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If you want to find out more and answer the important question: "How long does Xanax stay in your system?" Transcend Recovery Community is here to give you a detailed answer to help you figure out how long the drug stays in your body as well, as to give you good addiction treatment options to consider.
You'll also find out the probable causes of withdrawal, its symptoms, as well as what you can do to alleviate the dreaded withdrawal signs in your body during rehab. With our consecutive guide, we believe you'll be well-armed with the knowledge to understand the drug better and how it can help you or someone you know suffering from substance misuse.
How Long Does Xanax Last in the Body and by Type of Drug Tests?
There are many ways to detect Xanax in your system. A drug test is one of the surest ways to find how Xanax affects your body. Find out more about how each test works and how it impacts the last dose you took.
Xanax in Urine Tests
Urine testing is one of the more standard ways to verify the presence of Xanax. You may find traces of Xanax in the urine for up to 4 days. That's why it's not uncommon to have urine tests as part of the mandatory screening, especially for addiction treatment.
Xanax in Hair Follicle Tests
When testing for recreational substance use, hair tests are also some of the most solid testing options. It can detect your last dose for up to 90 days, which can determine the detectability of the substance in your system.
Xanax in Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are less standard as they can only trace the substance for up to 2.5 days.
Xanax Detection in Blood Tests
Blood testing may probably be the least reliable since it only takes a day to trace any substance within the body. However, some organizations use blood tests as part of mandatory testing.
Take note that the half-life of Xanax plays is crucial in identifying "how long does Xanax stay" within the body. These testing forms are crucial in also identifying the proper Xanax addiction treatment that a person may receive.
What is Xanax?
It is the brand name more common in the United States for the generic drug called "Alprazolam." This substance is currently used to treat anxiety symptoms in people who are undergoing anxiety disorder treatment.
Xanax a.k.a Alprazolam is under the class of drugs called "Benzodiazepines." Apart from treating anxiety, it is also used for anxiety-induced depression and panic disorders.
It has many forms in which people can take the drug. The most common dosage forms include the following:
- solution
- extended-release tablet
- disintegrating tablet
- tablet
As with any other Xanax bar variants out on the market, one must remember to inform your doctor of your medical history to identify known allergies and medications you are taking as part of your maintenance meds. That way, the doctor may be more specific with the prescription medications for your specific situation.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) reported that in 2020, at least 16% of deaths by overdose included a mix of opioids with benzodiazepines.
Determining Factors on How Long Xanax Stays in Your System
Compared to other drugs, such as Adderall, there are main considerations to keep in mind to determine how long drugs like Xanax stay in your system. Its effects may last for hours and not mere minutes, unlike other substances. And when people abuse Xanax in excess, their internal organs are unfortunately the ones that take a direct hit.
These factors may influence the duration of how long a Xanax substance stays in the body:
- A person's metabolism - When a person is active or on the go, there's a higher probability for them to digest the substance faster than any other drug. However, people with a slower metabolism will understandably process the substance slower.
- Drug dosage - If you decide to take large amounts of the drug, expect its half-life to also extend. Expect its effects to linger more if you take another substance in between, as well as certain medications that may interfere with its effect inside your body.
- The number of times the substance was used - The more you use a substance like Alprazolam, the higher its chances to stay in your system. This is especially concerning as certain tests can detect Xanax, regardless if you stopped taking them for months.
- Age - The youth, particularly young adults, have faster metabolism compared to older people. People above 60 tend to have more sensitivity to Xanax and other benzodiazepines.
People who want to change their ways for good and want guidance to discipline them from their drug abuse may benefit a great deal from mentoring.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Xanax?
There are many things that one must factor in when deciding to stop addiction for good. Should you decide to go "cold turkey" or give up substance abuse long-term, your body will react differently which may trigger withdrawal symptoms that are either painful or uncomfortable.
Before we go into detail, you must be aware that there are levels of symptoms that people undergoing addiction treatment for Xanax abuse may experience differently from others. The primary reason for this is due to the way our bodies are made and respond to withdrawal.
But for sake of classification, we will include general Xanax withdrawal symptoms, alongside serious withdrawal signs.
Let's first start with general Xanax withdrawal signs. These may include the following:
- sleeping issues, such as insomnia (or difficulty falling asleep)
- restless feeling, uneasiness
- experiencing tension in the morning
- psychological issues including:
- anxiety
- depressive state of mind
- irritation or agitation
- muscle fatigue
- central nervous system issues such as impaired focus and memory problems
More serious problems that may manifest when you wean Xanax in a person's system might include:
- visual hallucinations
- imaginary sounds
- a feeling of emptiness inside
- loss of interest in social things or hobbies
- suicidal thoughts
When serious signs of withdrawal persist, never forget to consult your health professional to provide the proper treatment options, such as Xanax addiction recovery programs that may address these withdrawal issues.
However, a better way to approach this is by adopting a better-coping management technique for your withdrawal symptom issues. You may observe the following tips such as:
- Engaging in physical activity - Exercising releases endorphins which restore the chemical balance in your system positively. It also reduces stress and tension.
- Eating a well-balanced meal - A healthy diet has a huge impact on how your mind and body. When you eat nutrient and vitamin-rich foods, you speed up the healing process inside your body which may wean physical dependency on the substance within your body. It also helps excrete Xanax faster.
- Joining a support group - Like-minded members in a sobriety group can help guide newer members in their flock to maintain a positive attitude into long-term recovery. You can even have a sober companion to be with you as you work on your rehabilitation.
About Xanax Misuse and Addiction
To truly understand how substance use disorders occur and why addiction exists, you must dig deeper and dissect someone's history and past. In essence, there are many factors surrounding substance abuse in a person. Here are some probable agents to watch out for when surveying one's addiction situation.
- Low self-esteem - people who regard themselves poorly may be prone to developing addiction in their later years. Substance and alcohol use is more prominent in the youth as they think it's trendy and cool. It also is their way to mask whatever insecurities they have about themselves.
- Family history of addiction or mental illness - It may be saddening to hear. Still, people who have drug abusers in their families may find themselves sharing the same fate, especially without proper guidance.
- Trauma - People who had a dark past may seek solace through drug use. A mental health professional needs to identify what the cause of trauma may be to help individuals suffering understand their fears and addiction better.
How To Get Help from Xanax Addiction?
When you're stuck in a well of despair and everything seems so dark and helpless, it's understandable to feel abandoned with no way out. But the truth is, some people care for you and are just waiting to give you that life raft.
Transcend Recovery Community has all you need to get you to shore and help you build a life well-lived with a deeper purpose through sober living. We offer an efficient set of rehabilitation programs that involve cognitive behavior therapy, detoxification, and alternative outpatient drug rehab programs involving music and art therapy.
Our aftercare programs provide continuity to your sobriety journey. You may even opt to enlist in a supportive living arrangement to get strong support from like-minded people and staff members while helping you transition smoothly to the outside world.
Our testimonials from past clients speak for our dedication and the trust they've given us during their period of rehabilitation. So don't hesitate to contact our addiction recovery specialists and start building peace in your life through recovery.
