Valium is a drug commonly prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. Millions of Americans have prescriptions for it, and many can use it safely according to their doctor’s orders. However, just because a doctor prescribes a drug is not universally safe. Valium, like other drugs in the benzodiazepine family, is known to have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Valium abuse and Valium addiction have become major areas of concern in the field of addiction treatment, especially because suddenly quitting Valium can be dangerous or even fatal. Many people who want to stop wisely choose to enter a Valium addiction treatment program to manage their quitting process safely.
What Is Valium?
Valium is a benzodiazepine, part of a drug class that calms the central nervous system and alleviates conditions like anxiety and extreme stress. Valium remains in the system longer than other similar drugs, which creates a greater risk for long-term side effects and more severe symptoms of addiction. Most of the time, people who have been prescribed Valium for short-term use can take it safely and stop using it without an issue. However, because of the calming, relaxing effects, it is a drug that carries a danger of abuse.
Some individuals can develop a psychological dependency on the medication that when left untreated can blossom into a physical addiction as well. The right addiction treatment program can offer the support necessary to heal.
Why Is Valium Dangerous?
When taken correctly and only for a short period of time, Valium is generally safe. Unfortunately, if it is abused over a longer period of time, the side effects can become unmanageable and even lead to addiction. Some of the side effects of long-term Valium abuse are:
- Cognitive problems such as confusion or forgetfulness
- Nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems
- Trouble sleeping
- Severe “rebound” anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
When a person takes Valium for a longer period of time, the body quickly develops a tolerance for the drug, leading the user to take larger or more frequent doses. This can put the user in danger of illness or even overdose. Furthermore, the possibility of seizures is a danger that can lead to severe injury or even death.
How Can a Valium Addiction Treatment Center Help?
If you or someone you care about has concerns about Valium addiction, it would be good to consider entering a Valium addiction treatment program. In a treatment program, clients begin a medically-supervised detox process in which they are slowly weaned off of Valium over time and under the care of doctors. Clients are monitored carefully to make sure that they are tolerating the withdrawal process well and are as safe and comfortable as possible.
Clients who participate in a Valium addiction treatment program will also receive counseling and therapies designed to help them discover and address the root causes of addiction in their lives. Addiction is a disease that requires specialized treatment and support from friends and loved ones to recover from it. Addiction treatment programs can help people develop the skills and insights to move forward as sober people having regained control of their lives.
Liberty Health Services Can Help With Valium Addiction
We at Liberty Health Services are committed to helping our clients and their families heal from the trauma of addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Our treatment center, located in Derry, New Hampshire, provides the perfect environment to rest and focus on recovery. If you or someone you care about needs help with Valium addiction, reach out to our caring and knowledgeable staff at 855.959.4521 today and let us tell you how we can help.
