Valium is a popular depressant from the family of benzodiazepine drug developed in the 1950s. It slows down brain activity by affecting the central nervous system. The drug is prescribed by doctors and is effective in treating anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and other related conditions.
Addiction to Valium
The effects of using valium can be felt for as long as 24 to 48 hours. It stays in the body for a relatively long period than other medications. The drug has been widely misused, hence the rise in the number of valium withdrawals globally. Withdrawal symptoms are common with people who have used the drug for four months or even less.
You might be addicted to valium by possessing 2 or more of the signs outlined below;
- Using a higher dosage than prescribed.
- Strong cravings for the drug.
- You do not enjoy doing normal activities without using valium.
- You continue to use even if it already has negative effects on you.
- Inability to stop using the drug.
- Avoiding home and work-related responsibilities because of the usage of the drug.
- When you use the drug while driving or operating dangerous machinery.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms whenever you stop using
Adverse effects
With continuous use of valium, the human body stops producing the natural chemicals that relieve anxiety. It requires medical management to withdrawal from valium. The objective is to enable the body to operate normally without dependency on the drug. Abrupt withdrawal from the drug can lead to seizures and coma.
Valium detoxification
Detoxing is an essential process for a person who has been using valium. It is the safe process of getting the drug to clear from the body and reducing the withdrawal symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a systematic reduction of the dosage. It takes about 4 to 7 days to slowly and completely remove a person from the drug. Regardless of the duration of usage, or amount used, everyone can receive treatment. The treatment takes time, and undertaking the process without medical guidance can be dangerous.
An addict can be enrolled in an inpatient or outpatient program. The detox program is part of the overall rehabilitation process of a patient. The inpatient program may include up to 3 months of individual or group therapy. Reasons that caused the addiction are carefully analyzed to prevent a relapse. The skills will help the patient undertake follow up measures after treatment.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms for a patient might start just days after the last dose of valium. The effects experienced are psychological and physical. Common symptoms associated with valium withdrawals include;
- Headache
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Cravings
- Chills
- Muscle ache
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Psychosis
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Weight loss
A daily dose of 15mg of valium daily for a couple of months will bring effects while withdrawing. The timeline for full recovery from valium abuse can range from 3 months to 2 years. It depends on the period of usage, amount of dosage, and severity of withdrawal symptoms.
