Diazepam is a commonly used type of medication, also known by the brand name Valium.
Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine medication that is commonly used for a range of issues such as anxiety, muscle issues, sleep issues, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Whilst it can be highly effective when used properly for short periods of time, diazepam can also become highly addictive.
For many people suffering from an addiction to diazepam, what starts as a legitimate reason to consume the drug gradually develops into a physical and psychological addiction to the substance.
Over time, the body adapts to diazepam, increasing your tolerance.
This makes it more difficult to stop consuming the substance without experiencing some form of withdrawal symptoms. This is why diazepam detox should never be taken lightly or tried at home without professional help.
In fact, a medically supervised detox is often the safest and most effective way to overcome a diazepam addiction.
Attempting to stop consuming diazepam without professional support can lead to dangerous health issues and complications, including seizures, hallucinations, severe anxiety and even potentially panic attacks.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of rehab and recovery specialists understand how frightening a diazepam addiction can feel.
Due to the fear surrounding the detox process, many people struggle in silence because they are ashamed or afraid to withdraw.
However, it is important to understand that addiction is a medical condition, not a personal or moral failing. With the right detox and rehab treatment, recovery is possible.
Diazepam is a type of drug known as benzodiazepine. This type of medication works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
GABA is responsible for slowing down activity in the nervous system, which creates feelings of calmness and relaxation after using it [1].
Doctors prescribe diazepam for a range of issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, muscle issues, epilepsy, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, sleep issues and even severe agitation [1].
It is important to understand that diazepam has legitimate medical uses, although it is generally only ever recommended only for short-term use. This is because long-term use increases the likelihood of a tolerance and addiction growing.
It is important to understand that a diazepam addiction often develops slowly.
For example, an individual might initially take the medication as prescribed by their doctor, but over time they will get used to having the drug in their system and their tolerance will increase.
When this happens, they are at risk of developing an addiction or moderation issue.
Once a tolerance develops, the individual will have to start taking more of the addictive substance to feel the same calming effect that they once did at the start of their use.
Some people start taking larger doses or use diazepam more frequently in an attempt to achieve the same relief and sensation.
Eventually, a physical addiction will develop. At this stage, the brain and body rely on diazepam to function day to day. If the drug is reduced or stopped suddenly, then you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
In fact, when it comes to diazepam, many people become addicted without fully realising it until their withdrawal symptoms start to appear.
It is important to understand that a diazepam addiction can affect every area of a person’s life, including their physical health, their overall mental wellbeing, their relationships, finances, and even their employment.
There are a number of common signs and symptoms that someone is suffering from a diazepam addiction. This might include some of the below signs and symptoms.
It is also important to understand that a long-term addiction to diazepam might also contribute to a range of issues including depression, anxiety and other worsening mental health symptoms.
A detox is absolutely necessary when it comes to a diazepam addiction. A detox is the process of ridding diazepam from the body whilst managing any withdrawal symptoms. It is usually the first stage of addiction treatment, followed by therapy treatment.
Any type of benzodiazepine directly affects the brain and nervous system. Because of this, a detox can be physically and psychologically demanding, as it impacts the nervous system.
Unfortunately, the longer someone has abused diazepam, the more difficult their withdrawal will likely become.
A medical detox is important for a number of different reasons. It stabilises the body from the addictive substance whilst managing the withdrawal symptoms you will be experiencing.
It also prepares the individual for therapy treatment and reduces the risk of a relapse later down the line.
Without a medical detox, many people remain trapped in their cycle of addiction which only ever worsens over time.
It is important to acknowledge that stopping diazepam suddenly can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended.
Unlike many addictive substances, a benzodiazepine addiction and withdrawal carry serious health risks. Likewise, withdrawal symptoms can escalate quickly, particularly if someone has been using diazepam heavily or for a long period of time.
There are a range of possible health risks associated with withdrawal symptoms, including a risk of having a seizure, hallucinations, psychosis, panic attacks and heart complications.
This is why addiction and recovery experts strongly advise against attempting to detox from diazepam alone or at home.
A gradual withdrawal is usually recommended in order to reduce the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on a number of different factors including what substance you are addicted to, how long you have been addicted to the substance for, whether or not you have a history of mental health, and whether or not other addictive substances are involved [2].
