Valium addiction treatment that actually works

Valium is a popular brand name for a drug called diazepam. Diazepam belongs to a class of sedative drugs known as benzodiazepines (benzos for short) that also includes Xanax, Dalmane, and Klonopin.

Valium is often prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders or for short-term relief from anxiety, panic disorders, or sleep disorders. It is also sometimes prescribed to treat seizures or to help patients experiencing symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

The primary way that benzos like Valium work is by increasing levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.

This reduces sensory excitation and communication between nerves in the body, causing a reduction in anxiety and tension, as well as somnolence (sleepiness), loss of coordination, and impaired judgement.

Valium use crosses the line into abuse and addiction when it is misused for the high produced by the drug instead of pain relief. As a person consumes more of the drug over time, the body becomes physically dependent on the medication.

Physical dependence means users must consume more of the drug to get the desired effects, as well as to prevent withdrawal symptoms that arise when the drug is not present in their system. Valium addiction often leads to psychological addiction as well, causing anxiety, cravings, and other effects when they aren’t taking the medication.

Valium addiction behaviors include:

• Taking more than the prescribed dosage
• “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
• Tampering with Valium before taking it
• Taking Valium in any way other than orally

There are serious risks to Valium misuse. Sharing, giving away, or selling Valium is against the law because of its dangerous medical consequences. Prescriptions are filled for specific doses tailored to specific people, and its effects can have adverse reactions in others.

If a person with a Valium addiction is unable to access the drug, they may look for illegal sources or alternative sedatives. Because this illegal Valium is not controlled by a pharmacy, it frequently contains unknown and harmful ingredients.

Even when taken properly under the direction of a physician, it is possible to develop a physical dependence on Valium. Those who become dependent will experience typical benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms if they stop their prescription too suddenly.

Mild to moderate Valium withdrawal symptoms:

• Difficulty with memory and learning
• Mood swings, irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping

Severe Valium withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Delirium tremens
• Derealization (mental disturbance)
• Depersonalization
• Sensitivity to sound, light, and physical contact
• Numbness and tingling of extremities
• Hallucinations
• Epileptic seizures

These problems vary in severity and duration depending on the specific Valium dose taken and duration of use. Physical dependency or experiencing withdrawal symptoms does not mean that you are addicted to Valium. Addiction also includes a loss of control, cravings, and tolerance for the drug.

Read more about addiction or contact us for an assessment.

Valium is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which is why it’s often used to treat patients detoxing from other benzodiazepines such as Xanax or Klonopin. For this reason, Valium addiction treatment usually involves gradually tapering the dose down over time to limit severe withdrawal symptoms.

The patient will be most uncomfortable during the first one to four days of withdrawal, so a combination of mild muscle relaxant, antidepressant, and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Motrin (generic name ibuprofen) may be prescribed to make the patient more comfortable.

There are no medications approved by the FDA specifically for Valium addiction treatment. However, certain medicines may be used to help sedative abusers with the significant depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance with which they often struggle during withdrawal and early recovery phases.

Valium is typically eliminated from the system within about 48 hours. Once this happens, the person will start to enter the acute withdrawal phase, which usually lasts about three to four days. Patients then enter the general withdrawal phase, which may last for up to two weeks.

After this, most patients will begin to stabilize, and the majority of withdrawal symptoms will subside. For some, issues such as anxiety, depression, irritability, lack of motivation, and dissatisfaction may persist for several weeks. This is why psychological treatment and behavioral therapy are important components of a comprehensive Valium addiction treatment plan and why those who do detox only have such a high risk of relapse.

Valium overdose is possible is someone takes more than the prescribed maximum dosage, and the likelihood of a severe or fatal overdose increases when it is combined with alcohol or other drugs.

Valium overdose symptoms:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Loss of bodily movement control
• Diminished reflexes
• Decreased muscle tone
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Loss of consciousness
• Trouble breathing
• Coma
• Death

These symptoms can be deadly if not treated immediately.

Users typically abuse Valium by cutting, crushing, chewing, or dissolving Valium tablets to amplify its effects and reduce the amount of time it takes for the drug to start working.

Combining Valium with other substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and other prescription drugs such as opioids is also a common way it is abused. These substances can have a synergistic effect, intensifying one another and causing a more intense high that they would on their own. However, this can greatly increase the likelihood of an accidental overdose.

Yes. Valium is classified by the DEA as a Schedule IV controlled substance for its highly addictive properties, so possessing and taking Valium without a prescription is against the law, as is sharing, giving away or selling it.