Clinically Reviewed by
Matt Beck
Key Takeaways
- 12 South Recovery provides 24/7 medical supervision to keep you comfortable and protected throughout Xanax withdrawal.
- Every detox plan at 12 South Recovery is customized to your specific needs, ensuring safety, stability, and emotional balance.
- Detox is the first step toward lifelong healing, supported by our residential, PHP, IOP, and continuing care programs.
Starting Xanax Detox with 12 South Recovery
A lot of people turn to Xanax to relax nerves or cope with anxiety only to find that their bodies have grown dependent on it to merely feel normal. Detox is the first step needed to become you again. At 12 South Recovery, we help you through detox from Xanax safely, reducing withdrawal symptoms and providing real support from people who care about you.
What is Xanax?
Xanax, known generically as alprazolam, is a prescription drug that is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which act by slowing brain activity to produce relaxation and calm. It is useful for the short term, but excessive or prolonged use will soon bring about Xanax addiction. After extended use, the brain’s metabolism adapts for faster elimination, thus making it necessary to take a greater quantity of the drug in order to maintain the same constant effect. It is difficult to stop taking the drug once an addiction has taken place without professional assistance since withdrawal from benzodiazepines can produce severe symptoms.
Is Alprazolam a High Risk Drug?
Yes. Alprazolam is a high-risk medication because it has a strong tendency for abuse and dependence. Because of the rapid effects, it is sought after for abuse purposes, particularly in people with anxiety, insomnia, or trauma problems. This also lends itself to addiction or withdrawal complications.
Taking Xanax regularly, especially with higher doses, changes how the brain metabolizes stress and relaxation. With the developing dependence the brain will have a tendency to need the drug to be able to properly function. If you try to stop due to this need, there could be serious withdrawal symptoms.
That is why it is so important to detox under professional care at 12 South Recovery. Our medical staff will closely monitor your physical health during the course of treatment and use evidence based methods to taper you off the drug and reduce discomfort.
What Happens During Xanax Detox?
Detox is the first step toward recovery. It’s about stabilizing your health and preparing your mind for deeper healing.
At 12 South Recovery, our Xanax detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision and individualized care in a safe and supportive environment. Here’s what to expect during the process:
- Assessment and Evaluation
Upon arrival, you’ll undergo a thorough medical and psychological evaluation. This allows our team to understand your history with Xanax abuse, co-occurring mental health conditions, and physical health needs. - Medical Stabilization
During detox, your body begins to adjust without the drug. Our clinicians monitor your vital signs, manage withdrawal symptoms, and provide comfort medications as needed. The goal is to make this process as safe and smooth as possible. - Gradual Tapering
Because stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can be dangerous, we use a controlled tapering approach. This involves slowly reducing your Xanax dosage under medical supervision, minimizing risks like seizures or severe anxiety. - Emotional Support
Detox can be emotionally draining. That’s why our therapists and counselors offer daily support, helping you process feelings of fear, guilt, or uncertainty as you begin your recovery.
By the time you complete detox, your body will be clear of alprazolam, and you’ll be ready to transition into the next phase of treatment, which may include residential or outpatient care.
How Long Does It Take for Xanax to Get Out of Your System?
The time it takes for Xanax to leave your body depends on several factors, including dosage, duration of use, metabolism, and overall health. Generally, Xanax has a half-life of about 11 hours, meaning it takes around that long for your body to eliminate half of the drug. However, traces can remain detectable for several days.
On average, most of the drug clears from the body within four days, but withdrawal symptoms can persist much longer. This is why detox requires close medical monitoring, withdrawal may start even after Xanax has left your system.
At 12 South Recovery, we help manage these symptoms with medical support, hydration, nutrition, and rest. Our goal is to make your detox as safe and comfortable as possible while preparing you for the next stage of treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Develop a Xanax Withdrawal?
Withdrawal can begin within 6 to 12 hours after your last dose, depending on how much and how often you’ve used Xanax. For heavy or long-term users, symptoms can appear sooner and last longer.
In most cases:
- Mild symptoms appear within the first 24 hours.
