Valium is a brand-name prescription benzodiazepine prescribed to manage the symptoms of physical and mental health disorders. However, Valium can be habit-forming, even when taken exactly as directed by a doctor. For this reason, it is typically prescribed for intermittent use or specific situations. Even still, it’s important to recognize that dependency and addiction can develop, so there is a need for caution and responsible use.
What Is Valium?
Valium, also known by its generic name diazepam, is a prescription medication often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Due to its ability to calm the nervous system, it can also be effective in treating muscle spasms and seizures.
It belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA helps to calm down nerve activity, leading to feelings of relaxation and tranquility.
Valium comes in different forms, including tablets, extended-release capsules, and oral solution. It is typically taken 1-4 times per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to treatment. The dosage may also be adjusted based on age, medical condition, and other medications being taken.
What Does Valium Treat?
Valium is classified as a benzodiazepine, which acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. For this reason, Valium is commonly used to treat:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Muscle spasms
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Sedation before certain medical procedures
However, Valium can be habit-forming, so it is ill-advised for individuals with a history of addiction or substance abuse.
Is Valium Addictive?
While Valium can be effective in relieving the symptoms of certain physical and mental health disorders, it does have the potential for abuse and addiction. This is because it works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces feelings of relaxation and calmness.
When taken as prescribed under medical supervision, Valium can be safe and effective. However, prolonged use or misuse can lead to dependency and addiction. Factors such as genetics, environment, and personal history can also play a role in the development of Valium addiction. Some individuals may be more susceptible to substance abuse and dependence due to underlying mental health issues or past trauma.
It is important for individuals taking Valium to closely monitor their usage and communicate openly with their healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is struggling with Valium addiction, seek professional help immediately.
Valium Withdrawal
As with other drugs, the severity of Valium (diazepam) withdrawal varies from individual to individual. The longer someone abuses Valium, the worse the withdrawal. Valium addiction traditionally takes some time to develop. Innocently, or not so innocently, starting at 2 mg as needed at bedtime and moving to 10 mg four times daily in a year or two. Unlike cocaine or nicotine addiction (which may take only a few months to develop), the person may take Valium daily for a year or two before becoming physically dependent on Valium.
The more someone uses Valium, the more they experience the side effects associated with Valium withdrawal. Valium withdrawal is associated with both moderate symptoms and severe symptoms.
Common Valium withdrawal symptoms include:
- Excessive worry
- Feeling agitated
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Tense muscles
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Panic, anger, or hate attacks
- Avoiding social situations
- Irrational fears
- Attention deficit & confusion
Dangers Of Valium Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine and alcohol withdrawal are the two most potentially lethal withdrawals of all drugs. While other drugs, such as oxycodone, fentanyl, and carfentanil, have a higher chance of overdose death, valium addiction is more potentially deadly when it comes to detoxing outside of a quality residential detox facility.
Without proper medical supervision, Valium withdrawal can lead to severe complications, such as grand mal seizures, which often occur when people stop taking the substance after long-term use or abuse.
Treatment For Valium Addiction
Valium addiction treatment is a critical step towards recovery for individuals struggling with this type of dependency. The first step in treatment is acknowledging the problem and seeking help.
Valium addiction treatment typically involves the following:
- Individualized Approach: Valium addiction treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment that takes careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits for each individual, which informs an individualized approach to treatment
- Medical Monitoring and Supervision: Guests should be closely monitored by a medical professional while recovering from long-term Valium abuse to ensure their comfort and safety. During detox and inpatient care, this support is available around the clock. In outpatient levels of care, this can include regular check-ins with medical professionals.
- Gradual Withdrawal: For those recovering from long-term use or abuse, a gradual tapering of the dose is crucial to prevent potentially lethal withdrawal symptoms.
- Evidence-based therapies: In addition to medical treatment, therapy can also be beneficial in addressing the root causes of Valium abuse and helping individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms.
- Holistic approach: A holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of recovery may be more effective in treating long-term Valium abuse.
- Peer support: Treatment also incorporates in-house support groups to help manage dependence and addiction. Many valium addiction programs also introduce people to local recovery meetings for ongoing support.
- Educating about potential dangers: Education about the effects of Valium, warning signs of relapse, and healthy coping mechanisms can aid in this process.
- Encouraging healthy habits: Encouraging healthy habits such as exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management can also play a role in long-term recovery from Valium abuse.
Seeking professional help from medical professionals, therapists, and support groups can provide the guidance and resources you need to recover from long-term Valium abuse.
Medical Detoxification for Valium Addiction
Attempting a medication-assisted detox for Valium dependence without professional guidance can be both dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Comprehensive recovery requires a structured approach, combining medication-assisted detox with intensive therapy to address both Valium addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Enrolling in a professional addiction treatment program ensures safe medical detoxification and provides the support needed for lasting recovery.
Valium Detox Meds
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium, are highly addictive substances. Safely detoxing from these drugs requires participation in a medical detox program to mitigate the risks of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Non-addictive medications, like pregabalin, are often used during detox to prevent seizures and are preferred over other addictive substances whenever possible. In addiction treatment, pregabalin can also help alleviate the notoriously uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with Valium, providing a safer and more manageable recovery process.
Medical detox medications assist in Valium withdrawal for the following reasons:
- Nonaddictive
- Lessen the risk of a grand mal seizure
- Decrease cravings
- Lower drug-seeking behavior
- Calm feelings of worry and fear
- Increase feelings of relief
- Decrease agitation
- Soothe restlessness
- Minimize fatigue
- Increase ambition
- Improve concentration
- Lower irritability
- Ease muscle tension
- Assist in sleep
- Boost socialization
- Decrease attention deficit and confusion
- Increase focus and conceptualization
Medications like pregabalin are commonly used during Valium detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and support individuals in the early stages of recovery.
Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders
Medication management is key to recovery from Valium addiction, especially in treating co-occurring mental health conditions. Through our dual-diagnosis treatment, we provide non-addictive medications during inpatient care and continue them through every stage of treatment.
Co-occurring disorders often linked to Valium addiction include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- Insomnia
Detox professionals in addiction treatment facilities often provide medications to treat any underlying disorders. This supports your mental health and helps ensure a smoother recovery process.
Looking For A Valium Addiction Rehab?
- Diazepam – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use | AAFP
- Benzodiazepines I: Upping the Care on Downers: The Evidence of Risks, Benefits and Alternatives
- Benzodiazepines: Uses, Dangers, and Clinical Considerations – PMC
- About diazepam – NHS
- Common questions about diazepam – NHS
