While many people believe that all prescription medications are safe, some drugs, including Valium, have the potential for abuse and addiction. People who take Valium with a prescription should always follow their doctor’s guidance, and those taking it recreationally must seek treatment to stop safely.
This guide will explain the risks of Valium abuse and addiction, what happens in treatment at a Valium detox center, and how to find the help you need to overcome addiction. Contact the Mandala Healing Center specialists to explore our drug and alcohol detox programs and find the support you need.
What is Valium (Diazepam)?
Valium is a prescription benzodiazepine medication, also known by its generic name, diazepam. People may take Valium to manage the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders. In the past, doctors used Valium as a sedative, anti-convulsant, and muscle relaxant.[1]
Valium works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter. GABA slows the brain’s activity, and Valium users experience a reduction in anxiety when taking the drug.[2]
People who take too much Valium or abuse it may experience unwanted side effects, such as:[1]
- Clumsiness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Aggressive or violent behaviors
- Sleepiness
- Low motivation
- Reduced blood pressure and respiration
It’s essential to take Valium exactly as prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have unwanted symptoms or notice signs of abuse and addiction.
Is Valium Addictive?
Valium has the potential for abuse and addiction. Users often experience a sense of relaxation when taking the drug, which leads some to misuse it. Misuse includes taking higher doses of Valium, taking it more frequently than prescribed, or taking it without a prescription.
Over a period of prolonged or heavy use, Valium users may develop tolerance. Tolerance leads to people needing to take more and more of the drug to get the desired effects. People with a tolerance to Valium and other addictive substances will likely develop psychological or physical dependence or addiction. Addiction is a serious and complex condition that requires professional treatment and ongoing support.
People who take Valium–even those with a prescription–must be aware of signs of addiction and seek treatment to stop using the drug.
Recognizing Valium Abuse and Addiction
The first step in getting help for Valium abuse and addiction is recognizing a problem. Sometimes it can be challenging to identify drug abuse when someone is taking a prescription medication.
But drug abuse and addiction cause some physical, behavioral, and psychological changes that you may be able to identify. Here are some of the signs of Valium addiction to watch for in others:
- A noticeable difference in appearance or hygiene
- Slowed speech or movements
- Tremors or shaking
- Changes in appetite or eating habits
- Loss of coordination
- Excessive sleepiness
If you are concerned about your own Valium use, here are some questions that can help you determine if you’ve crossed the line to abuse.
- Do you take Valium every day?
- Do you take it in ways other than how it’s prescribed?
- Is it important to you that Valium is always available?
- If your supply runs low, do you feel anxious?
- Do you take Valium before starting the day?
- Have you done, or would you be willing to do something illegal to get Valium?
- Has your health, finances, relationships, or some other aspect of your life gotten worse because of your Valium use?
- Are you taking Valium without a prescription?
- Do you need to take more to get the same results?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, it might indicate that you need treatment for Valium abuse. It can be very challenging to stop using Valium on your own. Seek treatment from a Valium detox center in Florida to avoid complications and have the best chances of success.
Valium Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting Valium “cold turkey” can cause people to experience a range of uncomfortable, sometimes unbearable withdrawal symptoms. These include:
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Agitation
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and significant weight loss
These and other symptoms can be so uncomfortable that many people who attempt to detox from Valium at home have a relapse early in the process.
Valium withdrawal can sometimes lead to more dangerous symptoms, including seizures. It’s important to seek medical care from a Valium detox center to avoid potentially hazardous withdrawal complications.
What Happens at Valium Detox Center in Florida?
The medical specialists at a Valium detox center will begin by performing an intake assessment. They’ll ask you about your mental and physical health, Valium use, other substances you use, and other questions to help them create a tailored treatment plan.
While many people want to stop using Valium immediately, in many cases, it’s safer to taper a person’s Valium use slowly. This can limit the withdrawal symptoms they experience and prevent relapses. Your treatment team will determine how to safely wean you off Valium, which can be a slow process.
Even though the process can be slow, it allows your body and mind to adapt to the absence of Valium–and this can lead to long-term success. Some also receive other medications and therapies that enable them to cope with withdrawal symptoms and stay as comfortable as possible during the detox process.
Mental health support is a critical aspect of treatment in a Valium detox in Florida. Valium addiction is not simply a physical condition–it also affects how a person thinks and behaves. In some cases, people may begin individual and group therapy to process their emotions and identify the roots of their addiction.
Find a Valium Detox Center in Florida
If you or someone you love require the support and treatment of a Valium detox in Florida, reach out to the Mandala Healing Center now. Our team of caring specialists can keep you safe and comfortable as you detox from Valium and give you the support you need to recover from addiction.
Don’t wait another day for the treatment you need. Help is a call away.
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