- Peak withdrawal occurs within 2 to 4 days.
- Residual symptoms can last for weeks or even months for some individuals.
This timeline is different for everyone, which is why 12 South Recovery offers individualized detox plans. We provide continuous support during and after detox, so you can heal physically and emotionally at your own pace.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Alprazolam?
Xanax withdrawal can range from mild discomfort to severe health risks. Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Tremors or muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, medical detox is strongly recommended. At 12 South Recovery, our trained professionals provide around-the-clock care to monitor and manage these symptoms safely. We use proven therapeutic and medical methods to reduce discomfort and help you stabilize during this sensitive phase.
How Long Does a Benzo Belly Last?
Benzo belly refers to the bloating, nausea, and digestive discomfort that some people experience during benzodiazepines withdrawal. It happens because the gut and nervous system are adjusting to life without the drug.
For most people, benzo belly lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on how long the drug was used. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s temporary and can be managed with proper care.
At 12 South Recovery, we support your body’s healing with balanced nutrition, hydration, and holistic therapies that promote digestive health. Our team will guide you with gentle exercise, mindfulness, and stress-reduction techniques to help your system recover naturally.
What Is Used to Wean Off Xanax?
The safest way to stop using Xanax is through a medically supervised taper. Doctors may substitute Xanax with a longer-acting benzodiazepine, such as diazepam, and gradually reduce the dosage over time. This approach minimizes withdrawal symptoms and protects your health.
At 12 South Recovery, our medical team carefully designs taper schedules based on your specific needs, mental health, and overall progress. Medications may also be used to ease anxiety, insomnia, or muscle tension during the process.
We combine this medical approach with therapy and emotional support so you can manage cravings, rebuild coping skills, and begin working toward long-term recovery.
Why Is Benzo Withdrawal So Long?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal tends to last longer than withdrawal from other drugs because of how these medications affect the brain. Benzos slow down the central nervous system, and over time, your brain adjusts by reducing natural calming chemicals like GABA. When you stop taking the drug, your body struggles to rebalance, leading to prolonged symptoms.
The brain’s healing process takes time. Factors like dosage, duration of use, and co-occurring mental health conditions can influence how long withdrawal lasts. At 12 South Recovery, we understand this process and provide continuous medical and psychological care throughout detox and beyond.
Our team uses therapies such as CBT, DBT, and relapse prevention counseling to help retrain your thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and support lasting emotional balance.
Does Your Brain Go Back to Normal After Benzodiazepines?
Yes, but it takes time and professional support. The brain can recover from Xanax addiction once it’s given the right tools and environment. Over time, your brain begins to produce natural calming chemicals again, and your nervous system gradually returns to balance.
At 12 South Recovery, we focus on rebuilding your mental health and resilience through therapy, structure, and compassion. Our programs combine individual therapy, group sessions, holistic healing, and adventure therapy to help you reconnect with life and find purpose beyond addiction.
Healing is not instant, but with dedication and professional guidance, your brain and body can fully recover from the effects of benzodiazepines.
Xanax Detox and Addiction Treatment at 12 South Recovery
Detox is just the beginning of your recovery. At 12 South Recovery, we provide a full continuum of care designed to help you heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Our programs include:
- Detox: Safe medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Residential Treatment: Structured daily support and therapy in a peaceful environment.
- PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): A step-down level of care offering continued structure and therapy.
- IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): Flexible therapy sessions while rebuilding your daily life.
- Continuing Care and Alumni Program: Ongoing support and community connection after treatment.
We believe recovery is about more than just stopping drug use, it’s about finding peace, rebuilding relationships, and rediscovering who you are. Our clinicians and therapists guide you through every stage with empathy and expertise.
At 12 South Recovery, you’ll find a safe space where healing and hope thrive. Whether you’re starting detox or continuing your recovery, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Detox at 12 South Recovery Today
Recovery from Xanax addiction starts with reaching out for help. At 12 South Recovery, we’ll guide you through detox and support you every step of the way. Our team provides care, understanding, and a safe place to heal. Call 12 South Recovery today and start your path to a life free from Xanax.
