Some addictions develop over months or even sometimes years. However, a diazepam addiction can develop more quickly than you think.
Many people start taking diazepam after receiving a prescription for anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia, panic attacks, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Other people get hold of the drug illegally or abuse their prescriptions over time. What often starts as short term use can quickly become an addiction that is difficult to control.
For people living in Liverpool, a diazepam addiction can affect every part of life.
When someone is addicted to a substance such as diazepam, relationships might start to break down, work performance might decline, and their physical and mental health often starts to deteriorate.
Many people also experience worsening anxiety and sleep problems once they become addicted to diazepam.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialists are able to help people across Liverpool access safe and effective diazepam detox and rehab treatment.
Whether you have been taking diazepam for several years, months or just weeks, professional support can make your withdrawal safer and more manageable.
A medically supervised detox is often the first stage of recovery. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous without medical supervision.
In some cases, suddenly stopping diazepam may lead to seizures, severe confusion, psychosis, or other life-threatening complications. This is why a structured detox programme is strongly recommended for anyone suffering with an addiction.
This page explains how a diazepam detox works, the risks involved when it comes to a withdrawal, the different treatment options in Liverpool, and how rehab can help you to better achieve long term recovery.
Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that is commonly sold or prescribed under the brand name Valium. It belongs to a class of drugs that slow down activity in the central nervous system.
There are a number of different reasons why someone might be prescribed diazepam, including some of the reasons listed below for you [1]:
Diazepam can be a highly effective medication when it is used correctly over a short period of time. However, the medication also carries a high risk of dependence when used for extended periods of time, or in higher doses.
This is because the substance increases the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that produces a calming effect in the brain. Over time, the brain can become reliant on the substance in order to function normally [1].
Once an addiction develops, reducing or stopping diazepam suddenly or without a detox can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which can be incredibly difficult and even life-threatening.
It is important to recognise that like lots of different addictions, a diazepam addiction is not always easy to notice or recognise.
This is because many people continue to function for a long time whilst hiding their addiction issues. Other people believe prescription medication is safer than other illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine and therefore underestimate the risks that it carries [2].
There are a number of different common warning signs that someone is suffering from a diazepam addiction, some of which are listed below for you [2].
If you recognise these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone you know and love, then seeking help early can reduce the risk of long term health issues and complications.
It is important to understand that a medical detox is the process of removing diazepam from the body safely, and without it, you run the risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. This is often the first stage of treatment for benzodiazepine addiction, before people tend to undergo therapy.
Unfortunately, lots of people attempt to stop taking diazepam at home, without any form of support. Unfortunately, this can be extremely dangerous.
A benzodiazepine withdrawal is very similar to alcohol withdrawal in a number of different ways, meaning that coming off diazepam too quickly can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.
It is always important to remember that a diazepam detox should never be treated lightly. This is because an abrupt withdrawal from benzodiazepines can lead to life-threatening health issues and complications which should be avoided at all costs.
Possible severe withdrawal complications include seizures, hallucinations, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, heart issues, agitation, psychosis and delirium. As you can imagine, if these withdrawal symptoms are not closely monitored, then they could escalate.
This is why a medically supervised detox is strongly advised.
A professional detox helps to reduce the risks through gradual dose reduction and around the clock medical supervision.
Attempting to stop diazepam suddenly after prolonged use can be dangerous, particularly for people taking high doses or combining diazepam with other addictive substances, such as alcohol.
Diazepam detox timelines differ hugely depending on the individual and their specific addiction. If you suffer from a more severe addiction, then your detox will naturally take longer [3].
Some people tend to complete a detox within just one to two weeks, whilst other people require a slower approach which might take a number of weeks.
Diazepam has a long half-life, meaning that withdrawal symptoms might not appear immediately.
In fact, withdrawal symptoms sometimes begin a number of days after reducing their use. Below is an explanation of what to expect in the first few days and weeks of your withdrawal from diazepam [3].
Depending on the severity of your addiction, early withdrawal symptoms might start between 1 and 3 days, including anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, cravings and feeling irritated.
