Diazepam is widely known by its brand name Valium. It is a type of benzodiazepine that is often prescribed for a number of conditions such as anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures and sometimes alcohol withdrawal.
While this medication can be effective in the short term, prolonged use can lead to addiction issues.
For many people across London, what begins as a legitimate reason to take diazepam on a prescription can gradually turn into a serious addiction and number of health issues that are difficult to withdraw from without professional help.
This page explores how to withdraw from diazepam safely, different detox and rehab clinics in London, as well as outlining the risks of a diazepam withdrawal without professional help and support.
It is important to understand that diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.
These types of medications impact the central nervous system by enhancing the effect of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric (GABA), which is a neurotransmitter that produces calming effects in the body and brain [1].
Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of diazepam, which can lead to an increased tolerance, meaning that the individual needs more of the addictive substance in order to feel the same effects. This addiction will take hold both physically and psychologically [1].
Many people do not realise they are struggling with addiction to diazepam until they attempt to reduce or stop their use and experience withdrawal symptoms.
Addiction to diazepam can develop in a number of different ways. For example, a lot of people become addicted to diazepam after being prescribed the medication by their local GP but using it beyond the recommended guidelines.
Likewise, people might use diazepam for recreational use for its sedative effects. Likewise, people tend to abuse diazepam alongside other addictive substances such as alcohol or opioids.
In London, access to both prescription and illegal sources of addictive substances make diazepam abuse a growing issue, especially when it comes to individuals managing stress, trauma, drug addiction or sleep issues.
When it comes to recovering from any physically addictive substance, a detox is the first and most important step. This is particularly the case when it comes to overcoming a diazepam addiction. A medical detox involves clearing the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe and controlled way.
Without undergoing a medical detox, it is extremely difficult to recover from your addiction and move onto the second stage of recovery, which is therapy.
Attempting to stop consuming diazepam abruptly is often referred to as going cold turkey which can result in severe health issues and complications. Unlike some other addictive substances, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening.
It is incredibly important to understand that withdrawing from benzodiazepine without professional support can be dangerous and life-threatening.
This is because coming off diazepam too quickly can lead to seizures, psychosis, and severe neurological complications.
Much like an alcohol detox and withdrawal, stopping suddenly without medical supervision significantly increases the risk of a life-threatening health issue.
For this reason, a medical detox is strongly advised for anyone trying to withdraw from taking diazepam.
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on a number of different factors such as dosage, duration of use and individual health.
Symptoms can begin within just 24 to 48 hours after last consuming the addictive substance and may last for weeks or even sometimes months.
Some of these withdrawal symptoms are listed below for you, organised into common withdrawal symptoms and more severe withdrawal symptoms [2].
Because of these withdrawal symptoms and risks, detoxing in a professional rehab setting in London offers a much safer alternative than attempting to withdraw by yourself at home [2].
The good news that if you suffer from an addiction to diaphragm in London, then you have lots of different options when it comes to rehab clinics. London offers a wide range of detox and rehab services, from private residential clinics to NHS-funded outpatient options.
Inpatient rehab provides around the clock, 24/7 medical supervision in a structured detox environment. This is often the safest and most effective option when it comes to a diazepam detox.
By opting for inpatient detox, you will receive continuous medical help, a dedicated schedule, immediate access to healthcare professionals and a controlled, trigger-free setting to detox in.
During this time, you will stay inside the rehab clinic where you will eat, sleep and undergo all of your treatment, including a rehab detox and rehab therapy.
An outpatient detox allows individuals to remain living at home while they undergo their detox. It is important to understand that this option is not suitable for everyone, as only those with a mild addiction will be suited to this type of detox.
Likewise, only those with a calm and appropriate home environment with strong support networks will be considered.
This type of detox is also great for anyone with commitments such as children or work who would be unable to attend an inpatient rehab programme.
However, it is also important to understand that outpatient detox carries more risk and requires strict rules when it comes to medical guidance.
