- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Chronic Relapse
- Cocaine
- Codependency
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Crack Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorder
- Ecstasy
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ketamine (Special K)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Valium
Valium is the trade name of the drug Diazepam, and is most commonly prescribed to treat a number of physical and psychological ailments and disorders including anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, restless legs syndrome, and alcohol withdrawal as well as for a number of medical procedures in which there is a need to reduce or eliminate anxiety. It has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications and is on the World Health Organization’s core list of Essential drugs.
Valium’s use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Because Valium is a benzodiazepine, its withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and its use should be suddenly stopped as it can cause seizures, convulsions, or death in the user. Recommended treatment programs all involve gradual and controlled withdrawal by tapering off over a period of time. Because of its highly addictive nature, it is only recommended for short-term therapy treatment and in a low dosage. Addiction can result from either recreational use or when self-administered to maintain its therapeutic effects. Mixing Valium with alcohol or other drugs can be lethal.
Signs of abuse and withdrawal
Valium abuse exhibits the same effects as other drugs classified as benzodiazepines. Among these are:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Dizziness.
- Fever
- Heart arrhythmia
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Panic attacks
- Personality changes
- Restlessness or irritability
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Sweating
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
Treatment and Therapy
The most effective treatment programs combine physical rehabilitation through a medically administered gradual withdrawal combined with a therapeutic community methodology. The length of treatment depends entirely on the patient’s needs and response to detoxification. Since there is no uniform program that applies in all situations, any treatment must be flexible and able to adapt to the progress or regress of the individual.