Valium, also known as diazepam, is a prescription drug which is used for seizures, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms or anxiety. The medication provides a calming effect by elevating endorphin levels. Valium belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. These drugs interact with GABA receptors in the brain, producing an anti-anxiety effect.
How Does Someone Become Addicted To Valium?
Valium can cause dependence if it is used over an extended period of time. Dependence occurs when your body is accustomed to valium in the bloodstream. Once this happens, your body may need valium to function as normal, and you may experience withdrawal when not taking valium.
Valium addiction does not occur as quickly as with opioids. It works by acting on the neurochemicals in the brain and reducing stress. The stress reduction properties of valium are powerful and so many people find themselves unable to cope without the effects.
After a few months, valium can start to replace certain chemicals that your brain would normally produce on its own. At this stage, a valium addiction is likely to have occurred. For this reason, it is not advised that doctors prescribe valium for long periods.
What Are The Complications Of Valium Addiction
When valium is misused, many adverse symptoms can occur, including:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Frequent drowsiness
- Sleeping issues
- Tremors
- Depression
Withdrawal is likely to occur if a person stops taking valium ‘cold turkey’. This is very dangerous and not recommended under any circumstances.
What Are The Signs Of Valium Addiction?
Doctors prescribe valium for a variety of different conditions and it is considered safe to take for short periods. There are some signs that indicate an individual may have become addicted:
- Taking more than the prescribed dose of valium.
- Obsessive tendencies about the medication.
- Visiting more than one doctor to get several valium prescriptions.
- Attempting to obtain valium on the black market, or hoarding valium.
- Encountering issues at work or college due to valium usage.
- Neglecting normal activities and hobbies.
- Creating distance between family and friends.
If you suspect that your loved one has become addicted to valium, it’s essential to get them the right help straight away. Valium addictions become more dangerous and severe the longer that they are left unchecked. Doctors are advised to only prescribe valium for short time frames. Unfortunately, addiction does still occur.
What Are The Treatment Options For Valium Addiction?
When an individual is detoxing from valium, they must attend a rehab center. It is not recommended for individuals to simply stop taking the drug immediately, as this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms associated with valium include hallucinations, vomiting, stomach cramps, and seizures. At the Robert Alexander Centre For Recovery, we offer valium detox programs for individuals suffering from valium addiction. For more information about our wide range of detox programs, contact us today. Our addiction experts are ready and waiting to answer any questions you might have. As well as valium addiction, we offer rehab options for alcohol addiction and other types of drug addiction.
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