VALIUM (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used for the short-term relief (2 to 4 weeks) of symptoms such as anxiety or agitation related to depression, alcohol withdrawal; acute hyperemesis gravidarum; and preoperative apprehension and anxiety. It usually is administered orally, but parenteral forms also are available.
Valium is a depressant that is frequently given as a sedative. It’s also sometimes prescribed for patients diagnosed with muscle spasms or seizures that are not caused by epilepsy. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. Valium must be used with caution during pregnancy because it may harm the unborn baby.v
The most common side effects of Valium include drowsiness; dry mouth, tired feeling; headache; lightheadedness, dizziness; or vision changes.
Valium might be combined with other medications to treat symptoms related to alcohol withdrawal, agitation due to psychosis, or preoperative apprehension and anxiety.
Valium Addiction: What You Need to Know
Valium is a potent, long-lasting Benzodiazepine with effects comparable to other medicines in its class. If Valium is taken improperly, it has the potential to induce addiction. It’s difficult for a Valium user’s brain to function normally without taking the drug over time. Some individuals who are addicted to Valium, on the other hand, may not even be aware that they have a problem.
Taking Valium for longer than 4-6 weeks, even if prescribed by a doctor, raises the chance of addiction.
Taking more significant amounts of Valium to experience the drug’s effects is one of the telltale signs of Valium addiction. One must take valium addiction treatment if needed. Other symptoms of a Valium addiction include:
- You have strong urges to use the drug.
- Alienation from family and friends.
- Despite the adverse effects of the medication, users continue to use it.
- Decrease in a person’s interest in previously enjoyable activities.
- Ignoring duties.
Removing Valium from your life can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you quit taking it. If a user develops tolerance to the effects of Valium, they may experience drug dependence symptoms if they stop using it. Valium withdrawals are painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult for dependent users to quit on their own. Many people who are addicted to Valium require the medication to function correctly.
Valium Dependence Reasons
Valium is most often used by those who want assistance coping with the demands of daily life. These people are also the ones who are most inclined to misuse it. While there are various reasons for Valium addiction, many individuals taking the drug do so to achieve a euphoric high. They rely on it to feel normal, to relieve tension and anxiety. Valium is widely used because it aids in sleep. In higher dosages, Valium produces a feeling of profound calm and euphoria mainly.
Many people are under the impression that since Valium is legal, it must be safer and less addictive than illegal street drugs like Heroin or Cocaine. Many individuals have fatally overdosed as a result of these misunderstandings.
The following are signs that a Valium overdose has occurred: Bluish lips, Double vision, Drowsiness, Difficulty breathing, Weakness, and Uncoordinated movement.
Common drug Combinations
Valium is frequently used in conjunction with other prescription drugs and alcohol. Valium has a central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect, making it especially hazardous to combine with other CNS Depressants. The most common overdoses of Valium occur when combined with CNS Depressants such as alcohol and opiates.
Valium Addiction Treatment
Treatment centers specializing in Valium rehabilitation can aid with Valium detox symptoms and lower the chance of relapse. Attempting to detox from Valium without the aid of a professional may result in medical issues and slipping back into addiction. Rehab-related assistance is available through treatment providers.
Addictions Recognition
Valium addiction may be tough to detect, especially for family and friends. Valium is sometimes given for up to four months; an addiction might gradually develop during this period.
Valium addiction is a chronic disease that can cause severe problems in personal and professional life. People who are addicted to Valium frequently put their addictions ahead of their career and personal responsibilities. They’re also more likely to become uninterested and lose interest in pastimes they previously enjoyed.
While drug addiction is primarily caused by drug abuse, not all users of Valium become hooked. Abusing Valium in any manner other than as prescribed by a doctor is considered misuse. Experiencing urges and withdrawal symptoms while needing larger doses of Valium to achieve the desired result are signs that one has crossed the line into substance abuse.
An intervention and subsequent steps
It’s critical to talk about it if someone you care about is taking Valium. Getting an addicted individual into treatment as soon as possible might prevent future issues with their health, job, or family life.
Staging an intervention is one way to encourage your loved one to seek assistance. Interventions assist dependent individuals in seeing how their behavior affects their family and friends. It can also make it easier to converse with the addict with the help of additional family members.
Valium users may be rambling or perplexed. It’s preferable to stage the intervention when your loved one is less likely to be under the influence. Make sure you prepare what you’ll say ahead of time before the meeting. Hire a professional if you’re unsure what to say or think your loved one may become violent.
Withdrawal and Treatment
Never take Valium “cold turkey.” Quitting cold turkey can produce seizures and a coma, which can be deadly. Users of Valium who suffer from addiction may use treatment to gradually lower their doses over several weeks to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and avert issues.
Anxiety, sleeplessness, and tremors are some of the most frequent symptoms of Valium cessation.
The length of withdrawal varies from person to person. Those who take high doses of Valium for a lengthy period will take the longest to return to normal without the drug.
