Diazepam is a widely prescribed medication, part of the benzodiazepine group. It is commonly used to treat a number of conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures.
While diazepam is highly effective in the short term, long term use can lead to addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to diazepam, then seeking a Diazepam detox in Birmingham is the first vital step towards recovery.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialists understand how complex a benzodiazepine addiction can be.
This page discusses how a diazepam detox works, the risks involved and the support that is available across the Birmingham area.
Diazepam, often known by its brand name Valium, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications work by calming the central nervous system and producing a sedative effect [1].
Although diazepam is prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, an addiction can develop even when it is taken as directed by your doctor.
This is because over time, the body builds up tolerance to diazepam, meaning that higher doses of the addictive substance are needed to achieve the same effect. This often leads to dependence and addiction over time [1].
There are a number of common causes of diazepam addiction.
For example, some people gain an addiction to diazepam after being prescribed the medication for a long period of time or increasing their dosage without medical guidance.
Likewise, people might gain an addiction by using diazepam recreationally or by combining the substance with other addictive substances, such as alcohol or cocaine.
There are several warning signs that someone has become addicted to diazepam.
Recognising addiction early can prevent the addiction from getting worse and must be taken seriously.
Some signs that someone is addicted to the substance might include some of those listed below [1].
If these symptoms sound familiar when it comes to either you or someone you know, then seeking professional detox and rehab support in Birmingham is strongly advised.
A medical detox is the process of removing an addictive substance from the body. In fact, it is the most important and critical stage when it comes to overcoming an addiction.
Without a professional detox, ongoing use of diazepam can result in worsening physical health issues, worsening mental health issues, increased tolerance, a risk of an overdose and social and workplace issues.
However, it is important to understand that a medical detox alone is not enough to achieve long term recovery.
This is because a detox must be followed by structured therapy to address the psychological aspects of the individual’s addiction. This could include a mental health issue, or traumatic event.
It is incredibly important to understand that detoxing from diazepam can be dangerous if not done correctly. Like an alcohol withdrawal, stopping benzodiazepines suddenly can lead to life-threatening complications, including seizures.
Other severe symptoms may include delirium tremors, severe anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations and heart palpitations [2].
For this reason, you should never attempt to detox from diazepam alone at home.
You should always attend inpatient detox when recovering from a diazepam addiction, and a medically supervised detox in Birmingham is essential when it comes to reducing the risks and ensuring your safety and long term recovery.
Choosing a professional detox facility in Birmingham provides access to around-the-clock medical care, structured support and a safer withdrawal process.
Whilst a medical detox will be the best thing that you will do when it comes to your recovery, a lot of people suffering from an addiction to diazepam put off attending a detox due to nerves and anxiety around the process.
However, the detox process is actually incredibly simple and usually the same across most rehab clinics. Below is the general detox process across most detox facilities in Birmingham and across the rest of the UK.
Before the detox begins, a full assessment is carried out. This typically includes an assessment of your medical history, substance use evaluation, a mental health screening and a risk assessment when it comes to your withdrawal symptoms.
This information helps doctors and other healthcare professionals to plan a safe detox programme that works for you and your specific addiction or mental health issues.
Unlike some addictive substances, a diazepam detox often involves gradually reducing your use, rather than stopping consumption suddenly.
This means that the dose is slowly reduced over time, which lowers the risk of a seizure, reduces your withdrawal symptoms and makes you more stable, both physically and mentally.
During your medical detox, medical professionals will monitor your vital signs, your withdrawal symptoms and any changes to your mental health. During this time, medication might be used to manage your symptoms and prevent any further complications from occurring.
It is important to remember that a detox is not just physically challenging. In fact, a detox can be emotionally challenging too. Emotional support is available through therapy, including one-to-one therapy, group therapy or holistic therapy.
As discussed above, one of the most challenging aspects of a detox is the withdrawal symptoms that you will experience.
It is important to remember that withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance that you are addicted to, how long you have been abusing the substance for, how much you tend to take and your overall individual health.
Below are some of the most common and then the most severe withdrawal symptoms that you can face when detoxing from diazepam specifically.
Whilst everyone is different, withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few days of reducing or stopping diazepam, and might last several days, weeks or even sometimes longer.
A diazepam detox timeline differs from person to person. There are several factors that influence the duration of a detox, some of which are listed below for you:
A detox from diazepam is likely to include a couple of weeks, with mild withdrawal symptoms starting within just a few days. A week or two in, and you will be experiencing the peak of your withdrawal symptoms.
