Medical Assisted
Xanax Detoxification

Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine most commonly prescribed for moderate or severe anxiety disorders. Xanax is potent and habit-forming, and even those that take the drug as prescribed are at risk of developing a physical and psychological dependence over time.  The symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal can be severe, and in order for associated symptoms to be adequately treated, entering into a medical detox center comes highly recommended. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we effectively treat all symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal. Our team of licensed medical and therapeutic professionals work together to provide our clients with the most integrated and individualized care available. In addition to providing around-the-clock medical supervision, we offer a range of treatment services designed to help prepare our clients for continued success in sobriety. To learn more about our comprehensive program of Xanax addiction recovery, contact us today. 

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What is Xanax?

Xanax is a potent medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Xanax is a benzodiazepine and can be habit-forming when it is used long-term or used other than as prescribed by a medical professional. This medication is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications in the country and it also has significant potential for misuse; a combination that has led to high rates of Xanax dependence nationwide. Xanax can be addictive because physical and psychological tolerance occurs so quickly, meaning that more of the drug is required in order for the person to experience the same effects. When tolerance builds, a person might be inclined to take higher doses of the drug, which can lead to dependence and increase the risk of overdose. If a person abruptly stops using the medication, they will experience symptoms of Xanax withdrawal. Depending on the severity of the Xanax use disorder these symptoms can be life-threatening, which makes attending an inpatient detox program essential. 

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 Illicit Xanax Use Cause for Major Concern Throughout New Jersey

In the State of New Jersey it is illegal to obtain or possess a medication like Xanax without a valid prescription, which must be written by a licensed medical professional. If a New Jersey resident is found in the possession of Xanax without a valid prescription, they might be subject to serious criminal offense charges. Depending on the amount of Xanax in the possession of the individual, they might also be charged with intent to distribute. Under New Jersey law it is illegal to operate heavy machinery while under the influence of a powerful central nervous system tranquilizer like Xanax, meaning those who are caught driving under the influence of Xanax or any other benzodiazepine medication might be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). 

Because the demand for Xanax is particularly high statewide, some individuals have started to manufacture Xanax illicitly, combining a range of chemical substances and pressing them into the form of an oral tablet that closely resembles the brand name medication. Manufacturing and distributing Xanax illegally can bring about severe consequences. Some potential penalties for distributing or intent to distribute Xanax in New Jersey include the following:

  • Being found under the influence of Xanax without holding a prescription, failing to turn the medication over to a police officer upon request, or carrying the drug in an unmarked container or a container other than the one it was in originally can result in a Disorderly Persons Offense. This might include up to 6 months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
  • Being found in the possession of 4 Xanax pills (or less) without a valid prescription can result in a Fourth Degree Xanax Possession charge. This charge can lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
  • Being found in the possession of between 5 and 99 Xanax pills can result in a Third Degree Xanax Possession. Those who are charged with this offense might be sentenced to between 3 to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison and be asked to pay a fine of up to $200,000.
  • Being found with 100 or more Xanax pills with intent to distribute these pills can result in a Second Degree Xanax Possession charge, which usually entails between 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $300,000.

If you or someone close to you has been suffering from a Xanax use disorder, seeking professional help is crucial for a number of reasons. The physical symptoms associated with Xanax addiction and withdrawal can be severe and must be professionally treated. Additionally, the external consequences of Xanax misuse and dependence can lead to lifelong legal issues that greatly impact overall quality of life.

Xanax Side Effects

Even when used exactly as prescribed, Xanax use can lead to a range of physical and mental side effects. Some of these side effects are to be expected and are no cause for alarm, while others might indicate a serious underlying issue and require immediate medical attention. Common side effects of Xanax use include:

  • Drowsiness. 
  • Lightheadedness. 
  • Fatigue. 
  • Headache. 
  • Anxiety or nervousness. 
  • Restlessness and irritability. 
  • Decreased libido. 
  • Increased or decreased appetite. 
  • Weight loss or weight gain. 
  • Blurred vision. 

When a person takes Xanax for an extended period of time, the brain and central nervous system become unable to operate effectively in the absence of the substance. This can lead to long-term side effects — including misuse and dependence. 

Signs of Xanax Abuse

Individuals who have been struggling with Xanax addiction will typically exhibit a wide range of behavioral, psychological and physical symptoms. If you believe you or someone close to you might be struggling with a Xanax addiction, there are several signs and symptoms to look for.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria associated with drug addiction. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, entering into a treatment program is likely a good idea. However, it is important to note that symptoms of Xanax use disorders vary in severity, and a multi-staged program of recovery is not an ideal option for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about what type of treatment program will best meet your unique, personal needs. 

The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for a benzodiazepine use disorder are outlined below. Ask yourself the following questions when attempting to determine whether or not professional treatment is right for you. 

  1. Do you often use more Xanax than intended for a longer period of time than intended?
  2. Have you attempted to cut back on the dose of Xanax you take to find yourself unable to cut back or quit for an extended period of time?
  3. Do you spend a significant amount of time using Xanax and recovering from the effects of Xanax?
  4. Are you often consumed by thoughts of using Xanax, or do you experience cravings for Xanax throughout the day?
  5. Does using Xanax or recovering from the effects of excessive Xanax use affect your ability to take care of personal responsibilities and obligations?
  6. Has benzodiazepine use caused issues and interpersonal problems between you and your family and/or friends?
  7. Have you given up activities you previously enjoyed because of your Xanax use?
  8. Have you experienced an increase in risk-taking activities as a result of your Xanax use, like combining Xanax with other chemical substances, driving while under the influence of Xanax, or obtaining Xanax without a valid prescription?
  9. Have you experienced worsening symptoms of a physical or mental health problem as a direct result of your benzodiazepine use?
  10. Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose of Xanax is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
  11. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax abruptly?

