needs, builds lasting resilience and gives you the tools to embrace a healthier, addiction-free future. You do not have to face this alone — a brighter, more hopeful life is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions on Xanax Withdrawal
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Is it Illegal to Take Xanax?
In the UK, Xanax (alprazolam) is a Class C controlled substance. It is illegal to possess without a prescription and unlawful to supply or sell. Taking it without medical guidance also carries health risks, including dependence, withdrawal and addiction.
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Why Can’t I Stop Taking Xanax?
Xanax alters brain chemistry, creating physical dependence and psychological reliance over time. When you stop suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can be intense, making it hard to quit without support.
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Can I Hide My Xanax Addiction From Family and Friends?
It is possible to hide Xanax addiction for a time, but secrecy often worsens the problem and delays getting help. Being open with trusted people can provide vital support and encouragement, making recovery and long-term stability more achievable.
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Will Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms Ever Go Away?
Yes, Xanax withdrawal symptoms will eventually subside, though the timeline varies for each person. Physical effects often resolve within weeks, while psychological symptoms can take longer. With professional detox and ongoing support, recovery becomes easier and the risk of relapse decreases.
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Will Xanax Ruin My Brain?
Long-term Xanax use can alter brain chemistry, affecting memory, mood, and cognitive function. While some changes may improve after stopping, recovery can take time. Professional treatment and healthy lifestyle habits can help the brain heal and restore normal function.
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I’ve Been Taking Xanax for So Long, is it Too Late for Me to Detox?
No, it is never too late to detox from Xanax. With the right medical supervision and support, people can safely withdraw regardless of how long they’ve been taking it. Recovery is possible at any stage, and help is always available.
Free Xanax Addiction Assessment
Compassionate, expertly delivered evidence-based practices and a patient-centred approach are at the heart of our treatment model. Request a call-back from one of our professionals on any day of the week.