Diazepam is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders. It is the generic name for the brand name drug Valium, which is a benzodiazepine and one of the most commonly prescribed medications throughout the United States. Like other benzodiazepines, diazepam has a very high potential for abuse. Diazepam works by affecting a neurotransmitter, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) – the neurotransmitter that is responsible for some basic motor functions as well as feelings of relaxation. Individuals who misuse this prescription medication are generally doing so to self-medicate.
It is very common for men and women who are suffering from undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of anxiety to obtain the medication from a friend or family member. Once an individual begins abusing this medication, substance dependency will take hold rather quickly.
One of the main concerns of those who have developed an addiction to diazepam is how to withdraw safely. Generally speaking, the symptoms of diazepam withdrawal are harshly unpleasant. They often include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, irritability and agitation, sleep-related issues like insomnia, muscle cramping, tremors, grand mal seizures, and a wide range of psychological issues, including intense anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. It is always recommended that individuals who have been suffering at the hands of diazepam abuse or addiction enter into a comprehensive addiction recovery program, beginning with medical detox.
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Safely Getting Off Diazepam
How does one safely get off of this potent prescription medication without undergoing the harsh physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal? There are two main ways – however, it is extremely important to note that both ways must be professionally carried out in a medically monitored detox facility. Attempting to quit diazepam on your own can lead to life-threatening complications.
Option one: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). In some instances, medical professionals will replace diazepam with another, a less potent sedative that has the same effects on the GABA neurotransmitters. This will help safely alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. MAT is a very effective method of withdrawal, but it is important to note that what works for one individual might not be as effective for another. Upon admission to Garden State Treatment Center, each client will undergo an in-depth assessment. Physicians and addiction specialists will determine the best course of action based on this assessment.
A Comfortable Diazepam Detox
Option two: Tapering. The most effective way to withdraw from diazepam safely is by tapering, meaning slowly reducing the amount of the drug that is being ingested over a designated length of time. The tapering process will be very closely monitored by a team of doctors – the goal is not to keep clients “high,” but to slowly reintroduce the body to sobriety. The tapering process will generally take around two weeks but will vary on a person-to-person basis and depend heavily on the severity of the addiction.
At Garden State Treatment Center, our main priority is alleviating symptoms of withdrawal so that clients can focus their full attention on their program of recovery. If symptoms of withdrawal continue to crop up during treatment, the focus will be drawn away from therapeutic care – and this can ultimately lead to relapse.
Garden State Treatment Center and Diazepam Withdrawal
When it comes to diazepam withdrawal, our team of experienced and compassionate professionals is dedicated to making the overall process as comfortable and pain-free as possible. If you have been suffering at the hands of a benzodiazepine abuse disorder, we are available to help. Please feel free to give us a call at any time of the day or night to learn more about diazepam withdrawal or to learn more about our comprehensive and personalized program of long-term recovery. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any questions you may have.
FAQ
How do you stop using Diazepam safely without withdrawal?
Published on: 2020-08-19
Updated on: 2024-02-16