After a couple of weeks, your body will begin to stabilise again. In some more severe cases, withdrawal symptoms may persist for longer, particularly without proper rehab support.
Whilst a medical detox addresses physical dependence, addiction issues are also psychological. This is why therapy is essential after a medical detox.
It is important to understand that without therapy, a relapse is more likely later down the road. Therapy helps individuals to better understand the root causes of their addiction, to develop better coping strategies and build healthier habits.
Inpatient therapy allows you to receive 24/7, around-the-clock care and support, as well as a structured routine without any cravings or triggers.
This is the preferred option for anyone who wouldn’t be able to remain home during their treatment due to triggers or exposure.
Outpatient rehab allows you to remain in the comfort of your own home, whilst visiting your local rehab centre every week to receive therapy.
This is the preferred option for anyone who wants to continue working or look after their children whilst they receive therapy support.
Rehab therapy programmes focus on both mental and emotional recovery, aiming to uncover why you became addicted to the substance in the first place.
There are several different therapy techniques available across Birmingham, including cognitive behavioural therapy, one to one therapy and group therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, also frequently referred to as CBT helps individuals to better identify negative thought patterns, change any harmful behaviours and develop better habits and coping mechanisms.
Group therapy sessions are great at reminding people that they are not alone. They provide people with peer support, shared experience and reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Private, one-to-one therapy allows for a deeper exploration of any trauma, emotional triggers or mental health issues that might have caused or worsened the individual’s addiction.
It is important to remember that many individuals struggling with a diazepam addiction also suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
This is referred to as a dual diagnosis, where integrated treatment is needed.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. This approach improves long-term recovery, rather than just a short-term approach that will likely lead to a relapse later down the line.
Thankfully, Birmingham offers a range of detox and rehab services, including private inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, NHS funded treatment options and a range of community support services.
When opting for drug and alcohol rehab in Birmingham, you will be offered either inpatient or outpatient treatment depending on the severity of your addiction.
Additionally, you will need to choose between private or NHS funded treatment.
Private rehab treatment usually provides shorter waiting times, more intensive support and better comfort and privacy during your recovery.
However, private rehab can also cost thousands of pounds each week, making it inaccessible for many people.
However, NHS-funded rehab treatment is free. It allows you to gain access to local support groups, referrals to specialist care and even outpatient or inpatient rehab treatment, including a detox and therapy.
It is important to understand that when it comes to NHS-funded rehab treatment, waiting times might be longer than those for private rehab treatment.
It is important to understand that whilst struggling with an addiction is difficult, watching someone struggle with addiction can also be incredibly difficult and for some people, even traumatic. This is why support from family and friends plays a crucial role.
There are a number of things that loved ones can do to help their loved one through an addiction issue, including encouraging them to ask for professional help, avoiding enabling behaviour, offering emotional support, simply listening and learning about addiction and recovery.
Likewise, you should also try to set healthy boundaries with your loved one. Healthy boundaries protect both you and your loved one.
This could include refusing to provide financial support that might encourage their addiction, encouraging a level of accountability and by seeking support yourself if you feel that your health has been impacted as a result of your loved one’s addiction.
Below, we outline answers to common questions about diazepam detox:
Yes. It is important to understand that a diazepam detox can be very dangerous without the right medical supervision. Withdrawal from diazepam can lead to seizures and other serious health issues, which is why it is important to always seek professional support.
A home detox is not recommended when it comes to a diazepam detox due to the risks involved. This is why a medically supervised, inpatient detox in Birmingham provides a safer environment for someone with a diazepam addiction.
Withdrawal can last a number of weeks, depending on individual factors such as the severity of your addiction and how long you have been addicted to diazepam for.
After a medical detox, therapy is recommended in order to address the psychological side of addiction, including mental health issues which will reduce the risk of relapse significantly.
As discussed above, an addiction to diazepam can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to understand and remember that recovery is possible with the right support.
A safe and structured diazepam detox in Birmingham can help you begin your recovery journey towards a better and more healthier life.
If you are ready to break free from your addiction to diazepam, then reaching out for help today could be the most important thing that you do.
For more help and support with your addiction, call our friendly and helpful team for free on 0800 140 4690 or by visiting our website for free by searching for www.rehab4addiction.co.uk.
