Diazepam is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the UK.
Often referred to by the brand name Valium, it is frequently used to treat a range of issues including anxiety, muscle issues, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and even certain seizure disorders.
When it is taken for short periods of time and exactly as directed by medical professionals, diazepam can be a highly effective medication.
However, it is important to understand that prolonged use can lead to an increase in tolerance and eventually an addiction.
For many people, a diazepam addiction develops slowly. What starts as a legitimate prescription can slowly turn into an addiction.
Over time, the body and brain adapt to the addictive substance, making it difficult to stop without attending and undergoing professional support and treatment.
However, it is important to understand that recovery from a substance addiction is possible.
Through a medically supervised detox, therapy and ongoing aftercare, thousands of people have successfully overcome an addiction to diazepam and have rebuilt their lives.
In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about diazepam addiction treatment, including the different warning signs of an addiction, the dangers of a diazepam withdrawal, what happens during treatment and detox, and how rehab can support you when it comes to your long term recovery.
What Is a Diazepam Addiction?
Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These medications work by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm activity in your brain [1].
This calming effect can reduce any feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. However, unfortunately, repeated use of diazepam can also create a physical and psychological addiction.
A diazepam addiction occurs when someone continues to take the medication despite experiencing harmful side effects.
They might find themselves unable to reduce how much they consume, constantly thinking about their next dose, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms whenever they attempt to stop taking the addictive substance.
Unlike some other addictive substances, a diazepam addiction can impact people from all backgrounds, including those who initially followed medical advice.
Why Is Diazepam Addictive?
It is important to understand how diazepam works. It works as the brain quickly adapts to the presence of benzodiazepines in the body and can quickly build a tolerance.
As the tolerance develops, the original dosage becomes less effective. This often leads individuals to take larger amounts of the substance, or to use the medication more frequently.
Eventually, the brain becomes reliant and dependent on diazepam in order to function normally.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing an addiction to diazepam.
This includes being prescribed diazepam for a prolonged period of time, taking particularly high doses, abusing other addictive substances and suffering from certain mental health conditions, including anxiety or depression.
Many people become trapped in a cycle of addiction where withdrawal symptoms appear whenever they attempt to reduce their use. This can make an addiction feel impossible to overcome without the use of professional help.
Signs That You Might Need Diazepam Addiction Treatment
There are a number of signs that someone needs professional help, and recognising these signs of an addiction is often the first step towards recovery.
Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms that either you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction:
1. Taking More Than You Have Been Prescribed
If you are struggling from an addiction, then you might find yourself increasing your dose without consulting a doctor or taking diazepam more frequently than it has been recommended for you.
2. Craving Diazepam More Frequently
If you are addicted to any substance, then you will experience strong urges to take the medication that begin to dominate your thoughts and your daily routine.
3. Visiting Lots of Different Doctors
Some individuals seek prescriptions from multiple different healthcare providers when their existing supply runs low. This is often referred to as doctor shopping.
4. Failing To Stop Consuming the Addictive Substance
Unfortunately, when someone suffers from an addiction then they will try and fail to stop consuming the substance. Repeated efforts to cut down or quit often result in relapse due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
5. Neglecting Their Responsibilities
When someone suffers from an addiction, they will likely neglect their responsibilities. This includes work, education, their relationships, or any other personal commitments that might begin to suffer as a result of their addiction.
The Dangers of Long Term Diazepam Use
Whilst diazepam is generally safe to take when it is used appropriately and for short periods of time, long term abuse can have a number of very serious consequences.
There are a number of potential health risks associated with a disparate addiction, including some of those listed below for you [1].
- Memory issues
- Reduced performance at work or school
- Cognitive issues
- Financial issues
- Concentration issues
- Increased anxiety
- Increased depression
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Mood swings
- More falls and accidents
- Relationship breakdowns
One of the most significant dangers associated with a diazepam addiction is the development of an addiction, which can make stopping consuming the substance without professional support extremely challenging.
Do I Really Need Diazepam Rehab?
If you are addicted to diazepam, then you will likely need to attend drug and alcohol rehab in order to recover.
Despite this, many people wonder whether or not rehab is actually necessary for an addiction associated with prescription medication.
Whether or not you need to attend drug and alcohol rehab for a dispensary addiction depends on a number of different factors, including some of those listed below for you:
- How long you’ve been taking diazepam
- How much you tend to take
- Whether you’ve tried stopping before
- The overall condition of your physical health
- Whether or not you suffer from any mental health conditions
- Whether or not you take any other addictive substances
For some individuals, their addiction might only be mild. Those suffering from a mild addiction might opt for outpatient support, which may be sufficient.
However, many people with a moderate or severe addiction to diazepam will benefit greatly from attending inpatient rehab because it provides a structured environment away from triggers and daily stressors.
