Valium is a benzodiazepine drug commonly used for treating anxiety. Other times, the drug is used for the treatment of muscle spasms as well. Its generic name is diazepam, and you cannot get the drug without a prescription.
What does Valium do?
As a benzodiazepine, it enhances the effects of GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter in the brain.
Gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA is known as an inhibitory transmitter, which means it slows down your nervous system activity. By enhancing the effects of GABA, Valium can calm down symptoms of anxiety and overstimulation.
What are the risks of using Valium?
While Valium can be effective in managing certain medical conditions, it is also habit-forming and addictive. This is especially true when you take high doses of the drug for longer periods.
When you’re not careful, you can be obsessed with the calming effects of the drug. Normally, if you follow your prescription to the letter, you should be fine. However, there may be times you no longer feel the same effects as when you first took the drug. If you increase your dosage without consulting your doctor first, you risk developing dependence on the drug.
When you become dependent on Valium, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking it suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include the following:
Anxiety- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
In some cases, withdrawal symptoms may be potentially fatal. If you have been taking excessive doses of the drug for an extended time, you may also experience the following:
- Seizures: The drug can cause a drop in the activity of neurotransmitters that are involved in seizures. When you are dependent on Valium, and you suddenly stop taking the drug, you may be at risk of experiencing severe and potentially life-threatening seizures.
- Delirium: This condition is characterized by confusion, agitation, and an altered state of consciousness. Delirium can be severe, which will most likely require hospital admission.
- Suicidal thoughts: Dependence on this drug may trigger feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to this drug and is experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately.
If you are struggling with Valium addiction, drug rehab is an effective way to overcome it and achieve long-term recovery. Valium rehab programs typically involve both medical and behavioral treatments, and there are inpatient and outpatient options for rehab.
How effective is drug rehab?
Although drug rehab is generally effective, overall efficacy can vary. The outcomes depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your addiction, your willingness to change, your physical and mental health conditions, and the support systems available to you.
The best drug rehab programs employ a wide range of therapies that address both the biochemical and psychological aspects of addiction. These may include:
- Medically-assisted detox
- Medications to counteract withdrawal
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Behavioral therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), contingency management, and the like
It is also important for individuals to fully engage in the rehab process and follow through with the recommended treatment plan in order to increase their chances of success. This may require a significant commitment of time and effort, but the benefits of overcoming Valium addiction can be well worth it.
Overall, the effectiveness of Valium rehab can depend on a range of factors and may vary from person to person. It is important for you to find a reputable rehab program that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Most of all, you must fully engage in the treatment process to maximize your chances of success.
What happens during rehab?
A common method employed in drug rehab is called “tapering off.” Here, your dose of Valium is slowly reduced over time. This method minimizes any withdrawal symptoms that may develop, making the process of quitting the drug more manageable. Tapering is often done with the help of a medical professional, who will monitor your progress and adjust the tapering plan as needed.
Another approach is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT utilizes medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and curb any drug cravings, and this is usually done during detox. An example of a common medication for Valium addiction is Ativan (lorazepam). This drug is itself a benzodiazepine, but its effects are milder compared to Valium.
If you are in a drug rehab program, you will also go through several behavioral therapies, such as counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and others. These help you identify underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction, as well as develop coping strategies for maintaining long-term sobriety.
What are the misconceptions about rehab?
Despite the effectiveness of Valium rehab, there are still some misconceptions. Some people may believe that Valium addiction is not as serious as addiction to other substances, or that it is not possible to become addicted to a prescription medication. However, Valium addiction is a serious condition that can have significant negative impacts on your health and well-being. With that, it is important to seek professional help for recovery.
Another common misconception is you should only go to rehab if you already have a severe addiction. The truth is drug rehab can be beneficial for you at any stage of addiction. Also, it can be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
How can I seek professional help?
Seeking help for your addiction should be your immediate concern. Do some research to find out the best rehab provider that can address your specific needs. You may refer to the website of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to search for rehab providers near you.
It can also be helpful to seek support from loved ones and participate in a support group or community of people who are also in recovery.
Drug rehab is an important step to regaining a sober lifestyle. It is important to address any misconceptions about Valium addiction and treatment, and to seek professional help and support for the best chance at success. If you or someone you know is struggling with Valium addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – there are resources available to support you on your journey to recovery.
