A severe diazepam addiction will impact every part of a person’s life, as well as the lives of the people around them.
What might start as an innocent prescription for the likes of anxiety, insomnia or muscle pain can gradually turn into an addiction over time [1].
This is especially the case when diazepam is taken for long periods of time, or in higher doses than what has been prescribed.
Over time, the body becomes reliant on the addictive substance, making it difficult to stop without the intervention of professional support.
For many people across the UK and in Sheffield, a diazepam detox is the first step towards recovery.
A medical detox allows the body to safely withdraw from benzodiazepines under strict medical supervision, whilst also reducing the risks associated with withdrawal symptoms.
Because a benzodiazepine withdrawal can be incredibly dangerous, a professional medical detox is strongly recommended for anyone who struggles with a diazepam addiction.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of specialist advisers are able to help people in Sheffield access a safe and controlled detox and rehab treatment.
Whether you require inpatient rehab, or outpatient support, it is important to understand that addiction treatment is available to help you regain control of your life.
Diazepam is a highly addictive substance. It is a benzodiazepine, commonly prescribed under the name Valium. It is used to treat a number of different conditions.
For example, it could be used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, an alcohol addiction, insomnia and seizures. In fact, doctors will commonly prescribe diazepam to treat these conditions, which is often harmless [1].
Diazepam works by slowing activity in both the brain and nervous system, producing a calming effect making it very popular for anyone suffering from anxiety or mental health issues.
Although it can be effective when used correctly for short periods of time, prolonged use actually increases the risk of addiction and other mental health issues.
Lots of people in Sheffield have sadly become addicted to diazepam without even realising it. Even individuals who follow a prescription exactly as directed by their doctor might develop an increased tolerance over time.
It is important to understand that a diazepam addiction can develop over a long period of time. This is because it reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation, meaning that some people begin to rely on it emotionally as well as physically without even realising it [2].
There are a number of factors that might contribute to a diazepam addiction, including mental health issues, being prescribed diazepam for a long period of time or abusing numerous other substances whilst abusing diazepam [2].
Recognising the warning signs of someone who has become addicted to diazepam can help prevent serious health complications later down the line.
A diazepam addiction can sometimes be difficult to spot. This is because many people tend to mask their symptoms, or because an addiction can develop over a prolonged period of time, making small changes over time hard to notice.
However, there are some common symptoms of a diazepam addiction, including some of those listed below for you:
Likewise, family members and close friends might also start to notice personality changes, lies being told or financial difficulties linked to substance abuse.
A diazepam detox is necessary because it is a physically addictive substance. Once a physical addiction develops, then stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
This is because withdrawal symptoms for a highly addictive substance such as diazepam can become severe without medical intervention and supervision.
A medical detox is the process of removing diazepam from the body safely over a prolonged period of time.
During a medical detox, medical professionals will slowly lower the dosage of the addictive substance over time. This way, your withdrawal symptoms and any health issues or risks will be minimised.
A professional and medically supervised detox is particularly important because a benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger some serious medical complications, some of which are listed below for you.
A withdrawal from diazepam is so dangerous due to the number of withdrawal symptoms that could put your life at risk.
Very similarly to an alcohol withdrawal, a benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures.
In severe cases, sudden withdrawal from diazepam could also lead to the likes of psychosis, delirium and dangerous heart complications.
In fact, according to a recent study carried out by the NHS, benzodiazepines should usually be reduced gradually over a prolonged period of time and under 24/7 professional supervision, rather than stopped suddenly.
If you or someone you know and love are physically addicted to diazepam, then it is incredibly important that you seek professional medical advice before attempting detox.
As discussed above, withdrawing from diazepam will result in some very serious withdrawal symptoms, both physically and mentally.
It is also important to remember and understand that not everyone will experience the same withdrawal symptoms.
The severity of an individual’s withdrawal symptoms varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including some of those listed below for you [3]:
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include physical and psychological symptoms, which are listed below [3].
Those struggling with a severe addiction to diazepam might also experience more severe withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, seizures, psychosis and delirium.
As you can see, these withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly dangerous and life-threatening, which is why a professional detox and rehab treatment is strongly advised.
It is important to understand that a diazepam detox is different for each person, and timelines differ from person to person. Diazepam has a long half-life, meaning that withdrawal symptoms might appear more slowly compared to shorter-acting benzodiazepines.
Most detoxes last between 7 – 14 days, although this will likely vary depending on the severity of your addiction.
Within just 1 – 4 days, you will likely experience mild withdrawal symptoms, including mild anxiety, insomnia and cravings.