Valium addiction therapy will benefit from therapy and support groups, which are crucial building blocks. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the many psychotherapeutic treatments that may help people understand why they became dependent on Valium. Support groups and 12-step programs provide a positive atmosphere for those looking to achieve the same goal.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment are available for Valium addiction. To explore rehabilitation alternatives, contact a treatment provider.
Inpatient Rehab
Prescription drug addiction is not the only type of substance-related illness, but it does affect between 9 and 18 percent of individuals who abuse prescription pain medication like Valium. Inpatient rehabilitation is crucial to the recovery process. It has been shown to boost the chances of a successful recovery without relapse for people with a history of heavy Valium use.
Inpatient rehabilitation may also be an excellent alternative for individuals who are addicted to multiple substances. Those who are addicted to more than one substance require different treatment for each existing addiction. The symptoms of Valium withdrawal look similar to those produced by other drug withdrawals. However, a specialist in the field of polysubstance addictions might specialize in therapy.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 95 percent of people who entered rehabilitation for an addiction to Benzodiazepines like Valium also had another substance abuse problem.
Inpatient rehabilitation treatments usually last 28 to 90 days, and some programs may last much longer, although they generally provide recovering addicts more freedom as they continue treatment. The severity of the Valium addiction determines the length of time in therapy and whether the patient has any additional requirements, such as addressing a co-occurring mental health issue.
If you are addicted to Valium, seek treatment at a facility that offers medically assisted detox. These rehabilitation centers have physicians on staff to supervise patients during detox and avoid issues such as convulsions, which can be fatal.
Inpatient rehabilitation offers a controlled setting with personnel on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Group meetings, chores, one-on-one therapy, planned activities, and career counseling are typical daily routines in rehab.
Outpatient and Ongoing Treatment
Many individuals who suffer from Valium addiction choose an outpatient clinic to assist them in overcoming their problems. Some individuals may find that outpatient programs are more suited to them than inpatient rehab, especially those addicted only to Valium.
Outpatient treatment is also typically suggested for those who have finished inpatient rehabilitation, allowing them to continue their therapy after discharge, significantly increasing the chances of remaining clean.
Without putting their professional and personal lives on hold, these programs enable addicts to taper down their Valium dosages without jeopardizing their careers or families. They usually go to the clinic once a week to replenish their Valium prescriptions, which an addiction specialist gradually decreases until the patient can stop taking them safely.
Detoxing alone does not cure underlying behavioral and psychological challenges that led to, or were exacerbated by, Valium abuse.
Counseling and therapy are critical components of outpatient addiction treatment. Early recovery clients benefit from seeing a counselor in learning how to control their cravings and remain off Valium.
After a Valium user has been completely detoxed, long-term treatment may aid in the prevention of relapse. Continuing therapy or attending 12-step meetings are two types of ongoing therapy, and these are also excellent choices for individuals readjusting to life after rehabilitation.
Here are some ways to avoid a Valium relapse after quitting the drug:
Find something new to enjoy.
One of the most effective methods to distract oneself from Valium cravings is participating in a project that needs complete focus. Cooking, painting, or drawing are just a few activities that recovering addicts have taken up. Video game playing is another great way for recovering addicts to relieve stress and stay occupied.
Get a decent night’s sleep.
Sleeping well is linked to reduced stress, worry, and attention. This can help you avoid Valium’s allure. Also, take advantage of this time to engage in a relaxing nighttime routine, which you should try to stick with even after your Valium therapy has ended. Doing so will help you sleep better regularly.
Maintain diet and exercise
Having a nutritious diet and getting exercise help the brain to naturally reduce stress and enhance cognition, much like healthy sleep. This is especially important while taking Valium, as it can help to counteract some of the drug’s effects on the body and mind. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as lean protein sources like chicken or fish. And be sure to get regular exercise; even a moderate amount each week can make a big. Furthermore, physical activity is another pastime that may help you forget about your craving while you’re exercising.
Encourage counseling and meetings.
Many people relapse because they believe that detox is the only phase of recovery, we recommend against it. After detox, difficulties and a desire to take Valium are almost guaranteed, and an addiction counselor and support group can assist former users to stay on track.
Valium Recovery Support Recovery is a lifelong process that requires commitment and support from many sources. Informed family members and friends can be invaluable in motivating their loved ones to attend therapy and meetings.
Avoid ALL mood-altering substances
Individuals addicted to Valium are at an increased danger of relapse if they consume alcohol or take any mood-altering medication, whether it’s prescribed or not. Since Valium is a depressant, the simultaneous use of this medication with any other central nervous system (CNS) depressant can cause extremely dangerous side effects.
Find A Valium Rehab
The first step in overcoming a Valium addiction is to stop using the drug and get assistance. If you’re considering whether or not you should seek help quitting Valium, it’s likely that you already have, even if only for the sake of safely detoxing.
There are several strategies to pay for treatment. There are financial programs, rehabilitation clinics that take insurance, and initiatives for people who don’t have coverage. It should not prevent you from receiving help for Valium addiction.
If you’re searching for a treatment center, speak with one today, and a caretaker can assist you in making decisions. For more information, contact a treatment provider now.