Xanax Overdose

An article published by the National Library of Medicine states, “Benzodiazepines taken in toxic doses without other coingestants rarely cause a significant toxidrome. The classic presentation in patients with isolated benzodiazepine overdose will include central nervous system (CNS) depression with normal or near-normal vital signs. Many patients will still be arousable and even provide a reliable history. Classic symptoms include slurred speech, ataxia, and altered mental status.” In so many words, benzodiazepine overdose is fairly uncommon. However, when a medication like Xanax is used in conjunction with another chemical substance like heroin, prescription painkillers, or alcohol, the risk of overdose increases significantly. 

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Xanax Withdrawal

The symptoms associated with Xanax withdrawal can be both physical and psychological in nature. It is never recommended that someone attempt to quit Xanax cold turkey or without close medical supervision. Doing so can result in life-threatening complications. Because this specific prescription medication is so potent the symptoms of withdrawal will likely begin within several hours. They will remain uncomfortable but not life-threatening until they peak in somewhere between the first and fourth day. The side effects of Xanax withdrawal are unpredictable, which is why they must always be monitored by a team of experienced medical professionals.

Xanax Detox

Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal include (but are not limited to):

  • Muscle pain and aches.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Numbness in the fingers and toes.
  • Insomnia/an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
  • Severe anxiety.
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Heart palpitations and increased blood pressure.
  • Loss of appetite/weight loss.

Xanax Treatment Options

The best treatment options for Xanax addiction depend on your unique case. When it comes to professional treatment, several factors should be taken into close consideration, including:

  • The severity of the Xanax use disorder. If the Xanax use disorder is moderate or severe, entering into a long-term treatment program is likely a good idea. 
  • The potential of withdrawal symptoms. Because the physical and psychological symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal can be unpredictable, it is important for anyone who has been suffering from Xanax addiction to enter into a professional medical detox program for short-term monitoring. 
  • The presence of any co-occurring disorders. If a person has been simultaneously suffering from a Xanax use disorder and a mental illness, entering into a longer term dual diagnosis treatment program might be necessary. 

In most cases, it is recommended that a person who has been suffering from a diagnosable Xanax use disorder of any severity enter into a multi-staged treatment program, which begins with medical detox and transitions into the next appropriate level of care. Depending on your personal needs, you might choose to follow detox with an extended stay in an inpatient treatment center, or continue with a more flexible and less time-demanding option, like outpatient treatment. 

Treatment options include:

  • Medical detox. In medical detox a person undergoes a safe, pain-free Xanax withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of medical professionals. 
  • Residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive treatment option; residential programs typically last for between 30 and 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Most inpatient programs incorporate individual, group, and family therapy, 12 Step program education and involvement, and holistic treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment experience. 
  • Partial hospitalization. This level of care is a step down from inpatient treatment, and includes full days of intensive therapeutic care (usually 7 days a week) with the freedom to return home in the evenings. 
  • Intensive outpatient treatment. Also known as IOP, this level of care is ideal for those who have completed a short stay in medical detox and are looking for a flexible treatment option with an ample amount of personal freedom. IOP is ideal for those with a mild or moderate Xanax use disorder and no co-occurring issues. 
  • Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment, or OP, is one more step down from IOP, with group sessions typically only meeting between 2 or 3 times a week for several hours. 
  • Aftercare. Because drug addiction is a chronic health condition, ongoing treatment is necessary to longer term recovery. Most aftercare plans consist of ongoing involvement in a peer support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Dharma) and ongoing individual therapy. 
  • 12 Step program involvement. While many recovering individuals choose to participate in a 12 Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are numerous other options available. Peer support is often an important part of aftercare. 
  • Individual therapy and/or ongoing psychiatric services. Because many individuals who suffer from benzodiazepine addiction simultaneously struggle with co-occurring issues, ongoing therapy and/or psychiatric care often come recommended. 
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If you or someone you love has been suffering from a Xanax use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free Xanax withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our Xanax detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about Xanax addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of Xanax addiction recovery, contact us today.

Xanax FAQs

Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine most commonly used for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety disorders.

Because Xanax is habit-forming, it is generally not prescribed to be taken consistently for more than two or three weeks. Xanax is typically prescribed to be taken at the onset of severe anxiety-related symptoms, like a panic attack.

The half-life of Xanax and other benzodiazepine medications is around 12 hours, meaning the drug will stay present in your system for around 2 days. The dose and the frequency of use affects how long any chemical substance stays in the system. For example, an individual who has been taking a high dose of Xanax every day for several months will likely experience a longer duration of withdrawal symptoms.

In short, yes — Xanax is highly addictive when taken other than as prescribed. Individuals who take Xanax or another benzodiazepine medication at a higher dose than recommended and/or for longer than recommended are at risk of developing a physical tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly ceased use — two symptoms of physical dependence that often lead to addiction.

Xanax addiction or overdose can be fatal. The majority of fatal benzodiazepine overdoses also included another chemical substance like alcohol or an opioid narcotic. Xanax addiction can lead to fatality when a person engages in risk-taking behavior that leads to accidental injury, or if a person is suffering from an underlying physical or psychiatric health condition that is made worse by continuing to take the medication.

Amanda Hilzer

Reviewed for accuracy by:

Amanda Hilzer M.Ed, CAADC, IADAC, ICCS, LCADC, CCS


Amanda graduated from Lehigh University with both an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree in Counseling Psychology and has worked in the field of substance use disorder treatment and mental health treatment as a counselor and as a clinical manager for over 14 years.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482238/