As many people struggling with a diazepam addiction will admit, a diazepam addiction can develop gradually. Many people become addicted to diazepam after being prescribed the substance by their doctor.
In fact, what might start as a prescription for anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms or panic attacks can turn into an addiction.
This is because over time, the body adapts and increases in tolerance to diazepam, meaning that higher doses will be needed to achieve the same effects. When this happens, individuals can become addicted quickly.
For many people living in Edinburgh, a professional diazepam detox is the first and most important step towards recovering from an addiction to diazepam.
However, it is important to understand that detoxing from a benzodiazepine such as diazepam, a slow withdrawal is needed.
This is because attempting to detox suddenly or without medical guidance can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Unlike some addictive substances, stopping diazepam too quickly can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, psychosis and other life-threatening health issues.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialists are able to help people to get access to safe detox and rehab services in Edinburgh and across the rest of Scotland.
Whether you have been taking diazepam for just a few months or whether you have been taking it for years, getting access to addiction treatment will help you to withdraw safely and begin your recovery journey.
Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat a number of health conditions including anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, muscle spasms and seizures. It is also widely recognised and referred to under the brand name Valium [1].
Diazepam works by slowing activity in the brain and the nervous system. This creates a calming effect that will temporarily reduce any feelings of anxiety or frustration.
Whilst this is great news for anyone suffering from anxiety, it becomes very easy to become addicted to, ultimately resulting in an addiction [1].
As mentioned above, many people in Edinburgh initially begin taking diazepam through a legitimate prescription. However, others obtain it illicitly.
Either way and regardless of how you get access to diazepam, regular and excessive use can quickly lead to increased tolerance, where the body becomes reliant and dependent on the drug to function normally. This is where an addiction can take hold.
As mentioned above, it is important to understand that a diazepam addiction can develop subtly.
This is because the substance is often legally prescribed, meaning that many people might not immediately recognise the warning signs of addiction, or release the harm that the substance can do to your body [2].
There are a number of common signs that someone has become addicted to a substance such as diazepam, including some of those listed below:
Many people struggling with addiction also experience worsening anxiety and depression, despite continuing to use diazepam.
As discussed above, a diazepam withdrawal can be extremely dangerous when it is attempted alone or at home, without professional supervision.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal affects the central nervous system and could potentially result in serious complications if it is not done slowly and with professional help.
Below are just some of the withdrawal symptoms that you are likely to experience when withdrawing from diazepam [3]:
In severe cases, a benzodiazepine withdrawal can become life-threatening.
This is very similar to an alcohol withdrawal, where suddenly stopping could trigger seizures or delirium. For this reason, a professional and medical detox within a rehab setting is strongly recommended.
Professional detox clinics in Edinburgh typically treat a diazepam addiction.
They will ensure that individuals slowly withdraw from the substance rather than stopping suddenly, which involves slowly reducing the dose over time to minimise withdrawal symptoms and lower any potential health risks or complications.
A diazepam detox is able to help people to withdraw from the addictive substance in the safest and most comfortable way possible. A detox addresses the physical side of addiction, before ongoing rehab treatment begins and starts to treat the psychological side of your addiction.
Many people entering a rehab detox feel anxious about the process, which is why we have explained what to expect below for you:
Before your professional detox begins, medical professionals will carry out a detailed assessment.
This will likely include understanding how much diazepam you currently consume, how long you have been addicted for, the state of your overall health, your current mental health, whether or not you have previously detoxed or whether you are addicted to other substances.
This information helps medical professionals develop an appropriate detox plan for you, which is why it is incredibly important to be as open and honest as possible during this stage.
Rather than stopping diazepam suddenly, doctors and other medical professionals will slowly reduce the dose over a number of days or weeks. This gradual reduction lowers the likelihood of experiencing a seizure and severe withdrawal symptoms.
This slow process is known as tapering, which differs for each person depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s health.
During a medical detox, individuals will receive continuous medical support from healthcare professionals.
This allows any withdrawal symptoms to be managed promptly and safely without escalating into a life-threatening health condition.
Inpatient detox clinics throughout Edinburgh might also provide medication to ease any discomfort and support sleep or anxiety where it is appropriate.
The length of a diazepam detox varies depending on a number of different factors, including how often you take the substance, how much you tend to take, whether you have any physical or mental health issues and whether or not you are addicted to other substances.
This is because diazepam is a long-acting substance, meaning that withdrawal symptoms might emerge more gradually than with shorter-acting drugs.
In many cases, acute withdrawal symptoms tend to last between just 2 and 8 weeks.
