If you are struggling with alcoholism, getting help can be overwhelming, especially if you are worried about managing withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal can come with serious side effects, so it’s important to understand the risks and whether or not there are medications that can help. Many people wonder if Xanax can help with alcohol withdrawal.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine. It is normally prescribed to treat panic attacks or anxiety disorders because it depresses or slows down the central nervous system.
Xanax, like other benzodiazepines, has an addictive aspect to it, so those who have a history of addiction may be more likely to become dependent on Xanax even if they are using it for a legitimately prescribed purpose.
There are several benzodiazepines that are prescribed by the FDA or other treatment clinics to help control symptoms of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. These are typically prescribed as part of a program referred to as medication-assisted treatment or MAT.
MAT is conducted under medical supervision. You remain at your treatment center while you are given prescribed medication to help control the severity of your symptoms, after which you transition to the rest of your inpatient or residential program, where you receive ongoing individual and group therapy to help you cope with long-term sobriety.
At all points during your detox process, you have medical staff who are there to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms in a safe fashion, whether that is with Xanax or other prescription medications, even over-the-counter medications.
Alcohol Withdrawal: What to Expect
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours of your last drink, but some people will experience withdrawal symptoms that start a day or two later.
Symptoms will typically peak by day one to three, but some of them continue on for several weeks, particularly the cravings.
Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Shaking
- Trembling
- Muscle aches
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches
- Fevers
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Seizures
Delirium tremens is the most severe part of alcohol withdrawal, and it results in sudden and severe delirium or confusion, seizures, and hallucinations. Depending on your condition, you may be at risk for severe complications, especially if you are trying to use other prescription medications to help you detox on your own.
Given the risks of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and complications, it’s important that you consider working with a professional at a treatment center.
Can Xanax Help with Alcohol Withdrawal?
Xanax can, in some cases, be used to help with alcohol withdrawal, but it should, in no cases, be used at home on your own.
Note: Xanax mixed with alcohol can be extremely dangerous, leading to respiratory failure, heart failure, and seizures.
The side effects of Xanax are very similar to the effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, so combining the two can lead to significant complications, including:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Respiratory failure
- Heart failure
- Seizures
If you are interested in using Xanax to help with any withdrawal symptoms, it’s important that you speak with a doctor to develop an alcohol withdrawal plan that works best for your situation.
For example, if you already have a Xanax prescription that you are using for an anxiety disorder, this shouldn’t be something that you try to use at home to naturally detox or withdraw from alcohol. However, you can talk to your doctor about how to use benzodiazepines in a safe and effective fashion for alcohol addiction.
Getting Help with Alcohol Withdrawal
If you or someone close to you is struggling with alcohol, the withdrawal process can be dangerous if done on its own. The right treatment center can provide a safe, secure environment where your alcohol withdrawal and any subsequent medications can be managed.
At Multi-Concept Recovery, we specialize in several programs for specific groups, like drug rehab for college students or alcohol rehab for women, teens, or LGBTQ+ individuals. As part of our drug and alcohol rehab programs, we work hard to start our clients on the right foot with detox processes appropriate for the issues with which they struggle.
Can Xanax help with alcohol withdrawal? Under certain circumstances, there are benzodiazepines that can be safely prescribed and used at a detox center in order to safely withdraw from alcohol. However, you should consult with a medical team before using any prescription medication, and you should consider professional supervision for all alcohol withdrawal because of the complications that exist.
If you want to learn more about alcohol withdrawal and what prescription benzodiazepines you can use, contact Multi Concept Recovery today.