During the next two weeks, your withdrawal symptoms will likely intensify during this stage, including panic attacks, tremors, swearing, muscle pain, depression, severe anxiety, feeling sick and experiencing strong cravings for the addictive substance.
Likewise, the risk of seizures can also increase significantly during this period, which could be life-threatening if they are not handled correctly.
During this time, your withdrawal symptoms will usually begin to reduce. However, some symptoms might continue, including sleep issues, anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and fatigue.
Once you have completed your detox, your psychological symptoms and cravings might continue. This is why therapy treatment is recommended, as it helps people to address the underlying causes of their addiction and helps to build relapse prevention strategies going forward.
Inpatient rehab is when an individual stays within the rehab facility for a number of weeks or months to receive their treatment. This is often recommended for anyone with a moderate to severe diazepam addiction.
During inpatient rehab, individuals stay within the treatment centre whilst completing detox and therapy treatment. This environment removes outside triggers and gives people access to structured support throughout the recovery process.
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers a number of advantages, including around the clock medical support and care, as well as a structured daily routine.
During this time, you will also gain access to peer support, mental health therapy treatment and aftercare support and planning.
Many people entering drug and alcohol rehab for a diazepam addiction also struggle with a number of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions. Inpatient rehab allows these issues to be addressed alongside your physical recovery.
Whilst inpatient rehab is ideal for anyone with a moderate or severe addiction, some people might qualify for outpatient detox.
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live in the comfort of their own home whilst receiving treatment, attending appointments on a weekly basis and receiving medical guidance over the phone.
This option may be suitable for people with a mild addiction issue, stable mental health, work responsibilities or a family to support and care for at home. However, it is important to understand that outpatient detox is not appropriate for everyone. For example, people with severe diazepam addiction, polydrug use, or previous withdrawal seizures often require inpatient rehab treatment.
A detox helps individuals to rid their body of addictive substances. However, without therapy, many people tend to relapse later down the line because the underlying causes of their addiction remain untreated. This could include mental health issues or experienced trauma.
Rehab programmes in Liverpool commonly include a combination of different therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, one to one therapy and even holistic therapy, such as music therapy.
A significant portion of your time at rehab will focus on relapse prevention. Relapse prevention focuses on identifying triggers and creating practical coping strategies for when you leave the drug and alcohol rehab facility.
During your relapse prevention therapy, you will learn how to manage your cravings, handle stressful or triggering situations, help to build healthier habits and routines and learn how to remain sober or drug free in the outside world.
It is important to note that many people addicted to diazepam also experience mental health issues. When this happens, this is known as dual diagnosis.
Some common mental health issues associated with a diazepam addiction include anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder and a range of different personality disorders.
In some cases, a diazepam addiction can develop as a result of being prescribed diazepam as a medication for issues such as anxiety or panic attacks.
This is because people with pre-existing mental health issues often turn to addictive substances as a crutch in order to cope.
On the other hand, people who are addicted to certain substances also run the risk of developing a mental health issue due to the chemical changes in their brain.
Effective rehab and therapy treatment should address both the physical addiction and the underlying mental health condition that has contributed to it. Without a dual diagnosis, relapse risk can increase significantly.
As discussed in this article, those with an addiction to diazepam in Liverpool are able to get the treatment they need, whether that might be inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment.
What is clear is that regardless of the treatment route you decide to take, if you suffer from a diazepam addiction then you will need to undergo a medical detox in a rehab setting.
Those who attempt to detox at home without professional help run the risk of developing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts and seizures.
This is why you should always opt for an inpatient detox when recovering from a diazepam addiction.
If you or someone you love is suffering from a diazepam addiction, then early intervention and treatment is important, as it will stop the addiction from escalating and worsening. The more severe your addiction is, the longer and harder it will be to recover.
If you live in Liverpool and need support with a diazepam addiction, then it is important to remember that help is available.
Our team at Rehab 4 Addiction is on hand to offer you help, support and advice on how to get treatment that is right for you. To talk to our friendly and helpful team, call us for free on 0800 140 4690 or by searching for us online at www.rehab4addiction.co.uk.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
