Valium Addiction and Treatment

Understanding the signs of Valium addiction and treatment options that are available

Knowledge of Valium addiction and treatment options can give you the tools you need to get a loved one needed help. Valium is one of the most commonly abused prescription medications in the United States. Unfortunately, affected individuals often ignore the signs that they are becoming addicted to Valium, out of fear of coping without the drug or unfamiliarity with the symptoms. If you think someone you know may becoming addicted to Valium, learning to recognize the signs of Valium addiction can help you recognize if a problem exits. Knowing what treatment options are available can give you the answers you need to help an addicted individual face up to their problem and get the treatment they need to regain their lives.

Signs of Valium addiction

Valium, like other benzodiazepines, is intended for short-term use only. When individuals take Valium for longer than two weeks, they begin to develop tolerance, where they need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effects. Users can also begin to rely on Valium’s calming and sedating effect to cope with their daily life. They begin to take Valium more frequently and in greater amounts than prescribed, and soon find themselves with an advanced Valium addiction. Valium addiction causes physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms that can be easily recognized once you know what to expect. Individuals addicted to Valium show the following symptoms:

Physical signs of Valium addiction:

• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Drooling or dry mouth
• Skin rash
• Slurred speech

Psychological signs of Valium addiction:

• Amnesia
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Depression
• Memory problems
• Loss of inhibitions
• Hallucinations

Behavioral signs of Valium addiction:

• Risky behavior
• Lying about Valium use
• Financial difficulties
• Breaking promises
• Failing performance at work or school
• Obsessive focus on obtaining more Valium
• Withdrawing from people and activities once enjoyed
• Doctor shopping, manipulating, and stealing to obtain more Valium

Valium addiction withdrawal symptoms

Individuals who are addicted to Valium cannot abruptly cease taking the drug without experiencing debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the duration and severity of an individual’s addiction to Valium, the withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense and difficult to endure. They can include unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, and excessive sweating. In some cases, Valium withdrawal may become life-threatening, with users experiencing seizures and coma. Because Valium addiction withdrawal symptoms can be so severe, addicted individuals should never try to stop taking the medication on their own.  The safest way for individuals addicted to Valium to recover is through an accredited Valium addiction treatment program.

Valium addiction treatment

Treatment for Valium addiction can take place on an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting. Inpatient addiction treatment is considered the best choice for cases of severe addiction, as it provides a safe setting where addicted individuals can focus on recovery 24 hours a day without outside distractions. Whether individuals choose inpatient or outpatient treatment options, Valium addiction treatment typically consists of four stages:

• Assessment – Patients undergo physical and psychological screening to determine the severity of their addiction and identify any co-occurring conditions or additional substance abuse issues
• Medical detox – Patients undergo Valium withdrawal under the supervision of medical professionals who can administer medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
• Rehab therapy –Addiction education and individual, group, and behavioral therapy sessions help patients to understand their addiction and give them coping tools to avoid relapse
• Aftercare – Once rehab is complete, patients can enter a sober living community or attend ongoing twelve step support meetings and peer counseling to prevent relapse

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.