Valium is the brand name for a prescription benzodiazepine known as diazepam.[1] Medical professionals prescribe it to treat conditions like anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures. While Valium is useful for a few medical conditions, long-term use or abuse could lead to the development of an addiction.
If you or a loved one suffers from Valium addiction, you might be wondering what to do. The first step in recovery from a substance use disorder should always be medical detox. Because addiction causes your brain and body to become dependent on Valium, you’ll need medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms.
Valium can cause a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, including vomiting, stomach pain, tremors, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures.[2] Thankfully, detox programs provide you with treatments and medications to ensure you remain safe and comfortable throughout the withdrawal process. While it can be scary to attend a detox program, knowing how it works can allow you to feel confident in your choice.
During a Valium detox program in Costa Mesa, you will engage in an in-depth assessment to determine your needs. From there, you will receive regular health monitoring, medications to lessen your symptoms, and mental health support.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are the symptoms of Valium withdrawal?
- Why is detox necessary for Valium addiction?
- What to expect during Valium detox in Costa Mesa
What are the Symptoms of Valium Withdrawal?
Valium is a central nervous system depressant and a benzodiazepine. It is commonly prescribed to treat panic attacks and seizures. However, abusing it can cause mind-altering effects that can quickly become addictive.
If you are addicted to Valium, you will experience withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking it. The side effects of Valium withdrawal include:[2]
- Irritability and anxiety
- Panic attacks or hyperventilation
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Tremors and shaking
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Symptoms of psychosis
- Seizures
Because of severe symptoms like psychosis and seizures, you should never attempt to overcome Valium withdrawal on your own. Instead, attend a valium rehab program that includes medical detox services, group therapy sessions, aftercare plans, and more.
How Does Valium Detox in Costa Mesa Work?
Detox is the first step in overcoming diazepam addiction. If you are considering attending a Valium detox center in Costa Mesa, you might be wondering what to expect.
Valium detox programs offer the following services:
In-Depth Assessment
When you arrive at a Valium detox program in Costa Mesa, you will undergo an in-depth assessment. The treatment facility might ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of Valium abuse. This will give them the information they need to create an individualized detox plan.
Health Monitoring
Once your detox plan is created, you will begin treatment. Nurses and doctors will monitor your health to ensure you remain stable throughout the process. They might check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body temperature.
If you are experiencing any issues, you will receive prompt treatment. Common treatments used during Valium detox include IV fluids, blood pressure medications, and vitamin replacement therapy.
Medication Management
While you are receiving health care and medical supervision, a doctor will prescribe you medications to control your withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. Anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and pregabalin are often used to control benzodiazepine withdrawal.[3]
The medication you are given will increase your chances of maintaining long-term recovery, as controlling withdrawal symptoms lessens the risk of relapse. You will only be on medication for 1 to 2 weeks or until your symptoms subside.
Mental Health Support
The signs and symptoms of Valium withdrawal often include mental health effects like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, and insomnia. Because of this, Valium recovery centers offer 24/7 mental health support from therapists and licensed psychologists. They will talk you through your symptoms and help you develop healthy coping skills to use during treatment.
Further Treatment Planning
Once you overcome your withdrawal symptoms, it’s time to transfer into an outpatient facility like a partial hospitalization program or inpatient addiction treatment. Your detox center will help you decide what type of treatment you need and refer you to a reputable program in the area.
During inpatient or outpatient Valium addiction treatment, you will address the root causes of your addiction, heal from co-occurring mental health conditions, and develop long-term coping techniques to prevent relapses in the future.
Get Started at a Valium Detox Program in Costa Mesa
If you or a loved one suffers from Valium addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Costa Mesa Detox can provide you with the medical detox services you need to begin your recovery journey. We offer individualized treatment planning, evidence-based services, and compassionate care to all of our clients.
Contact us today to learn more about our Valium detox program in Costa Mesa.
References:
- Medline Plus: Diazepam
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Diazepam withdrawal syndrome: its prolonged and changing nature
- The New England Journal of Medicine: Treatment of Benzodiazepine Dependence