Valium, generically known as Diazepam, is a widely used benzodiazepine drug that’s only legally available via prescription. It is actually the fourth most commonly prescribed drug in the U.S. It is used to treat anxiety, manage alcohol withdrawal, to control seizures and is also used alongside other medications to treat muscle spasms caused by cerebral palsy. As is the case with all psychoactive drugs, Valium can be highly addictive when abused or when taken for a long period of time.
Valium works by increasing the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby slowing down the central nervous system, putting the user in a relaxed state. Valium's effects happen fast, making addiction to the drug almost inevitable. If taken for a long period of time, the user will develop a dependency towards the drug. This means that a higher dose will be necessary in order to achieve the same effects. Trying to stop taking the drug suddenly can be lethal, sometimes leading to coma, due to the intense withdrawal symptoms that could surface. Valium withdrawal doesn’t just occur as a result of addiction, although the withdrawal symptoms are nonetheless the same.
Valium Withdrawal Symptoms
Valium is a long -acting benzodiazepine, designed to stay longer on the system and deliver prolonged relief from anxiety. The half-life of valium is about 12 hours, and it can remain in the system for up to 24 hours. Because of this, withdrawal symptoms will begin to appear only 3-4 days after the last dose.
However, when exactly the symptoms begin will depends on several factors. These include:
- Frequency of the dose
- How much was taken
- How long Valium was abused for
- Whether or not Valium was abused along with other drugs
- Metabolism of the user
- Emotional and psychological state of the individual
The user’s body becomes dependent on the GABA that Valium produces, and withdrawing from the drug can cause distressing symptoms. Common symptoms of Valium withdrawal can include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Tremors
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting/nausea
- Extreme anxiety
- Lightheadedness
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Reduced appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle twitching
If the individual was highly addicted to Valium, they` can suffer from more serious symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations, numbness, and coma.
Valium/Diazepam Withdrawal Timeline
People wonder, "how long does Valium withdrawals last?” However, as mentioned, there is no official Valium withdrawal timeline, since every individual and experience is different. Outlined below is a general basic timeline to show what one can expect when going through the withdrawal process.
First few days (1-4): The symptoms slowly start to take effect after about 2 days. Physical symptoms such as headache, vomiting, hand tremors, cramps, nausea, increased heart rate and blood pressure are expected and normal. Rebound symptoms can also be experienced at this point. Ironically, these are symptoms that one used Valium to treat! E.g., anxiety, mood swings, depression, cravings for Valium and panic attacks are all possible psychological symptoms.
5 days-2 weeks: This is the most intense stage of the withdrawal process since here the symptoms will reach their peak.
Weeks 3-4: Symptoms can persist for up to a month, but here the severity will be reduced and the symptoms will be more manageable. The positive aspect of valium detox will take its toll physically and emotionally, and the future will seem brighter for the patient.
After 1 month: At this point in the detoxification process, the symptoms should be fading and recovery imminent. However, this can be a stage of psychological suffering for some, where symptoms such as depression, suicidal thoughts or intense cravings for the drug can continue until treatment is provided. This stage is referred to as ‘late Valium withdrawal’ or PAWS- post acute withdrawal symptoms.
Valium Detox
Detoxification is a cleansing process where the body clears itself of a certain substance. Valium detox shouldn’t be done solo, as this has been proven to be dangerous. Instead, one should seek medical guidance to learn how to lower the dose effectively. The doctor will assess the situation and personalize a schedule which will help the body rid itself slowly from the drug and learn how to cope without it with less painful withdrawal symptoms. ‘Valium taper’- which means to slowly cut back on Valium - is highly recommended to ensure a safe and effective detox.
The stronger one's addiction is to Valium, the longer the detox process will last, as stopping quickly can shock the system and cause harmful effects on the body.
To provide relief from the pain and discomfort, doctors may prescribe the following:
- Flumazenil (Romazicon), a medicine that can help to counteract the withdrawal symptoms.
- Baclofen, a muscle relaxant that can help lessen the cravings.
- Melatonin, to help manage anxiety and sleep issues.
Treatment Options for Valium Detox
Enrolling in our inpatient rehab is the best option for effective Valium detox. In this trigger- free environment, one can benefit from 24/ professional support - both medical and clinical - and thereby manage the withdrawal symptoms in a relaxed and caring setting.
After the detoxification process, which is the first stage of withdrawing from the drug, further support is necessary to help learn what inner issues have led to the addiction. Getting the right emotional and mental support can prevent relapse and of course further addiction to the drug. We offer:
- Support groups: these are effective as one is in an informal setting where fellow addicts share their successes and let downs in a safe and understanding environment. Peer support is helpful as it can motivate, encourage and inspire sobriety.
- Therapy: here one can open up and share their difficulties, and ultimately gain practical tips on how to avoid one’s personal pitfalls of addiction. CBT is a common choice.
Contact Avenues Recovery Center today to find out more about our extensive support system. Countless people just like you have had the courage to reach out and take that first step, and are now living addiction-free lives.It may seem impossible to confront your weaknesses and break habits, but with the help of our professional and dedicated team, it is entirely possible. Our addiction counselors are experts in their fields and they will stop at nothing to give you the help you deserve. We use evidence based therapies and personalized treatment plans to enable you to live a life where you, not your addiction, is in control. Contact us today to experience premier care and guidance, and to begin your journey towards a brighter, happier and sober future.