Valium is the brand name for diazepam. Doctors prescribe it for anxiety and muscle spasms. This medication falls under the benzodiazepine umbrella, which means it’s a nervous system depressant. However, is Valium addictive? What are Valium addiction signs? To learn more about valium addiction and our substance abuse treatment, visit us online today.
Is Valium Addictive? Why?
Valium is indeed an addictive substance. Because it acts on the brain’s GABA receptors, it can create a dependency similar to alcohol. Most importantly, it relaxes you without the subsequent hangover. Not surprisingly, it’s an attractive substance for abuse.
However, even people who use the medication correctly can develop a dependency. You start with building a tolerance. Next, you increase the dose to feel the same effect. Over time, you keep taking more pills to prevent a recurrence of unwelcome feelings as well as withdrawal symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Valium Addiction
If you suspect that you or a loved one could be suffering from a Valium addiction, be on the lookout for the following:
- Memory issues
- Slow reflexes
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Craving for more Valium
- Going to drastic measures to get more
- Difficulty with concentration
- Slurred speech
As with any substance addiction, the longer you wait to do something about it, the harder the task becomes. If you know you have a problem, seek professional help by calling Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Is Valium addictive? Yes, it most definitely is addictive. Did you already fall into an abuse trap? If so, it’s time to do something about it.
Of course, that may seem easier said than done. Because there are benzo withdrawal symptoms, you may be hesitant to take the next step. So far, the drug prevented your nervous system and brain from functioning normally. During withdrawal, it’s not unusual to experience panic attacks, headaches, and sweating. On top of that, you may find that you can’t sleep.
Medical supervision during the process is essential. It prevents seizure activity. Most importantly, it keeps you comfortable and helps you overcome the most severe withdrawal symptoms. From there, you undergo rehab.
What Rehab for Valium Addiction Looks Like
There’s a good chance that you might have an underlying anxiety disorder. Maybe you abuse Valium alongside alcohol. Therapists help you deal with these issues as well as others. Possible treatments include:
- Dual diagnosis care for co-occurring anxiety, depression, bi-polar, or other disorders
- Polyaddiction treatment for program participants who abuse more than one substance
- Behavioral therapies that assist with developing healthy coping skills to replace dysfunctional patterns
- Nutritional counseling that helps you plan for a healthier lifestyle after program graduation
- Family therapy, which encourages you to work with loved ones at overcoming barriers in trust and communication
A good-quality Valium addiction treatment program empowers you to overcome chemical dependency and Valium side effects at your pace. Some detox in as few as four days. Some only need about 45 days of residential treatment. However, most programs encourage you to heal at your own pace.
If you need ten days to detox and 100 days in rehab, that’s fine. Therefore, you should consider transitional living to ease back into the daily routine. There’s nothing good about rushing recovery. Remember that your goal is lifelong sobriety. As a result, only you can determine the right pace.
You Need to Reach out for Help Today
An addiction to sedatives doesn’t get better on its own. Rather, it’ll gradually worsen. You’ll eventually withdraw from friends and family members. Even though it interferes with your daily life, you’ll keep using.
In contrast, reaching out for help enables you to make lasting changes in your life. You’ll stop sneaking around and start living out in the open again. So, is Valium addictive? Yes, it is. However, Santé Center for Healing can help if you call 866-238-3154 today.
