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Valium Withdrawal and Diazepam Detox

If you are one of the few who take a drug like Valium (brand name for diazepam) exactly as prescribed, but still become addicted to the substance, you are not alone. Millions take drugs like Valium in the United States each year and hundreds of thousands become addicted or experience otherwise severe adverse reactions and need to discontinue using the drug. Unfortunately many controlled substances, like Valium, also have the proclivity to be abused by some who seek to use it in ways other than as prescribed – to get high. These actions, whether intentional or not, can result in severe addiction. In order to overcome this addiction, medical treatment and support is often required. Through this treatment process, the patient undergoes drug withdrawal and drug detox before beginning the road to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about the Valium withdrawal and the drug detox process.

What is Valium and How Does it Work?

Before we can understand the withdrawal and detox, let’s take an overview at Valium as a medication, the family of medications in which it belongs and how Valium is used by patients who need it.

Valium, like other benzodiazepines (the family of drugs in which Valium belongs) works by inhibiting the neurons in the brain that control stress and anxiety. While these are being inhibited, the body and brain are able to function under better control of that added stress and anxiety. This is why Valium and other benzos are typically prescribed for those suffering from an anxiety or panic disorder. However, it is also sometimes prescribed for insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal and sometimes to help relax muscles prior to surgical procedures.

Valium Addiction:

Valium and drugs like it are designed to be used on a short term basis. They are a controlled substance because of their addictive properties. Once a person builds a tolerance to their dose of Valium, they need more of it, in higher doses, and more frequently in order for it to have the same neuron inhibiting effect it did before. When the anxiety gets worse and the panic attacks return more frequently, it is likely the body and brain is building a tolerance. Increasing dosages without consulting with your doctor is a dangerous idea. Be sure to discuss all medication and treatment plans with a doctor. In some cases, your doctor may choose to get you on a different type of anti-anxiety medication like an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to help treat  your condition. Or they may opt to take you off the benzo altogether. When this happens, or if the patient decides to go off the medication themselves (which can be dangerous and is not advised) it can result in various withdrawal and detox effects.

Medical studies regarding patients struggling with benzo addiction feature a variety of ill effects. One clinical feature is acute sedative intoxication. It is similar to alcohol intoxication with symptoms like impaired attention and judgement as well as occasional inappropriate behavior. As the physical signs of this increase, it is likely the addiction is increasing as well. Other dangers of this behavior include leading to severe overdose, which can result in stupor, high levels of suppression of the autonomic respiratory drive (slow breathing to a fatal rate), which can result in a coma or death from an anoxic brain injury.

These studies also indicate that long-term use of Valium and other benzos can actually worsen depression and anxiety.

Valium Withdrawal Effects:

benzo-withdrawal

Knowing the dangers of the long-term usage effects of Valium leads us to what happens when a person either voluntarily or under the medical direction of their doctor, begins to wean from Valium. Going through a weaning and detox process designed by a medical professional is crucial to make sure this is done properly with as little adverse withdrawal effects experienced by the patient as possible. Some withdrawal effects a patient might experience during the Valium detox may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Increased depression and anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
  • Paranoia
  • Stomach cramps
  • Delerium
  • Hallucinations

As you can see, the patient may undergo a variety of mental and physical withdrawal symptoms during the Valium drug detox process. That is why it is important to follow the direction of your medical professional who can help you do it safely and in an controlled detox weaning method to help ensure success. For those struggling with a severe substance abuse problem, including an addiction to Valium and benzos, more serious treatment options like drug rehab and/or medical supervision during detox might be necessary. Be sure to consult with your doctor to explore all options available.

Sources:

Sources: medicalnewstoday.com

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Drugs.com

Recovery.org

americanaddictioncenters.org

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