Valium is the brand name for diazepam. Ordinarily, doctors will prescribe it for anxiety and muscle spasms. The medication falls under the umbrella of benzodiazepines, meaning it is a nervous system depressant. Even though, like many prescription drugs, there is an intended purpose for what it should be used for, many prescription drugs have the potential to be abused. Valium is no exception. Today, let’s tackle the subject of Valium and understanding Valium addiction. As a professional drug rehab in Northern New Jersey, North Jersey Recovery Center seeks to help patients overcome all types of addictions to various substances.

Why Is Valium Addictive?

Valium is undoubtedly an addictive substance, but why is valium addictive? Valium is addictive because it acts on the brain’s GABA receptors, which are receptors on nerve cells that receive the chemical messages that help with inhibiting or reducing nerve impulses. When this is out of balance, it can create a dependency similar to alcohol. More importantly, it can make patients feel relaxed without the subsequent hangover. Unsurprisingly, it is an attractive substance for abuse. With that in mind, even people who use the medication correctly can develop a dependency. It starts with developing a tolerance. Next, you start to increase the dose to achieve the same effect. As more times go on, you keep taking more pills to prevent a recurrence of unwanted feelings as well as withdrawal symptoms.

Reasons People Abuse Valium

Valium is frequently used by people who need help dealing with the stressors of daily life. These people are also the ones most likely to abuse it. The reasons for abuse are countless, and many who abuse the drug aren’t necessarily doing it to invoke the high feelings. They take it to feel “normal”, to relieve stress and anxiety. Alternatively, it’s not uncommon for someone to discuss Valium’s purported benefits for better sleep. A main reason why valium is addictive is because the drug is known to produce a sense of intense calm and euphoria, especially when taken in higher doses. Many people make the mistake that since it’s legal, it must be safe and less addictive than illicit street drugs like Heroin or Cocaine. Due in part to these misconceptions, many individuals have accidentally overdosed. Some signs of an overdose will include:

• Bluish lips

• Double vision

• Drowsiness

• Difficulty breathing

• Weakness

• Uncoordinated movements

The Signs And Symptoms Of Valium Addiction

Did you know that taking Valium for longer than 4-6 weeks, even with a doctor’s prescription, increases the likelihood of becoming addicted? One of the telltale symptoms of a Valium addiction is needing larger doses to feel the drug’s effects. Other signs of an addiction to Valium can include the following:

• Strong cravings for the drug

• Isolating from family and friends

• Continued usage despite problems caused by the drug

• Loss of interest in activities that you once found enjoyable.

• Casting important obligations to the wayside

• Memory issues

• Slow reflexes

• Dilated pupils
• Nausea

• Craving for more Valium

• Going to extreme lengths to get more of it

• Hard time with concentration

• Slurred speech

Just like any other substance addiction, the longer you wait to do something about it, the harder it becomes to kick your habit. If you know you have a problem, our drug rehab in Northern New Jersey will welcome you with open arms into one of our many robust treatment programs.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

Is Valium addictive? The answer is a resounding yes. Have you already fallen into an abuse trap? If such is the case, now is the time to act and do something about it. Of course, we can acknowledge that for many patients, this is easier said than done. Since the onset of Benzo withdrawal symptoms are so severe it might make you feel reluctant to take the next step. Thus far, the drug prevented your nervous system and brain from functioning normally. During withdrawal, it’s not unusual to experience panic attacks, headaches, and sweating. On top of that, you might find that sleeping is a big issue as well. Medical supervision during this harrowing period in your life is imperative. It mitigates the possibility of things like seizures from occurring. Most importantly, it keeps you comfortable and helps you in dealing with the most severe withdrawal symptoms. From that point forward, drug rehab in Northern New Jersey starts to or should start to be at the epicenter of your conversations, regarding making a palpable change. 

What Can I Expect From Rehab For Valium Addiction?

People who are abusing Valium likely have an underlying co-occurring disorder. Perhaps you abuse Valium alongside alcohol or other potent substances. Therapists will help you deal with these issues as well as any others you are facing. Possible treatment can include:

• Dual Diagnosis: Care centers around treating co-occurring anxiety, depression, bipolar, or other disorders. 

• Poly Addiction Treatment: For Program participants who abuse more than one substance

• Behavioral Therapies: That assist with developing healthy coping skills to replace dysfunctional patterns

• Nutritional Counseling: Helps you plan for a healthier lifestyle after program graduation

• Family Therapy: Encourages you to work with loved ones for overcoming obstacles in trust and communication.

A high-quality Valium addiction treatment program will empower you to overcome chemical dependency and side effects, at your own pace. Some detox occurs in as little as four days. Whereas in other scenarios, 45 days of residential treatment might be needed. To reiterate, most programs will encourage you to work at your own pace. Remember, addiction recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. No good will come from rushing the recovery process. Your ultimate goal for the long term should be to maintain lifelong sobriety.

Valium Addiction Treatment: A Professional Drug Rehab In Northern New Jersey

Treatment centers like North Jersey Recovery Center who specialize in recovery from Benzodiazepines, can help cut down on withdrawal symptoms and decrease the likelihood of relapse. Attempting to detox from Valium without professional intervention can lead to medical problems and falling back into abuse. If you are ready to commit to this brave next step, contact us today to discuss treatment options with our drug rehab in Northern New Jersey !