Valium is one of the most common anti-anxiety medications in the United States. This benzodiazepine has the potential for abuse and addiction. People who develop Valium addiction often need comprehensive treatment and continuing support to stop using it and avoid relapse.
This article will explore what happens when people with Valium addiction stop taking it. You will learn:
- What Valium is
- The effects and risks of Valium
- What to expect during Valium withdrawal
- Treatment for Valium withdrawal
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with Valium abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery programs. You may also contact us with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Valium?
Valium is one of the brand names for a medication called diazepam. It is a benzodiazepine that people may take to treat conditions including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder
- Restless leg syndrome
In the past, doctors used Valium as an anticonvulsant, sedative, and to treat muscle spasms.
Valium works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows brain activity, resulting in relaxation and calm.
The Risks and Effects of Valium
Valium can help to reduce anxiety and make people feel calm or relaxed. People may like the calming and sedative effects of Valium, which can lead to people misusing it.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Valium as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a low risk for abuse and dependence. However, people who misuse this drug may become addicted to it.
Valium misuse includes:
- Taking a larger dose than prescribed
- Taking the drug more often than prescribed
- Using Valium longer than prescribed
- Using it differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Taking Valium recreationally (without a prescription)
Abusing Valium increases the risk of unwanted side effects, which can include:
- Mood swings
- Decreased blood pressure
- Loss of coordination
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Aggression or violent behaviors
- Lack of motivation
Abusing Valium or other benzodiazepines for long periods can lead to physical dependence. It can be very challenging for people to stop taking Valium once they have become dependent on it.
People with Valium dependence may experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Many people relapse before their bodies can detox. Most people require comprehensive treatment to safely stop taking it and prevent relapse.
People with Valium dependence or addiction must seek treatment to avoid life-threatening complications, including overdose. Mixing benzodiazepines like Valium with other substances, including alcohol, can increase the risk of overdose and other complications.
It is critical to recognize the signs of benzodiazepine abuse and seek treatment. Don’t wait–seek help as soon as you recognize a problem.
The Valium Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect
Many factors can affect how long valium remains in your system. Your age, general health, body composition, and more can impact how long it takes your body to detoxify.
People may experience withdrawal symptoms long after their body has cleared Valium from its systems. But how long does Valium withdrawal last? Here is an overview of a typical benzodiazepine withdrawal timeline.
1-4 days
Acute Valium (diazepam) withdrawal symptoms typically develop within 24-38 hours. In some cases, people may not experience symptoms for four days after a person’s last dose of Valium. Acute withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Cramps
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Seizures
People typically experience intense cravings that can make Valium detox challenging. Many people relapse without medical supervision and benzodiazepine withdrawal support.
3-4 days
Some people develop symptoms within 24-48 hours after their last dose of Valium. However, some do not experience symptoms of valium withdrawal until the third or fourth day of detox. After about four days without Valium, people enter a new stage of withdrawal.
10-14 days
The acute withdrawal phase may last up to two weeks. During this time, people experience symptoms that include:
- Lightheadedness
- Mild fever
- Nausea
- Chills
- Depression
- Headache
- Anxiety
Receiving treatment from mental health and medical professionals can help people complete detox. Then, people with addiction can begin to work toward long-term recovery.
People who have been using Valium to treat anxiety may require other anxiety treatment options to manage symptoms.
Treatment for Valium Withdrawal
Valium detox can be incredibly challenging. Uncomfortable symptoms and intense cravings that last for weeks can increase the risk of relapse.
It is important to have support from a medical detox program. A benzodiazepine detox treatment plan may consist of:
- Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health treatment
- Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
- Holistic therapies, including nutrition support, mindfulness, and exercise
- A safe, secure environment
- Round-the-clock access to addiction treatment services and support
After completing detox, people must continue to receive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in a comprehensive rehab program.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Compassionate treatment and care are available at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team now to schedule an appointment or ask questions.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Diazepam
- Science Direct: Diazepam
- JAMA Network: Withdrawal Reaction From Long-term, Low-dosage Administration of Diazepam A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Case Study
- NIH: Diazepam withdrawal syndrome: its prolonged and changing nature.
- Science Direct: Benzodiazepine dependence
