Valium Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What Is Valium (Diazepam)?

Valium or diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It is a controlled substance and available only on prescription.

You might ask yourself “Is Valium a narcotic?” The answer would be no. It has muscle relaxing, anti-convulsant, and sedative properties when used as prescribed by a physician. Valium effects last longer than ordinary benzodiazepines (20-70 hours) and people are able to notice its sedative affects within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose.

The way Valium works is by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits its activity. When a person takes a dose of valium, the drug increases the effects of the GABA neurotransmitter, which reduces anxiety and level of activity.

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Is Valium Addictive?

Valium is extremely addictive. If a person uses excessive amounts of Valium, he or she may become physically dependent and addicted, as the drug is quite pleasurable thanks to its sedative and calming effects. Valium is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance which means it could be abused and addicted to. Valium is consistently overused, it can lead to significant side effects and even overdose in the short and long term.

Abuse of Valium combined with other drugs should be avoided because it has the potential of overdose, which can lead to these medical complications:

Reduced breathing

Problems with the heart

Unconsciousness

Fatality

There were over 15 million diazepam prescriptions filled in the US in 2011, and made everyone’s list of top five prescribed Benzo medications, according to the DEA. For this purpose, it is also on the inline list of Benzo traders.

Recreational terms for Valium

Examples of these are street names for Valium and other prescription drugs:

V’s

Yellow V’s

Blue V’s

Benzs

Downers

Fufu

Howard’s

Sleeping aid

What Is The Prevalence Of Valium Addiction?

According to the SAMHSA 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimate of 6.9% of the American population, which equals over 18.7 million people abused prescription drugs such as Valium. More than 7,900 deaths due to overdose from benzodiazepines like Valium were reported in 2014.

Some people may begin abusing Valium through self-medication or over-the-counter purchase and develop an addiction. However, the dopamine rush tends to push users to exceed the prescribed limit or misuse it in some cases. This type of misuse certainly qualifies as medication overdose.

Loosely speaking, addiction to Valium can be manifested in the following ways:

Accessing other people’s privately owned medicines like Valium.

Purchasing Valium from a dealer, friend or relative.

Consuming more Valium than what’s recommended.

Using Valium with increased frequency.

Valium can be administered through means other than prescribed like injections.

While Valium provides relief to many, it has legitimate medical uses, But like everything else, it poses threats when misused. Valium’s prescriptive nature does not change the fact that behind closed doors, it can trigger harsh side effects, susceptibility to accidents, lapses in consciousness, and withdrawal symptoms as well.

What Are the Possible Dangers of Valium Misuse?

As is the case with other substances, most people use Valium to get high due to its pleasurable short-term effects, but many uncomfortable and perilous short and long-term side effects Valium abuse can result from it.

Initial effects that stand out from abusing Valium may include:

Prolonged Exhaustion

Nausea or Diarrhea

Dizziness

Ablurr Vision

Restlessness

Low Libido

Seizures

Respiratory Blocks

Irregular Heartbeat

Tremors

Fever

The following effects occur with chronic abuse, both physically and psychologically:

Depression

Behavior Disorder

Hallucinations

Delirium/Paranoia

Amnesia

Generalized Anxiety

Insomnia

Nightmares

Reduced reaction time

Disorientation

Psychological Dependence

Substance Use Disorder

What are the Primary Manifestations of Valium Drug Dependency?

Dependency on Valium is common irrespective of a person’s age or profession and most cases stem from a simple prescription from a healthcare provider. Whatever the case may be, these indications of Dependency on Valium can demonstrate:

Intense desire to take valium.

Developing Tolerance (Increased consumption or increased frequency of intake of valium in order to achieve the desired effects).

Disinterest or detachment towards previously enthusiastic hobbies or activities.

Feeling exceedingly sleepy all of the time or difficulty rising from slumber.

Struggling to maintain coordination and mobility.

Believing that valium is imperative for proper functioning on a day to day basis.

Resorting to consumption of valium despite having adverse health and relationship changes.

Having noticeable symptoms when addicted and not consuming valium.

If a person close to you is suffering from an addiction of Valium then you may spot the following warning signs:

Failing to fulfill obligations at work, at home, and/or at school.

Investing considerable time in obtaining and taking Valium.

Trying to stop taking Valium, but being unsuccessful.

Avoiding friends and family.

Experiencing financial or legal issues as a result of misusing Valium.

More regular prescriptions of Valium being issued.

Valium prescriptions being obtained from multiple doctors.

Larger and/or more frequent doses of Valium being consumed.

Increased frequency of injuries, falls, and accidents.

Reduced self-care.

