Learn More About Valium Addiction
When a patient suffers from heightened anxiety, panic attacks and seizures, many doctors choose to prescribe the medication Valium to help. As a benzodiazepine, this drug is known for its ability to help relax a person, affecting both their anxiety and the chance of a seizure occurring. For individuals recovering from an alcohol addiction, it may also be utilized to lessen withdrawal symptoms as the drug mimics some of the depressant sedative effects.
Unfortunately, when taken in high doses, these effects grow into a relaxing high that is valued for illegal recreational use. Since the drug has habit forming qualities, this creates a serious risk of both overdose and addiction. Furthermore, as more people are suffering from anxiety each year and doctors are writing more prescriptions for the drug, some people are learning to rely on it as a coping mechanism and in turn, developing an addiction.
A Valium addiction can quickly damage one’s life and well-being, creating financial difficulties, straining relationships, affecting job performance and damaging one’s physical health. For these reasons, it is crucial to act fast and seek help if the signs of a dependence begin to appear. The sooner treatment begins, the better chance one has toward a life…recovered.
The true name for the drug is diazepam, but it is primarily known and referred to as its brand name, Valium. Like any benzodiazepine, Valium is commonly prescribed to aid patients struggling with anxiety, but in this case, it has additional ingredients that make it valuable for treating muscle spasms and similar conditions. When taken, it acts similar to that of a depressant by slowing down the central nervous system and in turn calming the body.
Developed in 1963 by a research chemist named Leo Sternbach, Valium was intended to serve as a non-addictive anti-anxiety medication. It quickly grew in popularity, especially among housewives. In 1966, its use was so widespread that it earned the nickname “Mother’s Little Helper” from a song by the Rolling Stones that acknowledges its abuse. Since then, medical professionals have realized that the drug is actually an addictive substance and have worked toward restricting its availability.
Valium works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is a chemical that slows the rate that neurons fire, and by increasing its effectiveness the drug helps a person’s body relax, causing a low sedation that decreases anxiety and uncontrollable movements. At high doses, it produces a relaxing high that some users find pleasurable.
Valium is available only as a prescription and in pill form. When taken for recreational use, the pill may be crushed into a powder so it can be snorted or mixed with water for IV use. Addicts use these means of ingestion to feel the effects of Valium much faster, as the substance enters the bloodstream at a more rapid rate.
As using Valium without a prescription is illegal, drug dealers and users have developed a list of street names so they may interact without drawing too much suspicion. Since getting caught carries the risk of serious legal punishment, this list is constantly evolving as certain street names become well known and users try to stay one step ahead of the police.
Taken incorrectly, Valium presents a high risk for addiction because with repeated use it alters the way that the body and brain function. In recognition of this, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has it classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. When the DEA places a drug in this category, it means that the substance has the potential to be addictive but is also valuable in the medical world. Drugs in this category are available only with a prescription.
People usually become addicted to Valium for one of two reasons. They either abuse the drug:
With either case, repeated use changes the person’s body. With increased doses, the central nervous system adapts itself to manage the presence of these chemicals, leading to a tolerance to the substance. At first this is minor, but as the tolerance builds, the user will have to use progressively greater amounts of Valium to achieve the same effects. Eventually, this causes the body to change enough that it relies on Valium for normal functions, leaving the user with a dependence.
Once an individual has reached the dependence stage, they are officially addicted to the drug and quitting will be a difficult task on their own. When drug use has abruptly stopped, the body will begin to experience symptoms of withdrawal as it has grown to expect the presence of the drug. Withdrawal is an uncomfortable and sometimes painful reaction marked by symptoms such as headaches, nausea and heightened anxiety. The easiest way to stop the discomfort of withdrawal is to take Valium again, which is what many users choose to do. Overtime, this trains the brain to take the drug as an instinctive act, shifting abuse from a conscious to an unconscious choice.
In many cases, an individual may not realize that they have an addiction, or they may choose to hide it out of fear or shame. For these instances, it is helpful to know the side effects associated with Valium beyond the relaxing results that it is best known for. These can be psychological, physical and behavioral, and being aware of them can make it much easier to identify when someone is abusing the drug.
The symptoms of Valium abuse are minor in the beginning and worsen as use continues. At later stages, it is even possible for the drug to do permanent damage to a person’s body. Furthermore, a Valium overdose can be fatal even after initial use.
To better understand the impact of Valium on society and the risks associated with the drug, it can be useful to learn from the statistics related to it. These come from studies carried out by organizations or the government and provide valuable insight into who is using the drug and what its impact on society could be.
Once a Valium addiction has developed, it can be incredibly difficult for an individual to quit the drug on their own. In cases of long-term use, it can even be potentially dangerous. However, with the help qualified addiction professionals, a life without addiction is still possible. While under the specialized care of a rehabilitation center, the addict can find the support they need to begin healing the mind, body and soul, moving toward their life…recovered.
For a Valium addiction, treatment often begins with the detoxification process, otherwise known as detox. During this stage of care, the individual will be safely weaned off all harmful and addictive substances, under the supervision of trained medical professionals. Detoxification is a crucial step in ongoing recovery and should always be handled with the utmost care, as withdrawal symptoms and potential health risks may present themselves. As such, it is imperative to never attempt to quit “cold turkey” or without the help of licensed professionals.
After detoxification is complete, the patient will begin the transition into residential treatment, where they will undergo various therapy sessions and participate in an array of specialty programming. The main goal of residential treatment is to treat the whole person, and not merely the symptoms of the disease. Clinical and holistic approaches allow the patient to begin addressing underlying causes of their disease, while developing healthy coping mechanisms for life after rehab. Some of the main modalities utilized include, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, holistic approaches, recreational therapy, one-on-one counseling, treatment for co-occurring disorders and other patient-specific treatment plans conducive to their long-term recovery.
We know that it may feel impossible, but an addiction-free life is possible. Many have come before you and have found their way out of the darkness and into recovery. If you or a loved one is currently struggling with an addiction to Valium, it is imperative to seek immediate help.
As a facility that specializes in substance use disorder treatment, Brookdale can provide you with the necessary tools and resources to break free from the bonds of addiction. When you come to us, you will be met with the love and compassion you deserve, allowing you the time and attention needed to discover your life…recovered.
Give Brookdale a call today at 855-575-1292 to begin the admissions process.
