General Information

Valium is the brand name for Diazepam, with is a benzodiazepine derivative (‘relaxer’). Valium possesses sedative, anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant and amnestic properties. Thus, it is very effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms, among other physiological maladies. Diazepam is a ‘core’ medicine, which places it on the list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system, as determined by the World Health Organization.

History

Diazepam is one of the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepines, discovered in 1963. Benzodiazepines gained popularity among psychiatrists and other medical professionals because of its superiority to barbiturates, which are comparatively narrow in their therapeutic effects and are more sedating in similar dosages. Additionally, benzodiazepines are far less dangerous than barbiturates, rarely causing death by overdose, except in exceptional circumstances. Diazepam was the top selling pharmaceutical in the U.S. from 1969-1982. Interestingly, several plants including potatoes and wheat contain trace amounts of naturally occurring diazepam and other benzodiazepines.

Possible Side Effects of Valium

Somnolence (drowsiness); impaired motor function (affecting balance, coordination, dizziness); depression; reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate).

Withdrawal

Therapeutic doses of diazepam for 6 weeks or longer can result in physical dependence (addiction). In larger than therapeutic doses (i.e. abuse), dependence can occur more rapidly. Withdrawal symptoms include: anxiety, dysphoria, irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, muscle spasms, nausea/vomiting, sweating, hypotension, among others.

Addiction

Prolonged use of Valium eventually changes the brain in fundamental and lasting ways, which explains why addicts cannot simply quit without professional help. This is why treatment is essential. Drugs of abuse take over the brain’s normal pleasure and motivational systems, advancing the drug use to the highest priority in the individual’s motivational hierarchy, thus overriding all other motivations and drives. These brain changes are responsible for the compulsion to seek/use drugs, which is defined as addiction.

Valium Detox and Abuse Rehabilitation

Valium detox is critical, prior to commencing rehabilitation. Although Valium detox, itself, is not a treatment for addiction, it can help relieve withdrawal symptoms while the patient adjusts to being Valium free. Fortunately, there are a number of effective options for treating Valium addiction. Long-term Valium use should not be abruptly discontinued except under the supervision of an experienced physician, who can manage the withdrawal symptoms and minimize the withdrawal period.

At Miramar Residential Addiction Treatment women are provided physician assisted and monitored detoxification, as well as comprehensive rehabilitation services in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach in Southern California.

TO BEGIN HEALING TODAY, call toll free (800) 455-1092 to speak with one of our counselors.