Taking money or other valuable possessions from friends, coworkers, family, and even strangers.

What Are The Symptoms Of Valium Withdrawal?

Withdrawal symptoms are those which one experiences when an addict suddenly stops using substance they have become dependent on. Misusing valium for a long time leads to an addiction, and abandoning futher leads to these uncomfortable symptoms.

The severity and duration of symptoms will vary significantly for each individual and depends on prescription abuse frequency, whether alcohol or other substances were used, and a multitude of other factors that are unique to them.

Valium withdrawal symptoms don’t vary greatly from other substances as they usually come in the following forms:

Nausea/vomiting

Diarrhea

Aches and Pains

Feeling sick or unwell and fatigued

Severe Panic

Restlessness

Attacks of panic

Valium Detoxification

Withdrawing from benzodiazepines such as Valium can be risky, which is why trained professionals, are recommended during the process. Detoxing from Valium should ideally be done through a specialized facility known as a “Detox Center”.

Detoxing from valium can be a complex process. Fortunately patients in rehab centers do not have to bear the burden alone. Nurses and doctors are on standby to attend to any medical emergencies that may arise. Clients are medicated as necessary to ensure their level of discomfort during withdrawals is as minimal as possible, and manage those levels based on their condition without putting them in a state of extreme discomfort.

The best form of treating patients addicted to Valium is through clinical diagnosis and medical therapy alongside sober living by restricting them from doing anything else to aid them in trying to escape their emotional problems while giving them opportunities to solve the core causes of their addiction.

Cleansing from Valium whilst at home can be difficult, particularly when the household is uncooperative or drugs and alcohol are readily available. A Valium detox program will ensure that a relative or you will not relapse and remain sober forever.

Valium Withdrawal Timeline

The length, severity, and signs of symptoms from Valium withdrawal can differ from each individual, however, below is a basic estimate of the timeline for yourself or a loved one.

1-3 days post last dose: It is very restlessness, body discomfort, anxiety, tremors, profuse perspiration, anger, spasms in the muscles as well as severe anxiety at top levels is generic.

4-7 days post last dose: User’s can experience migraines, stomach aches, and chest tightness. They may also feel sadness and sleep troubles as well.

14 days post last dose: You can still suffer from anxiety, constant nervousness, tremors, and changes to your sleep pattern is not exclusion.

3 weeks post last dose: People can suffer for weeks post the withdrawal process from anxiety, false sleep, and continuous shifting of mood is quite ordinary.

4 weeks post last dose: It’s an awful four weeks mark. You can feel provoking nervousness with some anxiety and touch of anger, but in general, people feel a lot better and the extreme turbulence in feelings is showsitalized.

Alternatives for Overcoming Valium Dependency

Addiction to Valium is a persistent disease that cannot be treated easily, as it requires evidence-based treatment for effective rehabilitation. The primary step for recovery from addiction is detoxication, after which an addict may reserve a spot at a rehabilitation center that focuses on strategies to help users overcome their behavioral and psychological obstacles. It is a common belief that if someone undertakes treatment for 90 days or longer, the results will be most precise and effective. Overcoming a Valium dependency can be a prolonged process, which is why some rehabilitation centers aim for 30-day treatments. But in reality, it oftentimes requires more time to truly enable an individual to make lasting positive changes.

Inpatient vs Outpatient Valium Rehab

The two primary forms of Valium rehabilitation are inpatient programs and outpatient programs. In both types of Valium treatment programs, the goals are similar in nature and scope:

Educate the individual and explain the nature of Valium addiction along with how it impacts the body and the mind.

Work through each step of the 12-Step Program in complete detail.

Offer specialized family, pet, music, and cognitive behavioral therapies.

Learn how to deal with triggers, stress, and apply relapse prevention techniques.

Teach vital skills that will help maintain sobriety.

Learn how to live sober in a safe environment without the use of drugs.

Each objective of a treatment program can be fulfilled with an outpatient or inpatient rehab for Valium, but one may be more effective than the other for a person in recovery based on their circumstances.

Inpatient drug rehab clients can:

Stay for the entire duration of the program at the rehab center.

Follow the daily timetable and the regulations in the rehab center.

Have minimal communication with the outside world.

Enjoy constant and prompt attention from addiction treatment personnel and other medics.

Reside in a group setting with other recovering peers.

Get family, group, and individual therapy.

Participate in instructional sessions.

Outpatient drug rehab clients can expect to:

Come to a local clinic location for a series of group meetings.

Stay at home throughout the rehab.

Go to work, school, or attend to children while enrolled in rehab.

Get family, group, and individual therapy.