Within 4 – 12 days, your most severe withdrawal symptoms will kick in including intense anxiety, panic attacks, excessive sweating and sleep issues.
Within a few weeks, your detox should be complete. However, some individuals experience lingering withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep issues and low mood for a number of weeks or even months after initially detoxing from the substance.
This is why a medical detox is so important, as medical detox programmes aim to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms through gradual tapering, ongoing monitoring and aftercare support.
An inpatient detox is the best option recommended for anyone suffering from a moderate to severe addiction. When it comes to inpatient drug and alcohol rehab, patients stay at a treatment facility whilst undergoing their treatment including a detox and therapy.
Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment provides individuals with a structured environment, away from any outside triggers as well as access to medical support around the clock.
Many people find residential rehab helpful because it removes access to diazepam and other substances, whilst providing people with alternative coping mechanisms.
Whilst inpatient drug and alcohol treatment is ideal for anyone with a more severe addiction issue, some individuals might qualify for outpatient detox if their addiction is less severe and if they have stable support at home.
Outpatient treatment allows patients to attend weekly or daily appointments whilst remaining in the comfort of their own home where they can be supported by loved ones. However, it is important to understand that outpatient detox is not suitable for everyone.
When assessing you for a home or outpatient detox, medical professionals will assess a number of factors including how much you consume, whether or not you suffer from any mental health issues and whether or not you have suffered from any seizures in the past.
Likewise, they will also assess how comfortable and calm your home environment is.
People with a severe addiction or complicated mental or physical health issues are usually advised to enter inpatient drug and alcohol rehab instead.
Whilst a medical detox addresses the physical side of your addiction, therapy focuses on the psychological side and causes of your addiction. Without therapy and ongoing support, a relapse is more likely later down the line.
Luckily, there are now a range of different therapy techniques on offer throughout rehab centres up and down Sheffield. For example, people will be offered cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, one to one therapy or even holistic therapy.
Likewise, a lot of your time in rehab will be used to work on a relapse prevention plan, which will help you to stay on track after you leave the rehab clinic.
Lots of people who suffer from a diazepam addiction also suffer from mental health issues. This is because addictive substances often change the chemistry of the brain, resulting in mental health issues.
Likewise, this is also the case because lots of people with pre-existing mental health issues turn to addictive substances in an attempt to cope.
Some of the most common mental health issues associated with a diazepam addiction include anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic disorder and bipolar disorder.
When someone suffers from a substance addiction and a mental health issue, it is commonly referred to as a dual diagnosis.
Effective drug and alcohol rehab addresses both addiction and mental health together. This is because treating only one condition often increases the likelihood of a relapse later down the line.
It is important to understand that addiction recovery does not end after detox or therapy. In fact, ongoing support is essential when it comes to maintaining long-term sobriety.
Aftercare services might include weekly therapy sessions, support groups, recovery meetings, the AA, release prevention planning and even sober living arrangements. These strong aftercare services will significantly reduce the risk of relapsing following a diazepam detox.
It is important to understand that a diazepam addiction not only impacts the individual suffering from the addiction, but it also affects families and loved ones.
In fact, loved ones often experience stress, anxiety and emotional exhaustion due to the addiction.
Thankfully, there are a number of family support services across Sheffield which might include family therapy, educational sessions, support groups and workshops on communication.
Helping families to better understand addiction can improve recovery outcomes and mental health for everyone involved.
Below, we provide answers to common questions around this important topic:
Yes. A diazepam detox can be dangerous if it is attempted at home, without any medical supervision. A withdrawal from diazepam might cause seizures, hallucinations and severe anxiety which is why a professional detox is strongly recommended.
Typical rehab treatment plans commonly last between 28 days and 12 weeks, depending on the severity of your addiction and your individual recovery needs.
Whilst some people might qualify for a home detox, it is important to understand that this is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe addiction or risk of health complications usually require inpatient rehab. Due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, those withdrawing from diazepam are not recommended for a home detox.
Relapses will likely occur if the individual does not have any ongoing support. This is why aftercare, therapy and ongoing support groups are recommended to help reduce the risk of a release and strengthen long-term recovery.
Yes. With proper detox support, rehab and ongoing support, many people recover from diazepam addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.
Our team at Rehab 4 Addiction are able to support people across Sheffield seeking help for a diazepam addiction. Our team of specialists are able to help you access inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, aftercare support and a home detox, if suitable.
Our team understands how frightening a benzodiazepine withdrawal can feel. However, with professional detox and rehab treatment, it is important to understand that recovery is possible.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/diazepam/
