Xanax Detox: Is it Safe to Do at Home?

October 7, 2024

Written By: Kristina Honiotes DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Alprazolam is a drug that is known by many names, including Xanax. This drug is prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Additionally, Xanax is commonly used recreationally. Regardless of whether or not you have a prescription, Xanax is highly addictive. If you find yourself struggling with Xanax addiction, treatment is necessary. An important part of treatment is Xanax detox. While you may be tempted to go through Xanax detox at home, the process of detox is often dangerous when done alone. Detox is best done with medical supervision and as part of a whole treatment program that helps you find freedom from your addiction.

Xanax is a drug that is frequently prescribed and used to manage panic disorder, anxiety, and insomnia. This drug is also used recreationally for effects including euphoria and disinhibition. Whether you use Xanax as prescribed or not, over time you will require a higher dosage as your body becomes accustomed to the drug. As you use Xanax more and more, your body will slowly become dependent on the drug, which can lead to addiction.

Xanax Detox

If you are addicted to Xanax, detox is a vital step to healing. The process of detox begins when you stop ingesting Xanax. As a result of your body being reliant on it, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Hyperventilation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sweating
  • Problems sleeping
  • Greater sensitivity to light or sound
  • Discomfort
  • Muscle cramping
  • Hallucinations, delusions, or delirium
  • Seizures

Specific symptoms vary and your experience of Xanax withdrawal will be unique to you. The length of time you have been using Xanax, your dosage, and your genetics will all play a role in how your body reacts in the detox process.

While detoxing at a treatment facility, other drugs can be used as a way to slowly wean your body off of Xanax safely. However, the type and amount of substance required will vary depending on the specific situation.

The Value of a Medically Supervised Xanax Detox

The process of Xanax detox can sound intimidating. If you are struggling with a Xanax addiction, you may wonder if seeking help is worth it. You should know that detoxing and finding freedom from addiction is absolutely worth the effort. Working with medical professionals can make it easier, safer, and more successful.

When you go through a medically supervised Xanax detox at Buena Vista Recovery, your unique situation is taken into account. For example, if you are detoxing from both Xanax and alcohol, the plan will be different than if you are only detoxing from Xanax. Your specific needs during detox will be unique to you, and medical professionals can help to create a plan to ease the process as much as possible when considering your unique needs. Additionally, medical supervision keeps you safe. If you are to have a seizure, for example, the medical team will take care of your needs to ensure your safety. This is why medical supervision is so important.

Both safety and comfort are important in getting through the detox process. While detox is only the first step, it is an integral part of treatment. If you can make it through detox, you are far more likely to successfully make changes in your life that help you to stay sober and find freedom from Xanax addiction long term.

Xanax Detox as Part of a Treatment Plan

When you go through a medically supervised Xanax detox, this process is part of a larger plan. This aspect of detox is distinctly different from detoxing at home. As part of a larger plan, your Xanax detox will occur before and during your treatment.


Your treatment for Xanax addiction will be unique to fit your needs. However, treatment often includes therapy that helps you to build skills to support your sobriety in the future. For a Xanax addiction, this may include addressing your Xanax use and finding alternative ways to manage life without Xanax.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Healing from a Xanax addiction is not easy. However, it is possible. The first step toward healing is to seek help from an addiction treatment center. Buena Vista Recovery offers treatment programs that incorporate Xanax detox into addiction treatment.

It might feel impossible to take this first step. If you are considering detoxing at home, you are not alone. However, for you to truly heal and have the possibility of supportive care, medically supervised detox is imperative. Detoxing at home is a risky prospect. Instead, take the first step toward healing by learning more about medically supervised detox and how it can help you to find freedom from Xanax addiction. Now is the time to start moving forward with your life so you can heal from addiction.

Xanax is a widely prescribed and recreationally used drug that is highly addictive. If you are struggling with a Xanax addiction, you are not alone. Fortunately, Buena Visa Recovery can help you to heal. Through our Xanax detox and treatment programs you can heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. You will learn new skills that will support your life after treatment and help you to stay safe during the detox process. To learn more about our programs and how they can help you to heal from Xanax addiction, call us today at (480) 741-9414. We will help you begin your journey toward a happier and healthier life that is free from Xanax addiction.