Participate in instructional sessions.

The price ranges of inpatient and outpatient programs of rehabs for patients addicted to Valium differ depending on the length of the program, the offered amenities, and the types of treatment possible. All clients will have different payment alternatives to meet the payments for a Valium treatment program. Generally these include using:

Health insurance benefits through carriers such as Aetna, Cigna, Unitedhealthcare, or Beacon/ValueOptions.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Third party medical loans.

Payments that are fully financed or subsidized or paid entirely by the client.

If you find it difficult to meet the costs of a Valium addiction treatment program, you may benefit from some scholarships or grants which are available from some private rehab centers or non-profit organizations.

Additional Solutions for Treating Valium Dependency

Most patients in recovery from Valium dependency are usually recommended to pursue ongoing addiction treatment. Ongoing care can include sober living facilities and Aftercare programs. Each of these options is critical for clients who are in recovery for a prolonged period.

Sober Living Program

Sober living program can also be called a midway house, three quarter marked house, or even a transition house, but all these terms are usually used interchangeably to refer to the same thing supportive housing for people in recovery.

Sober living programs serve individuals coming out of rehab or having just relapsed and require sober and supportive group housing. These facilities aim to support clients in making that critical shift from addiction to sobriety through life skills training, support resources such as step down recovery programs, and sober peer mentoring.

In addition, many sober living programs offer random drug and alcohol screening, education, and vocational services to promote rehabilitation, which can be done in conjunction with personal monitoring and/or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is a recovery program that focuses on patients who have undergone rehabilitation for drug abuse, paying particular attention to their Valium addiction. Aftercare meetings are a series of regular group meetings whereby most participants consider these as weekly check-ins with a sober accountability group.

These meetings are primarily used for participants to talk about personal obstacles they are facing at that time in their lives, offer or receive suggestions on sober living, fellow recovering participants, and use this time to consistently engage in positive fellowship.

Valium addiction is very hard to fight but not impossible with the proper drug detox and rehab programs designed for clients. For details on the detox, rehab, and aftercare programs focused on Valium addiction, reach out to CHR, and speak to our admissions representative. We have different levels of personalized programs for Valium treatment ready to serve your needs.

Valium Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What Is Valium (Diazepam)?

Valium (and its generic formulation diazepam) is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used for treatment of panic attacks and anxiety disorders. It can only be obtained with a prescription which makes it classified a controlled substance.

“Is Valium a narcotic?” is an easy question to ask, but the answer is no. It has a muscle relaxing, convulsion preventing, and sedating effect. While undoubtedly powerful, Valium’s effects last longer than those of other benzodiazepines (20-70 hours) and users typically start feeling calm and relaxed around 30 to 60 minutes after usage.

Valium makes you feel calm by increasing the effects of GABA, a chemical substance in the brain that slows down activity. With each dose, Valium amplifies the effects of neurotransmitter GABA, thus lessening anxiety and activity.

Is Valium Addictive?

Absolutely. Valium is flag-shipply addictive. Tolerance develops rapidly with repeated doses, making it easy to become physically dependent on it. Valium is considered a schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has the potential to be abused and addict cause significant side effects and overdoses.

Combining alcohol or prescription sedatives with Valium can result in an overdose. The consequences of an overdose include:

• Seizures
• Respiratory depression
• Increased cardiac activity
• Coma
• Mortality

In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recorded diazepam prescriptions at 15 million in 2011. This made diazepam one of the five most popularly prescribed benzos, meaning it is also one of the most abused benzos on the street market.

Names for Valium in the street and how it’s abused as with most prescription medications:

• Vs
• Yellow Vs
• Blue Vs
• Benzos
• Downers
• Foofoo
• Howards
• Sleep away

As noted with other prescription drugs, there is a high tendency to abuse valium and as such experience addiction or dependency from the substance. SAMHSA’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health has shown that 6.9 percent of the US population, equating to 18.7 million people abuse legally prescribed medication. In addition, over 7,900 cases of overdose mortality were recorded for those using benzos like Valium in 2014.

Even individuals who consume Valium as prescribed have a chance of becoming dependent on and addicted to the drug. In most cases, the short-term enjoyable effects of the drug can encourage users to take higher dosages or consume the drug more often than what was prescribed. Misusing Valium in this manner falls under prescription drug abuse.

Some other forms of overtheft use of Valium and prescription drugs include:

• Using Valium prescriptions belonging to others.
• Purchasing Validum from drug pushers or acquaintances.
• Consuming a greater dosage of Valium than prescribed.
• Taking Valium more often than what is appropriate.
• Snorting or injecting Valium instead of taking it orally as prescribed.

