Diazepam is a type of prescription medication that has helped many people across the UK better manage their anxiety and other medical issues.
However, despite the fact that it is used for legitimate reasons, diazepam can also lead to an addiction when it is used for prolonged periods of time, or in ways that are not recommended by healthcare professionals.
Often known and referred to by the brand name Valium, diazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
Whilst these drugs can be highly effective when prescribed for a short period of time, they also carry a significant risk when it comes to an increase in tolerance, dependence and eventually an addiction.
In the UK, healthcare professionals are generally advised to prescribe diazepam for short periods of time, due to these risks. According to the NHS, diazepam is usually recommended for no longer than just four weeks.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a diazepam addiction, then understanding the signs that someone is addicted, the dangers and treatment options can be the first step towards recovery.
Fortunately, there are a number of professional detox and rehab programmes across the UK that can help individuals to regain control of their lives and build a healthier future, free from Diazepam and addiction.
What Is Diazepam?
As mentioned above, Diazepam is a type of benzodiazepine medication that works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain [1].
This is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm activity within the brain. This produces a sedative effect that can reduce any feelings of anxiety, depression and it will also begin to relax muscles and can go on to prevent seizures [1].
Doctors can prescribe diazepam for a range of issues, including anxiety, muscle issues, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seizures, short term sleep issues and can even be used for sedation for surgeries.
Whilst diazepam can be highly effective when it is used properly and appropriately, long term use can cause the body and brain to adapt to its presence, increasing your tolerance and therefore making it more likely that you will develop an addiction.
Understanding a Diazepam Addiction
A Diazepam addiction occurs when a person’s tolerance increases, meaning that they consume more of the addictive substance in order to feel the same effects.
The body then becomes dependent on the substance in order to cope.
Many people assume that addiction issues only affect those who misuse illegal substances. However, this is not the case. Prescription medications can be equally problematic.
Someone might start taking diazepam exactly as prescribed before gradually developing tolerance and dependence.
As discussed above, a tolerance occurs when the body becomes used to the medication, meaning that higher doses may be required to achieve the same effects.
As tolerance increases, the risk of addiction also grows which is certainly the case when it comes to diazepam.
Over time, a person might start to find it difficult to function without using diazepam. They will likely continue taking it to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, rather than for its original purpose.
How Does a Diazepam Addiction Develop?
A Diazepam addiction often develops slowly, rather than suddenly. Most people become addicted to Diazepam after being prescribed the medication for a range of health conditions, including anxiety, insomnia or other legitimate health conditions.
From there, your tolerance will then increase and the amount you consume will have to increase as well.
Over time, you will become physiologically dependent on the substance, before your body becomes physically dependent on the substance in order to function.
Over time, you will become addicted and dependant on the substance to cope. Your addiction will start to impact your health, your relationships, your finances and your work.
It is important to understand that not everyone who takes diazepam becomes addicted to the substance. However, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk.
Risk Factors for a Diazepam Addiction
There are a number of factors that can make someone more vulnerable to a Diazepam addiction.
This includes long term use of Diazepam, a history of substance abuse, taking higher doses than it recommended, and suffering from mental health issues.
Likewise, chronic stress or trauma as well as a family history of addiction will also increase the chances that you will become addicted to a substance such as Diazepam [2].
Signs and Symptoms of a Diazepam Addiction
Recognising the signs of a diazepam addiction can help individuals seek treatment before their condition gets worse.
There are a number of common physical signs that someone is addicted to Diazepam. Some of these are listed below for you [2]:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- A lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness
- Blurred vision
- Memory issues
There are also a number of psychological symptoms that are often present when someone is addicted to Diazepam, including some of those listed below:
- Increased anxiety when withdrawing from Diazepam
- Frequent mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- An increase in cravings for Diazepam
Ironically, some people who originally started taking diazepam for anxiety can actually experience worsening anxiety symptoms as their addiction develops.
It is important to also be aware of the behavioural signs that someone is suffering from a Diazepam addiction, including some of those listed below:
- Taking larger doses than what has been recommended
- Visiting multiple doctors for more than one prescription
- Hiding the from family members
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Social withdrawal
- Continued use of Diazepam despite harmful consequences
These behaviours often indicate that an addiction has started to take priority over other areas of your life.
The Dangers of Abusing Diazepam
Many people underestimate the risks associated with abusing prescription medications, simply because they are legal.
However, a Diazepam addiction can lead to a number of serious physical and psychological issues, particularly when it is combined with alcohol or other addictive substances.