If you are looking to recover and detox from diazepam, then it is important to understand that a medical detox is not a straight forward, or one size fits all process. Each detox clinic might offer slightly different treatment options and processes, although most do adhere to the below process.
Before the detox begins, a comprehensive assessment will be carried out. This will include questions around your medical history, how much of the addictive substance you consume, a mental health evaluation and a risk assessment.
Rather than stopping diazepam suddenly, most detox programmes use a gradual approach. This involves slowly reducing the dosage over time, to minimise your withdrawal symptoms.
In some cases of people with a severe addiction to diazepam, another type of benzodiazepine might be used to stabilise the body before withdrawing slowly.
Throughout the medical detox, medical professionals will monitor your vital signs, your mental health and how your body is progressing and managing.
During this time, medication might be prescribed to you to manage your symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia or sickness and nausea.
As discussed above, a medical detox alone is not enough in order to overcome an addiction. After your detox, individuals are then encouraged to enter therapy that addresses the psychological aspects of their addiction, such as certain mental health issues or trauma.
Once your medical detox is complete, you will then be encouraged to undergo therapy that focuses on identifying the root causes of your addiction. Therapy sessions will then focus on building coping strategies for the future.
There are a number of different therapy techniques used throughout rehab centres in London, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy, family therapy and relapse prevention planning.
In London, many rehab centres offer integrated detox and therapy programmes, allowing for a seamless transition from physical withdrawal to psychological help and support. This is often referred to as a dual diagnosis or dual treatment.
Choosing the right drug and alcohol rehab facility for you and your specific needs is incredibly important. London offers a diverse range of rehab facilities, so it is worth considering several factors.
For example, you need to consider the level of support that you need, the rehab facilities experience with benzodiazepine addictions, how long you would need to stay as well as how much it would cost. It is also important to ask questions surrounding the level of aftercare and support that they offer.
Below, we outline the cost of attending a private residential diazepam detox in London:
The cost of detox and professional rehab in London varies depending on the type of treatment and how much you want to pay. Private drug and alcohol rehab support in London could cost anywhere between £1,000 and £3,000 per week depending on the level of care that you need.
If you are unable to afford this, then you will need to opt for NHS funded drug and alcohol rehab which is free but does involve long waiting lists.
Whilst private drug and alcohol rehab offers more immediate access and intensive care, NHS funded rehab can still provide enough support and professional help to allow you to recover
It is important to understand that recognising the need for a medical detox is the first step toward your recovery. There are a number of signs that you would benefit from a detox, including some of those listed below for you.
If any of these apply to you or someone you know, then seeking help from a professional rehab service in London is strongly recommended.
Below, we outline answers to common questions about diazepam detox:
A diazepam detox typically lasts between 1 and 4 weeks, depending on the severity of your addiction and the schedule that has been set by your doctors and healthcare professionals.
Detoxing at home from a diazepam addiction is not recommended due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. It is important to understand that medical supervision significantly reduces these risks, which is why it is so important to detox in a controlled environment.
A withdrawal from an addictive substance can be uncomfortable. However, medical detox programmes in London aim to minimise your withdrawal symptoms as much as possible through gradual withdrawal and around the clock, supportive care.
After you detox from an addictive substance such as diazepam, individuals usually enter rehab, where a number of different therapy techniques address the psychological aspects of your addiction. This helps to reduce the risk of a relapse later down the line.
Yes. With the right detox, therapy support and aftercare, many people successfully recover from a diazepam addiction and go on to lead healthy, drug-free lives which they are proud of.
As discussed above, an addiction to diazepam is a serious but treatable health condition. When it comes to recovery, a medical detox is the first step. However, it must be approached with caution due to the health risks associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal.
There are a wide range of detox and rehab services in London that are available to support individuals at every stage of their recovery, whether that is through private rehab or NHS funded support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a diazepam addiction, then seeking professional rehab support today is the best thing that you can do.
