Have you ever thought that a means to an end could become a problem? The one drug that you looked to for symptom management could be the start of a chemical dependency.
Valium is a drug that provides comfort to those struggling with various symptoms ranging from anxiety to pain. Many Americans look to it every day for relief from conditions that plague their lives and impede their ability to perform their everyday tasks.
Keep reading to learn more about valium addiction, withdrawals, and addiction treatment.
What is Valium?
Valium is one of over 15 different prescriptions in the benzodiazepine family of narcotics. This drug has various applications for treatment for the management of anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Benzodiazepine is more commonly known by its street names, “benzo” or “downers.”
Valium can only be obtained by prescription ordered from a licensed doctor and issued by a pharmacist at a pharmacy. Medical professionals must establish a medically supervised plan for consumption to ensure patients understand what they are taking, how much to take, and how often to take it.
How Valium Works
Valium and other benzodiazepines are categorized as either short-acting or long-acting because their qualities dissolve, process, and leave the body. And just as it sounds, short-acting benzos are fast to break down and processed by the body, and just as quick as they process, they leave the body. Long-acting benzos are quite the opposite in that they take longer to break down, process, and leave the body.
Valium works by enhancing the function of gamma-aminobutyric acids (GAMA); in other words, they carry soothing messages throughout the brain more efficiently. GAMA molecules are one of over 60 different types of neurotransmitters that serve various functions in the brain. GAMAs are in charge of carrying calming messages throughout the brain.
Valium as a treatment option can be used to manage insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, withdrawals from alcohol, seizures and can be used as a sedative. Along with the management of these symptoms and conditions, valium comes with life-threatening side effects. To avoid any substance use disorders, anyone taking valium must follow directions from their doctor, the pharmacist, and the instructions on the bottle.
Side effects include but are not limited to:
- Weakness
- Drowsiness
- Harmful thoughts (Suicide)
- Anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Irritable
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of coordination
Valium Addiction
Meant only to be taken for four weeks, valium can form physical dependency in patients in a short time. Long-term use such as taking 4 mg a day for 12 or more weeks increases the risk of dependence.
Valium becomes harmful over a period 6of time as users begin to build a tolerance making GAMA. The brain gets used to the increased levels of GAMA coursing through the brain that once someone stops taking valium, the brain registers a GAMA deficit. That is why medical professionals recommend slowly weaning to prevent withdrawals.
Studies show that more and more Americans are being prescribed benzodiazepine, with numbers reaching around 13.5 million around 2013.
Symptoms that lead to overdose
- Extreme drowsiness
- Shallow breathing
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Lack of muscle control
- Coma
In a study in 2019, a study found that 16% of overdose deaths came from opioids that also included benzodiazepines. The use of valium causes cognitive impairment, therefore operating a motor vehicle has contributed to traffic accidents and fatality percentages.
Valium Withdrawals Symptoms
The risk of benzodiazepines and withdrawal is at the forefront of the fight against narcotics abuse. Valium and other benzodiazepines have been linked to recreational use and are available illegally sold on the streets.
There are various factors in how long after someone last takes valium they will begin to experience withdrawals and how long they will experience withdrawals. Factors that will contribute to detoxing valium are frequency and amount of valium was consumed. Others factors are speed of metabolism, body size, and overall wellness (mental and physical).
People suffering from withdrawal symptoms may be in for a roller coaster ride of symptoms for several days. On ordinary people experience withdrawal symptoms immediately after the last dose taken wears off, up to three days, and anywhere in between. The length of time that someone is going through withdrawals may vary from three or four days; some may not experience any symptoms at all.
Symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pains
- Cramps
- Tremors
- Cravings
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Seizures
How to Get Help with Restore Detox
There is no doubt that valium can help individuals with issues such as anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is imperative that people prescribed valium follow the treatment program recommended by medical professionals.
Benzodiazepines like valium can affect a person’s mental health and form withdrawal syndromes. Restore Detox Center has trained professional that can provide compassionate and professional residential care.
If you or a loved one are looking for a rehab center in the greater San Diego area, don’t wait. Contact us at Restore Detox Centers.
