There are so many conflicting reports about this subject matter, but I would be prepared for some degree of unpleasantness regardless of whether it occurs or not.
Agreed. A month long binge isn't a drop in the bucket, so to say, but it is nothing to scoff at. I'm fairly sure you're going to be extremely uncomfortable on day 1 without xanax... but due to the crappy feeling that is not comparable to opiate WD's, logic should kick in and tell you that taking another xanax to cure the WD's woud be a very, very bad idea. Basically, you realize right then and there that the xanax has screwed with your brain.
I'm not going to lie to you...it's kind of scary, as you will notice what most call "brain zaps", harmless, but extremely uncomfortable. I guess they are the pre-cursors to seizures and a seizure is what you'll get if you quit benzos cold turkey after 6 months+ or so of daily use. Don't get me wrong, a 30 day binge is very unlikely to contribute to a seizure upon cessation of the drug. but you will realize(if you're wise and able to learn from your mistakes) that xanax is a "dirty" drug and somewhat akin to a poison, imo. No, it 'aint going to kill you by itself at the recommended dose, or even 20* the recommended dose(unless combined with another downer, then you're playing with a forest fire...but I'm sure you know all about the dangers associated with poly-drug abuse that includes benzos).
IMO, you will be perfectly fine by day 3 or 4...but those 3 or 4 days WILL MAKE you realize that benzos should be saved for special occasions, and special occasions only. I'll never use three days in a row, simply because of what I experienced after a 12 day binge. Sitting in bed, trying to force myself to sleep was the scariest part, imo, as I believe I could actually feel the brain working to create the chemicals that had been depleted during my binge. And of course I was lucky to get more than an hour of sleep at a time during those 3-4 days. Quite simply, it sucked....hard....very hard. It makes me ill just to think about..and that was after 12 FRIGGIN DAYS!
Again, this experience was a real eye-opener for me, and unlike any other WD I've been through. I told myself never again, and I meant it...in fact it was a walk in the park to follow through with this pledge, and I'm 100% sure I'll never abuse benzos again. Opiate WD compared to benzo WD? Lets just say that I'd take a 100 day heroin habit(snorted) WD over a ten day xanax WD, and it isn't even close. You know you're going to be fine during the midst of heroin hell, but I was seriously worred about my brain/nerves during the benzo WD.
You will be fine, but don't play around with a taper at this point in time. You will feel like shit, but a taper isn't necessary given a 30 day binge. Just pay the piper, curl up into a ball, and tell yourself never again...hell, you wont have to tell yourself that, as the voices in your head will be singing it!
Sorry if I've scared you, but I'm sure you know I'm not BS'ing you. There are certain OTC drugs you can take that will give you a bit of comfort(UTSE and you will find what you need). You'll be fine mate...just relax and take a chill pil....errr...nap.