Some of the most common diazepam withdrawal symptoms include some of those listed below for you [2].
If your withdrawal symptoms go unmanaged, then you are also at risk of experiencing hallucinations, seizures, confusion and even suicidal thoughts.
In fact, many people describe a benzodiazepine withdrawal as one of the most challenging parts of their recovery journey due to the severity of their withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to a diazepam detox, every detox experience is different. However, there are general timelines that many people follow.
For example, within the first 24 hours of detoxing from diazepam you will likely experience mild withdrawal symptoms. During this time, most individuals start to experience anxiety, cravings and restlessness.
Over the next two weeks, you will likely experience a range of moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, sweating and panic attacks. If these symptoms go unmanaged, then they will likely get more severe.
It is also important to understand that some people experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms, especially if they have been suffering from a long-term addiction.
These ongoing withdrawal symptoms might include mood swings, anxiety, and sleep issues which could continue for weeks or even potentially months after initially detoxing from diazepam.
For those suffering from a moderate to severe addiction, inpatient rehab is often recommended. Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab provides a safe and structured environment, away from any triggers or distractions that might exist at home. Individuals stay at the rehab facility whilst completing their detox and therapy treatment.
When it comes to inpatient drug and alcohol rehab specifically, there are a number of different benefits.
For example, you will be monitored around the clock, given a structured routine and daily therapy sessions. You will also be given medication if needed and a lot of your time will be spent on relapse prevention planning.
Many people struggling with a diazepam addiction also experience a number of co-occurring mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, or other trauma related health issues.
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab allows these mental health issues the chance to be treated alongside addiction, making your recovery much more likely.
For those with a mild addiction issue, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab might be an option.
Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab allows individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home, whilst attending appointments and therapy sessions on a regular basis.
Outpatient detox may be appropriate for people with a mild addiction, a stable home environment, strong family support and a lower risk of relapsing.
However, it is important to understand that outpatient drug and alcohol treatment is not suitable for everyone. People with severe addiction, a history of seizures or an addiction to diazepam will likely require inpatient rehab instead.
Whilst the medical detox addresses an individual’s physical addiction, rehab therapy focuses on the psychological side of their addiction.
This is why drug and alcohol rehab therapy is essential. Likewise, many people use diazepam to cope with emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, or stress making therapy all the more important.
There are also now a range of common therapy techniques used during drug and alcohol rehab therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, family therapy and holistic therapy.
Combining diazepam with any addictive substance is not recommended. However, mixing diazepam with alcohol is particularly dangerous.
This is because both substances depress the central nervous system. Together, they will slow down your breathing, impair your judgement, and increase your risk of overdosing [3].
Unfortunately, many people entering drug and alcohol rehab for a diazepam addiction are also struggling with an alcohol addiction. This combination can make the detox process more complex and complicated [3].
Below, we provide answers to common questions around this important topic:
Yes. A benzodiazepine detox can be incredibly dangerous if it is attempted without medical supervision. This is because unmanaged withdrawals can lead to a range of health issues including seizures, hallucinations and other severe psychological symptoms.
It is important to understand that the detox process varies depending on the severity of your addiction. Whilst some people complete detox within a few weeks, others take a number of months to fully detox and recover.
No, it is not recommended. A home detox is not generally recommended for anyone suffering from a moderate or severe addiction to a substance such as diazepam due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, medical supervision is usually the safest option.
After the detox, most people stay within the rehab facility to undergo a range of therapy and relapse prevention support. This will usually include therapy techniques including cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy and holistic therapy.
Yes. It is important to remember that with the right support, recovery from a diazepam addiction is absolutely possible.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialists understand how overwhelming the idea of withdrawing and detoxing from diazepam can be.
This is why our team of specialists provide confidential support and advice for anyone seeking a detox and rehab treatment throughout the UK.
We will assess you and your addiction needs to ensure that we create a tailored and personalised recovery plan that is right for you.
Whether you need to attend inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, outpatient treatment, or a medical detox, it is important to remember that help is available. Seeking addiction treatment is not a sign of weakness or a moral failing, and everyone deserves a chance to recover.
To get the help and support that you need and deserve, call our helpful and friendly team today by calling us on 0800 140 4690 or by searching for us online at www.rehab4addiction.co.uk.
Find support today across the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield.
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3990949/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7870919/