Val Por is beneficial and has therapeutic application, but abuse of the drug can make it very harmful. Even with a doctor’s recommendation, Valium (when misused) can invoke severe physical effects, heighten the chances of a car collision, and result in uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms for a user who stops taking the drug.

What Are the Side Effects of Valium Lossof Control?

Many people are always ready to raise the red flag to point out that overusing Valium can bring out fatal results. Taking over a prescribed dosage for Valium can transform one from being a serene individual to a wild beast within a matter of seconds.

An individual experiencing abuse of Valium in the short-term may experience feelings such as:

Severe drowsiness and body weakness

Nausea and stomach problems

Light-headedness

Vision problems

Restlessness

Reduced libido

Convulsions

Respiratory issues

Arrhythmia

Tremors

Chills

In the long-term, an individual suffering from abuse of Valium may experience the following issues both physically and psychologically:

Despondency

Hostility

Kafkaesque hallucinations

Delirium with vivid hallucinations or paranoia

Amnesia

Stress disorder

Troubles in falling asleep

In severe cases, nightmares

Impaired judgment

Disorientation

Dependence syndrome

Substance-use disorder

What are the main signs that might suggest the individual is addicted to Valium?

Another factor that should be worrisome is that Valium addiction does not discriminate as it can affect people of different ages regardless of gender, race, and background and can escalate even from simple prescriptions from the doctor. Here are some of the symptoms of valium addiction:

Compelled to take valium and preoccupied with thoughts regarding its usage

Increased consumption like using Valium more frequently and in more dosage in order to experience the same effects

No longer engaging in the hobbies and activities that brought joy in the past

Tiredness accompanied with sleep inertia

Few individuals walk with disturbance in their voluntary movement and coordination aka motor skills

A reliance on valium in order to accomplish even the most common of tasks

Taking valium while knowing the adverse side effects that come with it

Withdrawal symptoms accompanying lack of valium

If someone you love has an addiction to Valium, then you might notice some of these so called warning signs:

Struggling to keep up with obligations at work, home or school

Investing considerable time in obtaining and using Valium

Trying to cut down or quit taking Valium use without success

Avoiding tight-knit relationships with Families and friends

Indicating financial or legal issues stemming from Valium addiction

Increased frequency of Valium prescriptions

Obtaining prescriptions for Valium from multiple doctors

Using more Valium than prescribed and/or using it more often

Increased frequency of injuries, accidents or falls

Neglecting self-care routines

Taking money or valuables from peers, family members, friends or strangers without consent

What Are Valium Withdrawal Symptoms?

Taking Valium for an extended amount of time can lead to psychological addiction. If taken off the drug suddenly, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or panic attacks can occur.

The period of withdrawal symptoms and their severity differs from one person to another. It depends on how the drug was used, the frequency of its usage, if other drugs or alcohol were taken together, as well as multiple other aspects unique to the substance user.

The following symptoms are associated with withdrawing from Valium:

• Nausea with potential vomiting
• Involuntary passing of stool
• Pain within the muscles of the body
• Feeling of unease
• Heightened sense of worry
• Irregular behavior
• Episodes of extreme anxiety

\Valium Detox\

People often underestimate the withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines, especially without appropriate medical assistance. This can be extremely dangerous due to the physical symptoms that manifest during the process. The most effective form of Valium detox is enrollment in a medical detox program at a Valium detox center.

While providing care during valium detox, the health personnel are available 24/7. Therefore, in the case of any unforeseen medical situations, nurses and doctors are prepared to help immediately. Patients can also be provided with medication that suppresses the symptoms of withdrawal, for a gradual change into a stable state of sobriety.

Medical Valium detox is the optimal approach for stopping the abuse of Valium. This is due to the fact that withdrawal engineering patients are always assisted by the detox center staff in sobriety maintenance and other necessary interventions. Patients are placed in a safe environment during their recovery period and given clinical counseling, which helps them work through the root causes of their Valium dependence.

Detoxing from Valium at home can be quite difficult, especially if the household is not supportive, or there are other drugs and alcohol readily available. Getting help from a professional setting such as a rehab facility will prevent you or a loved one from relapsing and assist you in achieving sobriety permanently.

Where can I get help with drugs?

At Caring Hands Recovery Treatment Center, located in scenic Corona, CA, we have highly effective treatment and recovery options, supervised by our experienced and specialized staff, that we ensure are applicable and effective to the unique conditions of our clients and patients. Our qualified and caring staff are ready to readily respond to your questions. Please call us at +1 760-468-3444.

Reach out to us today by calling: +1 760-468-3444