However, some people might experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms that could last for several months. This is why ongoing rehab and aftercare support are both so important.
Anyone with a moderate to severe addiction will be recommended for inpatient rehab treatment, which is often considered the most effective treatment option.
Inpatient rehab treatment allows individuals to focus entirely on their recovery in a structured and supportive environment, away from outside triggers or stressors such as work, family or friends.
There are several benefits associated with inpatient rehab, including around-the-clock medical supervision, a safe detox, daily therapy sessions, structured routines and peer support.
Many professional rehab clinics in Edinburgh combine detox with intensive therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of an individual’s addiction.
Alternatively, some people might be more suitable for outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment.
This type of rehab treatment allows individuals to continue living in the comfort of their own home whilst visiting the rehab centre to attend appointments and to receive medical treatment and support.
This type of rehab treatment is most appropriate for those with a mild addiction, strong family support, a stable home environment and good mental health.
In order to offer you outpatient rehab treatment, doctors and medical professionals must be assured that you are at lower risk of relapsing.
However, it is important to understand that outpatient detox is not suitable for everyone. For example, people with a severe addiction or a history of seizures will likely require inpatient rehab treatment instead.
When recovering from a substance such as diazepam, it is important to understand that a detox alone rarely addresses the underlying causes of addiction. In fact, effective rehab treatment requires therapy to help individuals to understand and change their harmful habits or patterns of behaviour.
There are now a wide range of therapy techniques offered to people in rehab treatment across Edinburgh and the rest of the UK.
These techniques are used to treat a wide range of addictions and mental health issues. Not every technique will be suitable, so it is important to keep an open mind when experimenting with different therapy techniques to help you find the one that is right for you and your specific struggles.
Below are just some of the therapy techniques that are offered throughout rehab centres up and down Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland.
Likewise, most rehab centres now also offer dual diagnosis treatment, where they treat addiction alongside a mental health issue.
This is because most people struggling with an addiction also suffer from a mental health condition. In fact, a diazepam addiction often occurs alongside mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.
It is important to understand that recovery does not end after a detox. In fact, ongoing support is essential when it comes to maintaining long-term recovery.
This is why relapse prevention is so important. Relapse prevention strategies might include ongoing therapy, attending support groups, developing healthy routines, avoiding triggers, learning how to manage your stress and learning how to build a strong support network.
Thankfully, many rehab clinics up and down the UK now also provide aftercare programmes to help individuals to transition back into daily life following addiction treatment. Without taking your aftercare and relapse prevention planning seriously, you are at risk of relapsing later down the line.
When someone suffers from an addiction, it is easy to become selfish. However, it is important for individuals suffering from an addiction to understand that addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones, too.
In fact, family members and friends might experience stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion after worrying and trying to help their loved one.
Due to this, some rehab clinics in Edinburgh and the rest of the UK now offer family therapy or educational sessions for loved ones to help relatives to better understand addiction and the recovery journey.
Below, we provide answers to common questions around this important topic:
Diazepam can become highly addictive, especially when it is used for long periods of time or in high doses. It is also important to acknowledge that an addiction can still develop even when the medication is taken as prescribed.
Attempting diazepam detox at home without medical supervision can be incredibly dangerous and is not recommended. This is because withdrawal symptoms can include seizures and severe psychological issues. This is why a professional detox is strongly recommended.
When detoxing from diazepam, withdrawal symptoms vary between individuals. Initial withdrawal symptoms could last a number of weeks, whilst some people experience longer-term psychological symptoms for weeks or even months after initially detoxing.
After your detox, you will benefit from ongoing rehab treatment including therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare support and treatment.
Yes. It is important to understand that with professional help and support including a detox, therapy and aftercare support, many people achieve long-term recovery from a diazepam addiction.
As discussed above, it is easy to see why a diazepam addiction can feel overwhelming.
Whilst this is the case, it is important to understand that professional help is available. With the right detox treatment, therapy and ongoing rehab support, recovery is achievable.
Because a diazepam withdrawal involves serious health risks, it is vital not to attempt to detox alone without professional help.
You should always opt for a medically supervised detox to help you to withdraw safely without putting your life at risk.
If you or someone you know is struggling from a diazepam addiction, then getting access to professional treatment is necessary.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialists are on hand to provide you with information, support and access to professional help before your addiction gets any worse.
To get the help you need, speak to our friendly and helpful team by calling us on 0800 140 4690 or by visiting us online by searching for www.rehab4addiction.co.uk.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8629021/