An inpatient rehab drug and alcohol programme offers 24/7 help and support, monitoring, therapy sessions, medication and relapse prevention planning.
Most importantly, attending rehab and therapy addresses the underlying and root causes of your addiction, rather than simply focusing on your physical withdrawal.
What Happens During Diazepam Detox?
When you attend drug and alcohol rehab, the first thing that you will need to do is to attend a medical detox. Upon arrival at the rehab facility, doctors will complete a clinical assessment of your addiction and general health.
During this assessment, medical professionals will review how much diazepam you consume, how long you have been suffering from an addiction for, your overall physical health, whether or not you suffer from any mental health conditions and whether or not you are addicted to any other additional substances.
Once doctors have a good idea of the severity of your addiction, a withdrawal plan is then developed.
Instead of stopping abruptly, your dosage is slowly reduced over a period of time that is deemed appropriate by the medical team.
This approach helps minimise withdrawal symptoms and reduces the chance of you relapsing later down the line.
Diazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
There are a number of withdrawal symptoms linked to a diazepam addiction. These withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly depending on the individual and the severity of their addiction.
Common withdrawal symptoms include some of those listed below:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Stomach issues
- Issues concentrating
- Mood swings
Those with a severe addiction or severe withdrawal symptoms are also at risk of developing hallucinations, panic attacks, seizures and even psychosis.
As you can see, these withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, which is why professional detox is strongly recommended for anyone experiencing a diazepam addiction.
The Diazepam Withdrawal Timeline
It is important to understand that the withdrawal process varies significantly from person to person.
This is because diazepam has a relatively long half-life, meaning that symptoms can develop more slowly compared to some other addictive substances.
Within days 1 – 3, many people start to notice increased anxiety, sleep issues, irritability, and restlessness.
Within days 4 – 1, your withdrawal symptoms will often start to become more intense, often experiencing heightened anxiety, shaking, excessive sweating, issues concentrating, stomach issues and mood swings.
Your withdrawal symptoms should start to ease between weeks 2 – 6, although your sleep patterns might still remain disrupted and some psychological symptoms can tend to continue.
Diazepam Rehab Therapy
Whilst the medical detox addresses the physical side of your addiction, rehab therapy focuses on the psychological side of your treatment and recovery.
Without therapy, many people struggle to understand why their addiction developed in the first place. This can leave them vulnerable to relapse once their medical detox is complete.
Below are a range of different therapy techniques often associated with diazepam addiction therapy treatment:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments when it comes to addiction issues. It helps individuals to identify their negative thoughts patterns, any unhelpful beliefs that they might have, any trauma or emotional triggers associated with their addiction.
With cognitive behavioural therapy, patients are able to learn healthier coping mechanisms that support their long term recovery and get to the bottom of the root causes of their addiction issues.
2. Group Therapy
Many people find comfort in connecting with others who have faced similar challenges to them. This is when group therapy can be particularly effective.
Group therapy sessions provide peer support, accountability, shared experience and an increased sense of motivation. Hearing other people’s stories and struggles often reduces feelings of isolation and shame, making it easy to move forward with your treatment.
3. Family Therapy
It is important to understand that addiction often affects entire families. Family therapy can help to rebuild trust, improve your communication, and create healthier relationships moving forward. Without support from others, addiction recovery can be particularly difficult.
4. Holistic Therapies
Many rehab centres now incorporate holistic therapy alongside evidence-based therapy treatment. There are a range of different holistic therapy techniques, including medication, mindfulness, yoga, exercise, art therapy and sport therapy.
These activities can promote and improve your overall wellbeing whilst helping individuals to develop healthier lifestyles and habits moving forward.
What is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
Unfortunately, many people experiencing a diazepam addiction also struggle with different mental health conditions. This can include anxiety, depression, panic disorder and even PTSD.
A dual diagnosis is when an addiction and mental illness occur together. Effective rehab addresses both conditions at the same time, as treating only one issue often increases the likelihood of relapse.
How To Help Someone with a Diazepam Addiction
Watching someone you love struggle with an addiction can be incredibly distressing.
If you are concerned about someone you know and love, then you should consider speaking calmly and without judgement, expressing your concern without any criticism and encourage them to get professional help.
It would also help if you were to learn about addiction and recovery yourself and avoid any enabling behaviours. It is also important that supporting a loved one with an addiction can put a huge strain on yourself, which is why it is important that you also seek support if you need to.
Begin Your Recovery Journey Today
It is important to appreciate that suffering from a diazepam addiction can feel overwhelming, although help is available.
Whether your addiction starts with a prescription or not, professional detox and rehab support can provide a safe route towards your recovery.
At OK Rehab, our team of specialists understand how difficult it can be to ask for help, which is why our team can connect you with trusted addiction treatment professionals and services throughout the UK, helping you to access the support you need both quickly and confidentially.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2897976/