Potential dangers of abusing Diazepam include respiratory issues, impaired judgement, cognitive issues, memory issues, relationship issues and financial concerns.
Likewise, it is well researched that many people who suffer from an addiction also suffer from a range fo mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
Diazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the hardest parts of a Diazepam addiction is withdrawal. When someone becomes physically dependent on an addictive substance such as Diazepam, stopping suddenly can trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms.
In fact, the NHS advises that Diazepam should not be stopped suddenly following prolonged use, because severe withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur.
Some of these withdrawal symptoms are listed below:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Irritability
- Nausea and sickness
- Difficulty concentrating
If you suffer from a severe addiction, then more serious symptoms can develop, including some of those listed below for you.
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Severe panic attacks
- Seizures
- Delirium tremors
These withdrawal symptoms can be incredibly dangerous and highlight why a professional detox is strongly recommended when it comes to overcoming a diazepam addiction.
Why a Professional Diazepam Detox is Important
Attempting to stop Diazepam suddenly and without medical support can be incredibly dangerous.
This is why a medically supervised detox provides a structured and safer environment where your withdrawal symptoms can be monitored and managed around the clock.
During your medical detox, doctors and other medical professionals will slowly reduce the dose over time.
This process, often referred to as tapering, helps to minimise withdrawal symptoms whilst also reducing the risk of any potential complications or severe withdrawal symptoms.
There are a number of benefits associated with a professional detox, including around the clock monitoring, educated withdrawal symptoms, a lower risk of seizures, better emotional support and better access to healthcare professionals.
It is important to understand that a medical detox is often the first stage of recovery, but it is rarely enough on its own to secure long term recovery from a Diazepam addiction.
Why a Medical Detox Alone Is Not Enough
Although a medical detox addresses the physical aspects of your addiction, it does not consider the psychological factors that can contribute to a substance addiction.
Unfortunately, many people return to diazepam use after they have undergone their detox because they do not receive additional therapy support.
This is where therapy becomes incredibly important. A comprehensive therapy plan helps individuals to better explore the underlying causes of their addiction whilst also developing healthier coping mechanisms going forward.
Diazepam Rehab Treatment Options
There are two main types of rehab treatment, including inpatient and outpatient rehab. Each type of rehab provides structured support designed to help individuals achieve long-term recovery.
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab allows clients to live at a treatment facility whilst receiving intensive care. This is primarily for those with moderate to severe addictions, as it offers a drug free environment, around the clock care and one to one support.
For people with severe diazepam addiction, inpatient drug and alcohol rehab often provides the highest level of support.
Outpatient rehab works a bit differently, as it allows individuals to continue to live at home whilst attending regular treatment.
This option might be more suitable for those with a mild addiction and a relatively stable home environment. This is also a great option for anyone who has work or family commitments that they need to continue to manage whilst undergoing their recovery.
Therapies Used to Treat a Diazepam Addiction
As discussed above, a detox alone is simply not enough. A successful addiction treatment plan involves a range of therapy techniques. This includes the likes of cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, family therapy, one to one therapy and even holistic therapy.
A lot of work will be done to try to get to the root cause of your addiction and to help with any mental health conditions that you might be suffering from.
This is because many people with a diazepam addiction also experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and panic disorder. When addiction and mental health difficulties occur together, it is often referred to as a dual diagnosis.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
It is important to understand that there is no single timeline when it comes to recovery from a diazepam addiction.
This is because there are a number of factors that influence the recovery process, including some of those listed below for you:
- How long you abuse it for
- How much you take
- Your overall health
- Your mental health status
- Your overall support network
- How much you engage with treatment
Some people begin feeling significantly better within just weeks of completing their detox, whilst others require longer periods of time in order to start to feel better..
Conclusion
As discussed above, a Diazepam addiction can impact every area of an individual’s life, from their physical health and emotional wellbeing to their relationships, career prospects and financial health.
What can start as a legitimate prescription for a genuine health problem can gradually develop into an addiction, making it incredibly difficult to stop without the use of professional support.
Despite this, it is important to understand that effective treatment is available.
For example, a medically supervised detox can help to manage your withdrawal safely, whilst comprehensive rehab programmes address the deeper causes of your addiction and help individuals to learn the habits and skills needed for long term recovery.
At OK Rehab, our team of specialists understand the different challenges associated with a diazepam addiction and can recommend the best treatment options for you and your specific addiction.
Contact our team at OK Rehab today to learn more about your addiction and your treatment options and take the first step towards a life free from addiction.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537022/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2051498/
